The credit card culture has been with us for 20 years
I have just been reading Rob Campbell's page (Info Jungle, October 30) in the Western Daily Press, and I would like to comment if I may.
The piece about Rob being offered an American Express card took me back to about 1986. At that time, my father was living with me, and he was sent a similar letter.
How they came to have his details at my address we never found out, as he was there convalescing.
However, my point is, why would they think he wanted, or was suitable for, that or any credit card?
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He was then 82, living on a basic state pension and his entire life had been spent working as a farm labourer, so you can probably imagine what kind of financial situation he was in!
So it's not just someone like Rob, and it's not just nowadays. That was 20 years ago. Maybe the start of all this began then?
And we now have a whole generation who don't know any other kind of lifestyle. In a way, I feel very sorry for them, and I dread what the future holds for my grandsons.
Mrs Una Warren Westbury Wiltshire
Comments
by ValentineS
Tuesday, March 12 2013, 7:09AM
“Сredit cards are a financial tool I use regularly. I have easy access to money with little risk of loss by crime. The money I might pay in interest I consider a bargain. If I'm carrying too much debt, that should be between me and my crediters and no business of the government. There's a reason why it's called unsecured debt. If a credit card company issues a lot of high risk debt and then gets burned, then that's their problem. No bailouts.
Valentine from http://tinyurl.com/3zb8xfk”
by Greg Heathcliffe, Swindon
Friday, November 07 2008, 11:17AM
“I agree with you about living within their means, but not about debit cards and the internet. I have never had a problem, of course it could just be that I've been very lucky.”
by Charles Henry, Somerset
Friday, November 07 2008, 9:43AM
“Bad advice Greg. . A Debit Card is a DEFINITE NO-NO for use on the internet. . . . People must just learn to live within their means. . They should remember the old adage. . "Income £1, expediture 19 shillings and 6 pence. . Happiness!!" . . "Income £1, expediture £1. and sixpence. . Misery."”
by Greg Heathcliffe, Swindon
Friday, November 07 2008, 9:18AM
“The credit card culture began in the 1960's (1968 (in Britain) if I remember correctly) and we have been borrowing more than we can afford to pay back ever since. For myself I don't own one, and am one of the few people I know not to be heavily in debt.
I would advise anyone to pay off what they owe and cut up the card, the move to a debit card account instead.”