[Saqwnht]

I have been wondering for decades why/when society in general seemed to accept the idea of debt (credit) as a reasonable way of purchasing consumer items or services. I think the first program I ever wrote was an amortization schedule (in C++), so I was able to see how much a house ended up costing after 30 years. That started a thought process in me.

I am always asking older people (neighbors, relatives, etc.) why they all agreed to credit cards and loans as a normal way of purchasing things. My dad said he got his first credit card when he found out that he couldn't rent a hotel room with an out of town check. Most other people don't have a clear reason. I got a credit card in my early 20's because everyone told me that I needed to "build credit". That was the mid 90's and not one person I knew, old, young, etc. ever considered the possibility of me saving up the money to pay cash for my modest first house. (I could have.)

Where my confusion remains, and the biggest question I have to these older folks is - when did it become OK to be in debt, to owe, to enjoy something today and pay for it tomorrow? I think there must have been a generation somewhere during the transition that felt it was wrong. Almost everyone insists that it was before their time. Maybe it was. Maybe I haven't talked to anyone old enough yet.

I can look up the reported history of credit cards (invented in 1950's, etc.), but I want to know when the tide changed from cash to credit, and how the idea was sold to the people. When did the greed/convenience/programming/etc. weigh more than the honor of a debt free life?

Sorry for the rant. I freakin' hate credit cards.