Credit cards are becoming ever so popular in today's society. Even kids have their own credit cards, or at least access to their parents'. Credit cards are a growing trend among a growing industry.

The reason so many credit cards are available to anyone and everyone nowadays is for the primary reason that they are an asset to your bank. Credit cards are sold to you via a banker, who then sells your debt of the credit card to a Wall Street firm. From there, Wall Street makes big money off of your purchases by issuing you high monthly interest rates. As for your initial banker, they are left looking for more customers just like a fisherman looking for fish. This is also the reason there are so many fish (or people who use numerous credit cards) in the world.

The power of the US dollar has been long depreciating over the last few decades. This is a prime example of the dillema that we encounter everyday as we work hard for our money that doesn't seem to be working hard for us. In simple terms, if you earned $50,000 in 1996, you would have to earn $100,000 right now just to stay even. However, many people aren't earning more even though prices are rising, so they make up the difference by using their credit cards for everyday purchases.

People are taking on the tasks of taking on extra work (or a second job) to earn more money. And when they earn more money, they move into higher tax brackets. Today, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) -- first levied in 1970 as a tax against the rich -- is penalizing the middle class. In many ways, the AMT is a form of double taxation. Many working people are now making more money but taking home less because they pay a higher percentage of taxes. Credit cards are a simple solution to quick money when we need, or want, it most. However, they are also a quick jump to greater debt and/or financial troubles.