America is a society of debtors. We buy lots of stuff with money that we don't have. Buying on credit has become the American way. But it hasn't always been this way. I remember stories from my grandmother about how her family worked hard to save money. The World War II generation knew how to be frugal, save $$ and plan for the future. Today, the Baby Boomers have taught the subsequent generations how to spend instead of save.
I clearly saw this trend today while out shopping for a few Christmas gifts. I went into Toys R' Us to buy a game for my brother's family. I paid for the item using a credit card because I don't like to carry a lot of cash on me. (Note: I always pay the bill off at the end of the month because I don't like finance charges either.)While paying for the game, I noted an option for "Partial Pay" on the credit card machine. I don't remember ever seeing this option before at other retail stores.
I guess that paying the minimum balance on credit cards is no longer enough. Now we can partial pay items and owe the retailer finance charges too. When will the madness end?
Some day the world will stop financing our debt. When that happens, the American dream may turn into a nightmare. And it could happen overnight. Those who choose "partial pay" a lot will be in the worst economic situation of all. I wonder what will really happen when that occurs. Will many people lose their homes? Will all of the impulse buys seem worth the cost?
American consumerism makes me sick. But I can't really talk because I am just as bad as the next guy.
Oh God, help me to truly make You Lord over my finances. Everything that I have belongs to You. Guide me in how to be a good steward. May I act in faith as I shop and only buy things that You would buy. I don't want to be Scrooge McDuck. But I don't want to be M.C. Hammer either.
May I be like Jesus every time I approach the cash register. Amen!
