[timl]

There is no real reason to try to live your life without credit cards. If used responsibly, they can be enhance your finances. Through the years I have gained many free trips due to airline cards, as well as thousands of dollars in cash back from credit cards. And my total amount of interest paid? Zero. Also a good credit rating will allow you finance a house, etc.

However if you feel that you are basically an irresponsible person with no sense of control over your spending you should avoid them at all costs. But if you are responsible, it is to your advantage to use them. It is like saying I will avoid alcohol forever cause many people have alcohol problems. That may be true, but just because others overdrink doesnt necessarily mean you shouldnt be able to enjoy a nice glass of wine or a beer.

So its not that credit cards themselves are inherently evil, its all up to you whether you have the ability and self control to use them responsibly. Many people do, and many don't. That's what you should be deciding.