I think the real key is for people to become educated about the credit card companies and how they operate. They want us to be in debt - the more money we owe, the better it is for them. But many of the companies will work with you if you get into a bind (lowering interest rates, setting up a more reasonable pay schedule, etc). Consumers need to know their rights and also be wise enough not to fall for those "too good to be true" offers.