by James Jester

Created on: July 14, 2009

Should credit card companies target college students? Well personally I would say no, but if I were in the shoes of the credit card company it would be a definite yes! Oh the naive minds of college students; I know, I AM ONE! I walked into the magnificent world of credit card ownership witht he mind set that I would, "buy a tank of gas every month, it will build my credit." Such a grand idea in the small scheme of things, but boy was I kidding myself; I was soooo kidding myself. As soon as I walked into the first department store the card immediately began burning holes in my pocket and a small voice kept telling me, "You have a credit card, just buy it!" Well, obviously I have no will-power, and I sucumbed to the evil that was my credit card. It was okay, though, I worked (somewhat) and my mother gave me money; it was all well and fine. Now, four credit cards later and $3,000 dollars in debt, my minimum wage job and funds from my mother, who has no knowledge of my cards, only seem to BARELY supply enough money for a minimum payment on these little devils who suck up every dime I have. On top of my student loans, rent, utilities, and shear need for cash...I have decided that these credit cards were a huge mistake. If most college students are like me, and they are, most will find themselves in the same predicament, and until they graduate and find themselves in a stable career they wil continue to owe these credit card companies; that is even if they graduate and are able to find themselves in a profitable situation. Recently, I took on a job at a department store and we had to watch many instructional videos before working on the floor as a sales representative. Guess what the main focus of the store was: getting people to apply for credit cards! The video said, "don't take no for an answer, tell the customer of all the benefits of a credit card." What they don't tell you though is that in the long hall, you'll get screwed. Chances are, if you can't afford that $150 pair of high-end denims wihthout a card, then you can't afford it with one either; especially when you'll end up owing more in the long hall. Go watch the new movie, "Confessions of a Shopaholic" kiddos; this is our imminate future! However, not many of us are going to be able to stumble upon a life-changing path that allows us to escape our financial downfalls. Should credit-card companies target college students; the most profitable consumers in the WORLD? Well, of course, it is a no-brainer; college kids equals capital which equals success of your company. Maybe it isn't the "right" thing to do, but hey, it is the "logical" route; on the other hand. The next time you decide to get a credit card, think to yourself, "Am i the responsible type." "Will I make the right decisions?" OR...will u walk into your favorite store and see that beautiful, one-of-a-kind, gotta have it, shiny dress that you just know you can have because of your new found sence of "independence" that comes with a credit card? Risky business college students, risky business; you credit card companies are some smart cookies!

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