Ponder Points

Year the first credit cards were introduced:1950, with the launch of Diners Club in the USA. The Diners Club card was the first universal credit card — one that could be used at a variety of stores and businesses. American Express followed in 1958. (sources: Didyouknow.cd, About.com and howstuffworks.com )

An $8000 debt, at a rate of 18% interest, will take more than 25 years to pay off and will cost more than $24,000 in the end.

48% of Americans are uncomfortable with the total amount of household debt they have and 54% of consumers do not have a financial plan. (source: CardTrak)