Introduction (Attention and Credibility): How many of you have a credit card? Consumer Reports says 2/3 of you do. It can seem so quick, easy, and harmless to whip out your plastic to pay for a purchase. The credit companies, like Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express, market themselves nonstop, portraying themselves as harmless, and offering both rewards like free airline miles and incentives like low introductory interest rates. With all the attractive commercials, you might find it hard to believe that Consumer Reports found 33% of Americans carrying credit card balances of up to $10,000, and 13% with balances of over $10,000. This debt represents a major problem. While the credit card companies are out to get you, I will tell you today how you can avoid falling into the pit of credit card debt, even if you use a credit card.

Specific Purpose: After hearing my speech, you will want to use your credit card in ways that will benefit you.

Thesis Statement (Hidden): Today I will tell you about the consequences of credit card debt, ways to use your credit card beneficially, and finally, the benefits of using it properly.

Body

Transition: Though credit cards can be used to your advantage, many people find themselves in trouble at the hands of these monsters.

I. (Need.) Credit card debt is a major problem in the United States because if credit cards are not used carefully, they can easily get people into severe financial trouble.

A. Statistics make it evident that America has serious problems with credit card debt.

1. Financial expert Liz Weston found that two million households in the United States are in debt more than $20,000.

2. The Federal Reserve states that 40% of Americans spend more than they earn.

3. The projected amount of total credit card debt for the United States by the end of this year is