Credit cards on campus: A financial nightmare in the wings

Would any college student pass up a "free lunch" these days? Most of them probably do not know that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and instead would line up enthusiastically if one was offered. In prime fashion though, the latest example was hidden in front of the real deal: a prerequisite to a free Subway sandwich was filling out a credit card application at the head of the food line.

I understand the credit card companies and bank operations -- each has internal profit and customer growth targets to hit, so anyone and anything is game. From 10-year-olds to college students, credit card offers not only kill a load of trees each year, but they introduce the absolute worst financial way to purchase goods and services for consumers.

Unfortunately, most of us have to learn the hard way about credit cards -- paying those mounting balances. When taken fundamentally, credit cards are an abhorrent stain on personal finance strategies. Moral of the story: If you can't pay cash, don't buy on credit (save for bigger purchases like autos and homes). In this instant gratification society, this happens less and less frequently.

The demographic that should not be worrying about credit card balances are college students. I thought college was for developing a set of learning and networking tools, not slapping the plastic down for those Junior Mints? Although many universities are banning the marketing of credit cards on campus grounds, the snaky solicitors are, of course, finding ways to circumvent that prohibition. In this case, be wary of visiting a Subway location for a free sandwich if you're a college student.