Survey: Credit Card debt/Usage

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

     I realize you are done with your survey Nate but I just thought I would add this info anyways.
     Being that I am a Tool & Die Maker I generally get approved for any credit I apply for. After being at my job for only a couple months I started recieving pre-approved credit card applications with generous credit lines, a very dangerous weapon in the hands of a 19 year old who could easily make the minimum payments. Around this same time I got my first car loan very easily and was blindly being drawn into the trap of debt to income ratio. When I was 26 I had this great awakening as to how bad my situation really was, but sadly it was when I was already buried. Having a Domino effect of unexpected problems which all required money in a short period of time, immediately sent me into the depths of credit Hell.
     I finally stepped back and took a look at my situation as a whole. Realizing that making minimum payments doesn't really get you anywhere on the balance I totalled up my payments, balances, and accounts in an effort to take control. Upon writing down all my expenses I saw that I was carrying 5 loans, 19 credit cards (all of which were maxxed or close), and I had a debt to income ratio in the 60% range (most banks want you less than 36%)! UH OH!
     After this I went thru a couple very difficult years financially but never did have to file bankruptcy. To this day I am still working away at the unsecured debt and I only carry 2 loans currently. I now pay cash for almost everything and don't use a credit card unless I am going to pay it off right away. I am glad that I learned this lesson when I was young enough to recover on my own and I won't ever let it happen again!