Teen Credit Card Debt

Demontae Carroll loves to keep up with the latest fashions. But filling up his SUV costs over 80 dollars, leaving him to use his credit cards more and more and his debt keeps rising and rising. Carroll said, "Its hard to stay in style with all the gas prices up high." He continued, "These pants, they cost me $160 and the Jordans cost me like $180." Heath Hunt said, "I spend a lot more on gas than I do on clothes." Other teens paying with plastic agree. Dustin Garrington said, "I know I like to shop but gas is taking all my money away." According to a study by Junior Achievement and The Allstate Foundation, 70 percent of teens who use their credit cards are racking up tons of debt on gasoline. Thats leaving some parents to deal with the debt. "Im the oldest of five kids and I know its hard for my parents to supply for all of us and pay for gas and get the stuff we need," Brittanee South said. One parent buying for her child, on credit, said she is left with the bills. "I spent like 575 [dollars] yesterday on clothes here in the mall, like I said, before the week is over Ill spend that on gas," Melinda Hollinquest said. "I tell you, its ridiculus." -Candace Miers, NBC 10 News