I think part of the problem is Americans keep looking for the easy way out. An example is the bankers. Rather than save there money and pay cash for the things they need its just easier to let the banks save the money then we just pay them a commision for there service. But it becomes addictive. Most people need a mortgage to buy a house or a new car and so it starts there. Then they see how easy that was and they start getting some credit cards, geez that was easy lets go buy some stuff and before long you're trapped.
I payed cash for my home, its not easy but it can be done.