"The problem with the credit-card industry isn't just credit-card companies - it's you too," writes Barbara Kiviat in Time magazine. And she could not be more spot on. Though the American personal saving rate has climbed to nearly 5% (from depressing lows of -2% just a few years back) the almost $1 trillion in revolving debt paints a far less rosier picture. Blaming our bad habits on credit card companies is like blaming a drinking problem on the bottle rather than the person boozing. True, these credit card companies are out to make a quick buck off the cardholder, are raising rates on their best companies and have pushed the limits of "fair" practice to the point that Congress is stepping in. (Insert super hero theme music here!) But what we absolutely have to realize though, is that the true culpability is in the hands of the individual. The devil did not make you do it. The dog did not eat your homework.

Simply put, it's high time to steer clear of troublesome plastic. The noise out of Washington is about the rights of credit card users. It's a worthy cause and a good fight, but lost in the shuffle is the fact that you only get tripped up if you make the decision to put those cards to "work". After all, just because you buy the car doesn't mean you can drive it as fast as you want. And if you use SmartyPig, your speed is always regulated to where it should be. You create a goal, you tell us how much, you push a button and then you adjust to what you can afford. And instead of paying 21% interest on what you buy, you earn 3.05% interest on what you're saving for.

When it comes to big-ticket purchases, SmartyPig customers like Stephanie from Poorer Than You realize the importance of saving. After winning $50 in one of our gift card giveaways, Stephanie decided to save her money for a new car. After setting up her account and new goal, she is making a monthly deposit into SmartyPig to help her reach her goal. Her friends and family are able to contribute to her goal as well, allowing her to move one step closer to her new wheels without getting off track or, worse, going off the road of financial sensibility entirely.

It's easy, really: Think about your purchase. Save before spending. Have cash in hand when you buy. Own whatever it is you want - not your credit card company. Saving with SmartyPig is an easy solution to help keep you heading in the right direction.