Credit cards teach a serious economic lesson

Iowa college students are learning tough lessons about the easy availabilityof credit cards — and how hard it is to pay them off. As credit card companies target more students, a new study finds those whofall into serious debt are at greater risk of dropping out, futureemployment problems and even suicide. Brian DeLaney (duh-LAY’-nee),operations manager of Consumer Credit of Davenport, says he’s had manystressed parents come into his office.DeLaney says some students quickly find themselves 5-thousand dollars, ormore, in the red. He says counseling agencies like his can help set up abudget for the student.There are similar consumer credit offices in Des Moines, Ames, CouncilBluffs, Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.