Too many variables to make such a broad statement. Income/debt. ratio is the key....along with a payment history. If a man has a solid repayment history.....he's PROVEN he's not a high risk by his prior actions.

There is nothing better......when you're applying for credit......than a strong payment history. It's FAR better to have paid for something over time.....and lived up to one's obligations....than it is to show no evidence of such (as in paying cash for everything).

I'm not sure about individual state's laws.....but in NC....a minor can't enter into a contract (like say....a credit agreement). I would say, as parents, the best thing we can do for our kids, credit-wise, is to have them borrow money from an institution (even if we have to co-sign) at an early age.....to teach them the value of such. Kudos to you guys who are doing this.

Here's another scenario to highlight something I mentioned, earlier. Let's say that new truck you want is $25K. You have the cash to pay for it......but you'd be pulling that cash from a place where it's earning 10% return on investment. The dealership or other lending institution is offering you a 5% interest rate. Do the math.