This study tested a preliminary model of credit use and financial satisfaction based on the Deacon and Firebaugh (1988) systems approach to management. The dependent variable in the model was financial satisfaction; the independent variables were categorized into three groups: socio-economic characteristics, credit attitudes, and credit practices. Respondent feelings about their credit obligations was the most powerful predictor of financial satisfaction; high levels of concern were related to lower levels of satisfaction. The subjective assessment of credit obligations was more important in explaining financial satisfaction than the objective measurement of family debt burden such as debt repayment-to-income ratio. Fifty-two percent of the variation in the model of financial satisfaction was accounted for by socio-economic characteristics, credit attitudes, and credit practices.
Key Words: Credit, Financial satisfaction, Financial ratios

1. Jean M. Lown, Ph.D.,Family, Consumer, & Human Development, UMC 2905, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-2905.  435-797-1569; FAX: 435-797-3845.  Lown@cc.usu.edu 
http://cc.usu.edu/~lown/

2. In-Sook Ju, Korean Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Association. Previously Dr. Ju was an Instructor in Home Economics Education, Korea University. E-mail: insookju@kornet.net