Longview, TX — Higher gas prices, spending more at the supermarket and paying the monthly bills.

Its something everyone has to do, but to do it more Americans are having to rely on their credit cards.

 With paychecks no longer covering the bills, more and more American's are swiping their credit cards at the check out line just to survive.

"Because the economy is down businesses are not able to pay their employees like they used to and we're not seeing that cost of living increase every year with some companies like it used to be," Luke Kimbrough tells KETK.

Gas purchases with credit are up almost 40% since this time last year and while it may be convenient at the time that $60 tank is going to cost you more in the long run.

"you may end up paying 2-300 dollars for that once you add on all the interest rates fees the credit card company may take on," Kimbrough adds.

If you're looking towards the future high credit card debt could keep you from reaching your goals.

"a lot of credit card debt is definitely going to have an impact on your credit rating and your credit scores and that can definitely affect getting that house or not or even if you do get that house whether or not you get a good interest rate on the house or not.

Kimbrough tells KETK credit cards should only be used for emergencies and simple budget cuts could keep you from swiping your card next time you're filling up.