Why would you live that way? I have a checking account and a couple of credit cards, and my wife does as well. Want to know how much debt we have, outside of a mortgage? Zero. None at all. The rule in our house is that we pay off any credit charges in full every month and we stick to the rule. For 90% of my purchases, I use my debit card. The only time I really use my credit cards is when I buy stuff online so I can have greater protection. And even then, I only do that when it is a new vendor I'm dealing with or one that has had potential security issues in the past (I'm looking at you, Monoprice). For Newegg or Amazon, I use my debit card too.
Plus, my debit card gives rewards, so I bank hundreds in Amazon cards every year. :awe: