A columnist for a San Angelo, Texas publication describes payday loans as filling a "financial void".  The columnist, Dennis Weese pointed out several reasons why payday loans are such a necessity.  But the overall feel of the article was how payday loans can serve as the best option for a lot of families with financial struggles.

In every state there are individuals who are hard-working citizens, but live paycheck to paycheck.  Especially with the current economic situation, many families and individuals have learned how to stretch their dollar.  However, sometimes they need a little extra to pay for a pressing need, like car trouble.  

The article also points out that a lot of families don't make maxing out a credit card an option (which is very wise), and if a check bounces, the bank fees are, more often than not, greater than a short-term payday loan would be.  

Because of different financial situations, it's essential to have a variety of responsible lending options.  Payday loans have "filled the void" that most banks left when eliminating short-term, small-dollar loans.  There is still a large demand for those types of loans, and most consumers who enter into these loans do so responsibly and are greatly benefited by them.

There are those who do not weigh their options appropriately and may have financial issues with payday loans.  Often, these people would have financial struggles with any financial option they were to choose.  Payday lenders work hard to make sure their customers understand how exactly a payday loan works and what they will ultimately be paying for the loan. 

Payday loans are a viable solution to those who need them, and while regulations are necessary for any industry, payday loan companies should not be solely targeted for providing a service that is so helpful for many citizens.