The financial meltdown of 2008-2009 has surely had some bizarre moments. But there's one thing that has really made Americans sit up and take notice of the collective freakshow.

American Express is now sending out targeted letters to select customers -- they're not divulging how many customers -- offering them money to pay off their balance and turn in their cards. In fact, people can earn $300 for firing AmEx!

What a reversal that is. This is an industry that used to send out some 7 billion solicitations a year like they were candy -- all in an effort to get you hooked on plastic. The low point for Clark was being on a plane when the flight attendants ran a contest to see who had the most credit cards in their name. The winner had 13 cards!

AmEx must be getting very nervous about the possibility of default among people who are only paying minimums or a little more each month. Their offer stipulates that you have to pay off your entire balance in a 60-day period to get the $300. And they don't care how you pay it off; it can even be balance transferred.

The company just wants to reduce its exposure on accounts that computer modeling shows could default. This really speaks to the dire difficulties all the big credit card issuers are facing.

How are you doing with your credit? Are you wheezing? The No. 1 early warning sign of trouble is when you can't pay your balance in full each month when the bill comes.

Remember, plastic is not one of the four food groups. In other words, credit cards are not necessary for you to live. If you have a problem, you may need to remove plastic from your diet entirely.