Recently I have been thinking about how many of our friends and neighbors are struggling financially in this difficult economy. Worrying about how they are going to make the next mortgage payment, pay the monthly bills and provide for our  families needs.  I decided to do some research to see if I can find tools and information that will help us through these tough times.

Here is the first piece of information I would like to share with you.  It’s not a pretty picture; in fact it made me down right angry. But, it is what it is, for now anyway.  I hope this will be the first step in helping you to make decisions that will empower you and your family.  

Did you know that “when you use your credit card at merchants specializing in secondhand clothing, retread tires, bail bond services, massages, casino gambling or betting? Your credit card issuer may be taking note -- and making decisions about your creditworthiness based on your purchasing behavior. The reason: Buying used clothing or retread tires may be an indication of financial distress and a preamble to missed credit card payments or defaults.”

This is what the credit card companies call “Risky Behavior” and as a result they may choose to lower your limits or raise your rates.   Try out this interactive shopping trip to (insert link   http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/shopping-credit-score-interactive-1280.php )  give you an idea of how the credit card companies think.

You have no privacy, if you want to maintain your privacy experts suggest you use pre-paid cards or cash.  However if you had cash you wouldn’t need a credit card now would you?

To read the entire story visit CreditCards.com

I know it seems pretty scary, however it is most important to remember the quote from Sir Frances Bacon~ knowledge is Power!