Then when we get there, we give them our debit card or Amex to use instead and usually it's the debit card. When we use Amex for the points, we pay it off the next month. Mainly we are cash and carry after getting in over our heads when we were starting our family. We learned our lesson very well.

without my mother co-signing for me due to credit card debt. It took me over seven years to pay off my debts and clean up my credit and I watch it like a hawk now. I never put more on my credit cards than I can afford to pay off each month. I've had to dip into savings a few times when an unexpected emergency came up, but other than that, I don't let them get very high.

It was very hard moving back in with my mother and grandmother at that age, but I did what I had to do. I paid off all my debts; cleaned up my credit; went back to school; got my degree; and got back on my feet. Then nine years after I moved in, I moved back out.

By the way, I did pay my grandmother rent, not as much as I would have for an apartment, but it was something. I also slipped her a few bucks whenever she asked for it.

raised her interest rate, even though she wasn't behind with them. That surprised me. I don't carry a balance so I didn't know things like that could happen.

They get you coming and going, that's for sure. I am astonished when I see how high the interest rates are on credit cards these days. They really gouge people.

Just guessing, but that's how I read it.

Again, just guessing here. Not a lawyer.