So what do you think is a high credit card interest rate - 10%? 20%? 30%? What about 79%?

You see, over the past few months, the banks have been preparing for the new credit card rules. You know, the rules that prevent them from "gouging" us consumers. So how are they preparing? By "gouging" us now, BEFORE the new rules go into effect!

I had one of my cards go from a 14% interest rate to a 30% interest rate - for no reason. I wasn't late. Don't have a high balance. Haven't gone over the limit. And have had the card for at least 5 years.

So to reward me, the bank raised my interest. I know, they're a business, and they need to make money. But DOUBLING MY INTEREST RATE!? That's not good business no matter what industry you are in.

But that's nothing compared to what one bank is offering. Get this - they are offering a credit card with a 79.9% interest rate!

NO, it's not a typo. 79% interest!

OK, this is not a card designed for the average consumer, it's for someone with past money problems who needs to re-establish credit. So, nobody is forced to use a card with interest rates this high.

But the simple fact that this is even a real card make the banks look exactly like the greedy fools that encourage people to get into debt and STAY in debt.

What can we do? Simple - stop relying on banks.

• Get your debt under control.

• Start your own business or get a part-time job to make extra money.

• Stop buying those things we don't really need.

• And stop buying those things we really can't afford.

• Create your own emergency savings account to borrow from when money is tight.

As long as we give up our financial control to credit cards, we're at the mercy of the banks.

So, in 2010 do what you can to take back that control! What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below:

If someone left you a message by mistake, thinking you were their child, and said they would send you grocery money because you were struggling - but it would mean you would have to skip a mortgage payment, what would you do?

Well, here's an amazing story about a woman who got a phone message just like this, and decided to help despite not knowing the woman or her daughter!

I hope I would do the same, without even thinking about it. But sometimes its hard to reach out to those we don't know. Even if we have more than them. It's just a little strange helping a stranger sometimes. It's a lot easier to help someone you do know.

So when I read this story about the wrong number miracle, I thought it was such a great lesson about helping others in need that I would share it here.

I wonder how many of us would help in a situation like this? And how many of us would just listen to the message, feel badly, and do nothing?

There is no balance sheet in life that says "help others financially and you'll get help in return." If it was that easy, then we'd all probably donate our time and money more often.

But give to those who have less than you do anyway. And when someone crosses your path and needs help of any kind, go ahead and help them. You may not get rich with money. And you may not get a story written about you. But you neve know when you'll be the one needing help.

So share this story, and your lesson of helping, with as many people as you can!