So, the government has stepped in once again to protect us. This time from credit card abuse. Perfect timing, right in the middle of the holiday season. Haven’t heard the news yet? Here are highlights of the new credit card rules.

So all of this is great news, right? After all, the credit card companies can’t impose their silly junk fees on us consumers any longer without proper cause or warning. When I first heard the news , I thought it was great. But now I’m not so sure.

Why not? Because, like with everything the government does to protect us, their solution is less than perfect:

- Because the new laws don’t take effect until 2010!
- Because not all of the bogus junk fees are covered
- Well, just because – if the government is involved I’m a little skeptical
- Here's a good article explaining why the new rules are NOT as good as they seem

Sure, it’s a step in the right direction. But is it good enough? Why not make the changes immediate? And why not cover all the crappy fees?

Maybe they can't create a perfect solution. After all, the credit card companies (otherwise known as banks, just so we don't kid ourselves here) need to make a profit. So they can't agree to get rid of all the fees.

And maybe we should protect ourselves. And not get so deep in debt. And not keep buying things we can't afford.

But I just have this feeling that once again, some politician was behind this. And despite helping us a little with these new rules, that the banks are still getting rich off of us. VERY rich.

So, what do you think - are the new credit card rules a blessing – or a joke? Let me know what you think below!