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: