Sit Back and Enjoy 'The View'

Today, while I was enjoying my morning coffee with my girlfriends on 'The View,' (yes, that's right! We go way back!) they had a topic on that sparked my interest. Okay, maybe I wouldn't say interest, but it made my ears perk up a bit. Let me back up a few days. Michael and I were checking our bank account and looking over our credit card statement and noticed a few things were different. It showed us how long it would take us to pay off the card if we only paid just the minimum along with a few other things on there. I just kinda nodded and thought, okay, that's nice. I'll be putting in my dentures paying off a stupid card. Fine, it's not that bad! Thank goodness. Anyway, so today on the show, they had a segment of 'How credit card reform affects you.' Hmmm...so how does it affect me? The credit card reform act goes into effect today to help people like you and me not get ripped off by your credit card company. Read the fine print though, people. The credit card companies can still jack up your interest rates, charge fees, and even cancel your credit card without warning. Even though I may be wearing dentures, I would be livid if my credit card got canceled!
Here are a few points that were discussed:

1. 
   Today, the Card Holder's Bill of Rights goes into effect and requires that banks give you 45 days notice before raising interest rates or changing your fees.
   
2. For younger people, the new reform requires that banks may not market credit cards to persons 21 and younger unless they have independent source of income or a co-signer.
   
3. For interest rates, they must offer the rate they advertise when you sign up for at least a year, or six months if it's an introductory rate. However, there are no limits to interest rates.
   
4. For those people that pay their bill in full and do not pay interest on a balance, credit card companies may start charging inactivity fees.

Just some things to think about. Going paperless with many companies save you not only time, but money too. Yes, unfortunately, you are paying extra for the envelope with your bill weighing about one pound.

This week coming up on 'The View'

Tuesday February 23rd: Ricky Gervais will sit down for a chat. Plus, the cast MTV's Jersey Shore drops by. Get your fist pumping ready, people. You know it's a train wreck, but can't help but watch. Should be interesting to say the least.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Bestselling author Danielle Steel discusses her new book, Big Girl. Certainly she's not talking about her party heiress daughters. Also, Nadya Suleman who famously gave birth to octuplets last year will be making to 'The View.'

Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hear the stars of the Style Network's Bill & Giuliana, Giuliana Rancic and her husband Bill Rancic, discuss their infertility struggles.They will also talk to other infertile men and women.

Friday, February 26, 2010
Regis and Joy Philbin treat the audience to a special song from their new CD, Just You. Just Me. Say it isn't so, people!

Disclosure: "I am a participant in a Mom central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review."