I know there are thousands of credit card sites out there and I won't burden you with that many links, but here are two that might come in handy if you are travelling. They are ATM locator sites if you need quick cash from your cards.

Mastercard or Cirrus -

http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm Visa or Plus - http://visaatm.infonow.net/bin/findNow?CLIENT_ID=VISA The use of credit cards is a convenience that a little common sense will make sure we don't abuse.

First, please pay off your monthly balance - every month! If you can't pay off your balance, that is a good sign that you are simply living beyond your means and spending more than you earn. Eventually it will catch up to you and you will find yourself in financial troubles. By paying your complete balance you make sure that your spending stays in line and you don't incur any expensive interest charges.

Secondly, be smart with your card #'s. When you buy online ensure that your transactions are secure - reputable sites will state right up front and through buying process what kind of security and secure transactions they conduct. Don't send your card # with expiry date written in an email. You never know who will be reading email in future, and once that email is sent it is gone forever (and so is your credit card information)! Also watch your statements to ensure your card wasn't billed for something you didn't buy. Credit card fraud is a huge industry.

Let's all be careful with our card numbers so that we don't get added to statistics!

6. Who priced property? The agent may be quick to deny any involvement and in some cases may blame seller for being greedy.

7. What other homes are there in competition to this property? This is particularly useful information, so long as agent gives you an honest answer. Ask agent to show you some of these competing properties. These questions are simple and not hard to ask. However, failing to ask these types of questions can put a buyer (or seller) at mercy of a disloyal, dishonest, or incompetent agent. Buying or selling a home is a big investment for most people; so it is well worth effort to select an agent you can trust and have confidence in.