QUESTION IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? RESPONSE Half full.

QUESTION WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED TILL YOUR STOMACH HURT AND YOU CRIED RESPONSE Not any time

QUESTION WHO HAS BEEN A STRONG INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE? RESPONSE Dad!

QUESTION FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH RESPONSE When I was a little baby I liked to watch baseball.

QUESTION WHO INSPIRES YOU? RESPONSE Granny

QUESTION IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? RESPONSE I would go to Rancho Santa Fe. (Where her other grandmother lives.)

QUESTION FINISH THIS SENTENCE: IF YOU DO THAT ONE MORE TIME, I'LL JUST HAVE TO … RESPONSE Run away

QUESTION WHAT IS COMFORTING? RESPONSE Flowers comfort me

Use caution when giving your credit card number out on phone or on Internet. Only give out your credit card number on telephone calls you initiate to business or organizations you trust. Never give your number out to callers who call unannounced, no matter how legitimate call sounds.

On Internet, look for an Internet address that begins https:. The “s” indicates that it is a secure connection and a small padlock symbol should appear in bottom right hand corner of your screen, indicating it is safe to transmit your credit card number.

Call your credit card company instantly if you suspect trouble. All credit card companies have 24 hour lost and stolen help lines. If you lose your wallet or purse or have it stolen, call without delay! Much fraud happens within first hour or two, before victim realizes cards are missing. Your credit card company will block your cards from being used and stop you from being responsible for any charges thieves incur.

Take advantage of any security features your card offers. Many newer cards have option of including your photograph on card. This is excellent protection and is highly recommended.

Review your credit history regularly

After you have obtained best credit card, and are using it wisely, review your credit history on a regular basis. This helps ensure your history is accurate and that any issues have been resolved to your satisfaction.

North America has three national credit-reporting bureaus. Your credit rating is held at one or more of these bureaus. When checking on your rating, be sure to contact all three, as your rating may be held on file at more than one bureau. The three national credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Check Yellow Pages, under Credit to find numbers in your area.

Get right card

With all choices in cards available, chances are good,very good, you can find a better card for your needs. Today’s cards can save you money, offer better features, and even support a cause you believe in. Here are some tips on finding right card and where to check that you have best card for your needs.

Tips:

4 Be alert for companies offering a great interest rate for transferring your existing balance to their card. Usually these rates are only in effect for a short time, often six months. At end of this time, rate can revert to a much higher permanent rate. Keep your eye on Annual Percentage Rate (APR); this is figure that counts in long run.

Lower is better: read fine print and find Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is interest rate companies charge you if you carry a balance. You want lowest rate possible; as each percentage point drop will save you money on months you have an outstanding balance.

Nothing can be better: Try for a credit card that does not charge an annual fee. Many credit cards charge you a fee each year to use their cards. While this may be offset by other benefits card may offer, you can find cards that do not charge this annual fee. Why pay for privilege of using a credit card when you don’t have to?

Explore options: Today’s cards offer a wide range of excellent features, including frequent flier points, programs that bank points toward a new car, and cards that support charitable organizations. Other options worth having include car rental insurance coverage, trip cancellation coverage, and extended warranty coverage.

Colin McDougall is editor of personal finance websites offering credit cards, student credit cardsand other personal & mortgage loans.