Avoid getting run over by the credit card 'express'

Enjoy your newfound freedom, but don't wreck your life

By Jessica Fraser

I was 13 years old when I was introduced to the idea of shopping with someone else's credit card through the middle school grapevine: Apparently, one of the "popular" girls at school had decided to go on a shopping spree with her father's MasterCard. Three years later, I witnessed this credit card business occur with many of my friends, heard the stories of credit card charges in economics class and saw tales of credit card disasters on the news.

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Mailbag

McCain ruins Palin's life with VP nomination

By Taylor Kessinger

Imagine this scenario: You're a Republican governor. You have fun hobbies like hunting and running, a loving husband and a wonderful set of kids. You've got a reputation for integrity. Life is great for you. One day, you get the call: Sen. John McCain wants you to be his vice presidential nominee.