As the financial firms face high default rates and limits on interest rate hikes, some are weakening their programs, raising annual fees or adding new fees, experts say. Dear Liz : Could you please write about the way credit card companies are trashing their frequent flier programs? I have plenty of points from vendors but now find them worthless.

Don't rely on the Internet for advice; talk to a bankruptcy attorney. Dear Liz: I am a 49-year-old single father with two boys, 17 and 12. I had my own business for five years, which I finally gave up last year. I have credit card debt of about $68,000. My credit score is still good and all payments are current. I do not own a house, and I do not own much personal property either. I found a job ...

In case you didn’t know it—the banks still have you over a barrel. David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times writes about how too-big-to-fail banks like Citigroup and Bank of America are slapping fees on credit card accounts in the wake of legislation that makes it harder for them to prey on customers.

The banking giant is showing its appreciation for a $45-billion infusion from the U.S. by slapping a $60 annual fee on many credit cards. Vikram Pandit, chief executive of Citigroup Inc., thanked taxpayers the other day for coming to his company's rescue with $45 billion in bailout cash.

Laid-off firefighter won't be able to make payments but doesn't want to lose his house or good credit. Dear Liz: My son recently learned that he likely will lose his job April 1. He is a fireman and there is a chance the layoff might be temporary, depending on city budget negotiations.