Credit Card Response to Stimulus Plan?

Saturday 2/21/09 I recieved in my mail a notice from my credit card company which informed me that they would be making changes in my terms. The changes were to my Purchase and Balance Transfer Rate and my Cash Advance Rate.


My new rate for Purchase and Balance Transfer would be 17.9% (0.04904% daily periodic rate).
My old rate for Purchase and Balance Transfer was 13.24% (0.03627% daily periodic rate), if my math is correct that's a increase of 4.66%

My new rate for Cash Advance would be 24.9% (0.06822% daily periodic rate), while my old rate was 15.65% (0.04288% daily periodic rate) the increase on this would be 9.25%. Of course on page 4 of the booklet they gave me the option of declining these terms and closing my account. This must be done by phone by 4/17/09 before 8:00 E.T.

My question is this: How is this suppose to help me personally as a consumer, knowing full well many people cannot afford to simply close a credit card account. I guess Capital One will not be in my wallet.

Protect Your Waterpipes

Temperatures are falling all across the U.S. and many people don’t realize how easy ( in many cases ) it is to keep your pipes from freezing. Here are 5 easy tips:
1. REALIZE THE THREAT. Just because your house is new or in good shape dosen’t mean your pipes won’t freeze.
2. DO A WALK-AROUND. Inspect the foundation, underpinning, or crawlspace for holes, missing bricks, unsecured panels or anywhere air can get in.
3. PROTECT YOUR SOURCE. Locate where your water enters your home. Make sure its protected from both air and ambient temperature. Kits are available for this but any insulation ie. foam rubber, discarded insulation, rags , towels, even pine needles will do. 4. WHEN NEEDED ADD A HEAT SOURCE. Again kits are available but often a simple lightbulb will work.
5. WHEN IN DOUBT RUN A LITTLE WATER. In extreme conditions opening your faucets SLIGHTLY ( a small stream about the size of matchstick or toothpick ) will usually prevent freezing.
Remember a slightly higher water bill is much cheaper than a plumber or a handyman.