Dear Doug by Doug Mayberry

Q: I applied and received my first credit card 46 years ago. It is convenient to make purchases, to keep a record and helps to avoid carrying too much cash. I rarely make late payments or pay interest. Recently, one friend lost his credit privileges and another had her credit limit lowered without warning. Should I expect the same treatment?

A: Possibly. Bank mergers and failures, governmental actions and increasing bankruptcies are being constantly monitored and reassessed by card issuers. If a red flag pops up in your file, such as a large purchase, the bank is in a position to question your usage. If you plan to go overseas, it is wise to notify your issuer. Check your current credit line, too.

Bank managers are under pressure to increase profits and their market share. In consolidations, employees are being cut, bounced check and other fees are being increased, and they will review your account if you have debt problems.

Also be cautious about both closing and signing up for new cards. Banks earn money on paying customers as well as from the merchants. They are looking for profitable customers.

The lack of communication has been infuriating many cardholders. When they are in line to purchase an item, some cardholders complain that their account has been closed without notification.

It is difficult to find out why card accounts are closed or changed. Rarely do the credit agencies or banks disclose their reasons. An error was made three years ago on my records; it appears it will continue to do so for a lifetime. Even with documented proof, will credit agencies always correct your file? In today's economic climate, it is not wise to fool around with credit cards.

Because of housing foreclosures, unemployment, bank ownership and unknown reasons not easily understandable, bank credit is important to our lifestyle. Be conservative, but use your card on a regular basis and pay up!

Q: I am 21 and the oldest grandson. I am in love and want to marry. I asked my loving grandfather, "Poppa," what he thought about my doing so. He asked me if my fiancee and I were in agreement about money, sex and children. I said I did not know because we had not had a serious decision about those issues. He said I was not ready to marry. Is he right?

A: Yes. If you are not in agreement on those basic issues, your chances of a long and successful marriage are threatened. Relationships are always in transition, but the basics seldom change. To live a decent lifestyle usually requires both partners to have careers, which is now more challenging than it was for your parents. One of my sons says long-term employment now lasts about three months!

Sexual appetites differ based on genes, existing and future health issues, religion upbringing and attitude. If your needs and wants match, neither of you will want to change relationships.

Surprisingly, some surveys indicate that when it comes to the newly married, one-third of them do not want children. If the surveys are correct, this is a major issue that should be agreed upon before you say, "I DO!"

The wise saying is: "When you wake up the morning after your honeymoon, you believe you have married a stranger. 'Hello, dear!'"

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life after work in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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