‘Tis the season for holiday gift buying and gift cards are popular with shoppers for many reasons. But,why would one store sell products that send shoppers to another store?

Thousands of people in deep financial trouble claim credit cards are their reason for ruin, blaming skyrocketing fees, changing interest rates and shortened payment periods. Now, Ohio’s treasurer says people need to come forward to try to change the rules that control credit cards.

The leaders of the Ohio Senate seem to have a lot in common; they are both pleased with what was accomplished in their chamber in 2007, a year some called a very slow one. But they disagree strongly on some issues, and at least one could come up for a debate in the next few months.

Ohio lawmakers think more needs to be done to protect Ohioans against identity theft. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are meeting in the middle to push for a tougher state law.