I'm thinking of getting a credit card -is it worth it? I'm 22, in the UK and thinking about getting a credit card -I don't feel I need one (not a big or enthusiastic spender) apart from establishing a credit rating -is it worth it? I understand the benefits -insurance, cash-back etc but it seems like a hassle -I'm perfectly happy just spending money that I have using my debit card. However, as credit scores are partly based on duration of credit history I'm thinking I should get a credit card if only to prove to future mortgage providers (perhaps 3 or so years in the future) that I'm responsible with credit etc.

What basic, personal accounting software do you recommend? I would like to track: • income • retirement accounts • out-come, i.e. spending on credit cards and ATM debits This would preferably be done automatically — the software will contact the banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions electronically and download as much information as possible. We're eight years into the 21st C. and it doesn't seem necessary to spend one to two hours a day manually tracking and entering the day's business-related what-have-yous. I don't hold investments, but if I gamble I would like to start gambling somewhat intelligently. The software would track investment accounts — and existing retirement account components — automatically on a daily basis. In particular, I'd like to be able to view how parts of my retirement account are valued on a daily basis, which I can't do currently without manually tracking its history in an Excel spreadsheet.

Moving to Hong Kong for two years, and seeking advice on keeping the finances in order. I've been hired by a company in Hong Kong and will be there for a minimum of two years. I will be paid exclusively in Hong Kong Dollars. However, I have some small recurring bills and such that will need to be paid in USD. This seems like a pretty typical temporary-expat situation, and I wonder how other people have approached it. In essence, I'm looking for advice on and experience with HK banks and credit cards, and transferring money from HKD to USD at regular intervals without getting screwed on the exchange. Any and all experience with expat finances in HK is appreciated.

Our bank account was debited for a check issued by a different bank. What in tarnation? I gave my doctor a $20 check issued from my Small Town Bank account, check number 1234. My Small Town Bank website informs me that we were debited for $57, allegedly from check #1234. When I click to view the image of the check, it shows a check from someone else's Chase bank account! The name is different, the routing number is different, the bank is different, the account number is different, the check number is different, the amount is different. The only connection is that both checks were payable to the same doctor.

How do people break into finance (hedge funds, i-banking) when their concentrations in college had absolutely nothing to do with finance? I have been meeting (and reading about) people who have jobs in the financial industry, yet their backgrounds and majors (poli sci, history, etc.) have never entailed related experience that you would normally think is sought after in finance. I graduated with a degree in journalism and have always found an interest in the banking/finance industry - I'm currently a legal assistant for a law firm whose clients are major banks - but if there is a way

Subprimes still lending?? I thought that the subprime loan market was out of business. Why am I getting multiple calls from Household Finance claiming that they have "new programs" trying to lend me money I don't need? ps I don't have a loan with Household Finance. I don't know if they're trying to make a home loan or a consumer credit facility.

Help! What 'eight digit' number regarding my Visa credit card are the Abbey National call centre trying to get from my fiancé? We're in the UK. I have a Co-op Visa credit card. It has two important numbers you normally need to know for paying money into the account: the sixteen digit account code (card number) and the six digit 'sort code' for the bank. Fiancé, who banks with Abbey, is trying to transfer much-needed money to me using Abbey's telephone banking system, but they're being extremely unhelpful, and insisting that he must also give them an eight digit 'account number' for my card, which I've never heard of. They don't mean the card security number (it's not eight digit), and my account statement has nothing eight digit on it. Does anyone know what this number could be and how I would get it from my bank?

I will soon receive an inheritance of about $100,000-$150,000 (numbers are vague right now). I'm looking for tips and advice for managing that money. I have talked with a financial advisor from one of the major firms about this and they would be happy to help me with my money at the rate of 4.5% per year. Frankly, I view that as extortionary. I even remember once hearing advice that said to not pay more than 1% in fees. This sounds reasonable to me. My current IRAs and other means of saving that do charge, charge less than 1%. I doubt it's 1/5th of a percent. I'm pretty sharp and generally good with money. I think that with the right research, and proper dedication, I can manage this money myself and save scads of fees.

What will happen to my money if E*Trade declares bankruptcy ? I have a few bank account elsewhere, but the majority of my money is help in various E*trade accounts. This includes checking, savings, brokerage, and CDs. I'm aware that the money in the banking arm is FDIC insured, but what does that really mean? Is all of my money insured? Will it all go away if E*Trade goes under? Any sort of real world explanations and advice would be appreciated.

What will happen to my money if E*Trade declares bankruptcy ? I have a few bank account elsewhere, but the majority of my money is help in various E*trade accounts. This includes checking, savings, brokerage, and CDs. I'm aware that the money in the banking arm is FDIC insured, but what does that really mean? Is all of my money insured? Will it all go away if E*Trade goes under? Any sort of real world explanations and advice would be appreciated.