A top judge has sparked outrage by backing the right of loan companies to charge crippling interest rates.

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Pew Research Centre, the financial crisis has brought about a "new creed of thrift" with personal savings once again on the rise.

• Dollar Advances Despite Bernanke’s Cautious Language and Drop in Consumer Credit • Euro: Ongoing Troubles with Greece and Stagnant 4Q GDP Number Dim ECB Rate Prospects • British Pound Traders Skeptical BoE Meeting Will Yield Meaningful Change Amid Election • Australian Dollar Will Respond to Employment Change for Growth, Interest Rate Potential • Canadian Dollar Moves Further Up the Rate ...

In most countries, an interest rate increase can be as damaging to a presidential campaign as a sex scandal.

Q. I had a major bank credit card; the interest rate was increased, but I opted out of the increase with 8.99 percent, and my account was closed in 2007. I am continuing to pay off my credit card, but recently I noticed my rate increased from 8.99 to 12.24 percent. When I called about the increase, they said a notification was sent to me about the rate increase, and I had not opted out again. So ...