I’m trying to figure out the best credit card for my pocketbook and lifestyle. It seems like they all offer different rates that change without notice so I’m not sure which one to get. Any suggestions? — Charlene Charge

Dear Charlene: Just as with any other type of financials, consumers must be aware of what credit card companies offer and, more importantly, how and under which circumstances they can pull the rug out from under our feet. Preparation definitely is key, according to www.CardRatings.com.

First, be certain you know in advance which interest rate you’ll receive if approved for credit (i.e. Citibank and CapitalOne, although they don’t tell you your credit limit beforehand). Beware of those that offer several possible ranges that can span from single digits to over 20 percent. Further, you might not even discover the rate until the card arrives in the mail. Sometimes the rate is variable, as well. In other words, for “up to a year,” perhaps the rate is zero; boy, that sounds great, doesn’t it? We get so excited about the no-interest charges that we fail to peruse the fine print in the contract that when this initial period is up, the interest rate jumps exorbitantly. To add insult to injury, www.indexcreditcards.com tells us that the so-called “year” may actually transform to a three-month period upon arrival, and this turnaround isn’t even illegal!

The best idea is to contact your own credit card issuer and ask for a lower rate. If you’ve been a good cardholder, paid on time, and have a decent credit reporting score, then companies generally try to keep you as a customer. However, if you’re the opposite type, then Crafty Credit Card usually refuses to work with you. And why should it when the company legally can get away with charging steep fees that you have no choice but to pay unless you come up with enough money to cancel the debt and the card. Again, consumers can’t afford — literally or figuratively — a wobbly financial reputation, particularly during these times of fiscal unpredictability.

If we don’t allow ourselves to be mired in debt, one or two credit cards can be a boon to savvy consumers. If we can obtain credit and if we use our cards wisely, the credit becomes a vehicle towards a respectable financial history.

Note: In my July 5 column, I advised, “Only buy or fill up your vehicle in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold.” An alert local expert pointed out that underground gasoline storage tanks are deep enough in the ground to maintain a constant temperature and that the time of day you pump should not be an issue.