Here are 9 credit cards that industry experts told CNNMoney are among the worst in America for their sky-high interest rates and ridiculous fees.  Read the full story here.  For a great alternative to traditional credit cards, try RushCard.

Toni Riss had a credit card with a 79.9% interest rate.

The 58-year-old woman from Texas thought she struck gold when she found the First Premier card, which is aimed specifically at consumers with poor credit.  Read the full article here.

Is Bank of America finally going to drain its mortgage swamp?

Perhaps. BofA (BAC), which has frequently outdone the other big banks when it comes to stupid foreclosure tricks, set a plan Friday to belatedly work some private equity magic on its bloated bad loan book.  Read the full story here.

Credit cards may soon be as outdated as vinyl records. (Remember those?) And this is the year that the slow, steady march to oblivion begins.  Read the full article here.

Jerry Brown, California’s governor, declared a state of fiscal emergency on Thursday for the government of the most populous US state to press lawmakers to tackle its $25.4 billion budget gap. Read the rest of the story here.

Found this article this morning: Confessions of Former Debt Collectors.  It’s an interesting article from the debt collector’s perspective.  It amazes me that these guys can drive people to suicide with empty threats.  If you’re being hounded by debt collectors, it’s important to know your rights.  These guys are paid on commission and many will threaten you illegally if you let them.  You can find information on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act here.