Candy Safety Reminder

China's melamine scare means parents have to be even more cautious about the candy they're giving out or that comes home in the goodie-bag. So we thought we'd remind you that you need to watch for Sherwood Brands Pirate's Gold milk chocolate coins.

Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency warned the public not to consume, distribute, or sell the coins after they tested positive for melamine.

This product was sold nationally through Costco stores and may also have been sold in bulk packages or as individual pieces at various dollar and bulk stores across Canada.

Since it's hard to tell which coins were made by which manufacturer once they are out of the package, it's best to give them a pass all together.

So if you find a coin in your child's bag, throw it out to be safe.

We always hear children shouldn't eat their candy until it's inspected by an adult. It's not paranoid, just sensible.

If you're looking for any open or damaged packages, those should be discarded.

Unless you've been at a private party, homemade items are a risk. The same goes for fruit.

Nuts and hard candies are a bad choice for very young children. Even older children can choke if they're popping them in their mouths while they're on the move.

And while your dentist probably likes people handing out things other than candy, be aware small items aren't for all kids as they could be a choking hazard.

And I'd worry about lead in the really cheap ones

Credit Card Interest Rates

In these uncertain times, it's important to keep a close eye on your credit cards. More specifically, the interest rate they're charging. Rates have been going upand it's not just those with bad credit who are paying.

Nasmin Lalani was shocked when his credit card company bumped his interest rate to almost 26 per cent.

"That was like almost a seven per cent increase just within in a short period of time," he explained, noting that he was only given two months notice.

And Lalani isn't alone.

John Carmichael, who has also always made his payments on-time is seeing his interest rate triple from eight per cent to nearly 25

"To jump from a low rate to a high rate in one fell swoop, with no justification in something that I did wrong, I think is bad business," he complained.

The credit card company says Carmichael had too much debt, even though his card balance was almost 1,000 below his limit.

In Canada, a credit card company can change your rates as long as it gives you at least 30 days written notice

Credit-card notices alert you to changes in your account. Although plenty are junk mail, don't toss out a notice without reading it. Otherwise, you could miss something.

Banks sometimes give you the choice to stop using your card and pay off the balance at the old rate, Which is what John Carmichael worked out with his bank to avoid a rate increase. But not everybody does that.

"Some economists fear that overextended credit-card holders could be the next shoe to drop in the economic crisis. With home-equity loans harder to get, some people are turning to credit cards to cover their expenses," explained Chris Fichera of Consumer Reports.

If you're worried that you'll be next,  there is a solution.

"I'm going to pay it off in full tomorrow and then I'm just going to get rid of the card. I'm not going to be using the card any more because it's just too much," he said.

Consumer Reports says if you're not happy with your credit-card terms, make a switch.

You can compare cards online at Moneytools.ca, which is run by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. Look for a card with a low interest rate and no annual fee.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen