Avoid Embarrassing Credit Card Declines

Actress Mischa Barton (from The O.C.) made headlines this week for having not one, but two of her credit cards declined at the register. Her friend ended up having to pay for her purchase. A declined credit card is embarrassing enough when you're a regular person, but when you're a celebrity (and I use the term loosely) and the world is watching, it's worse.

If you don't want to be embarrassed at the checkout register, call your credit card company before you make a purchase to be sure your credit card is still active and that you have available credit. To be on the safe side, make sure you have enough cash on hand or in your checking account to cover the purchase. That way, you have a backup source of funding.