By STEVE BUCCI, bankrate.com

Dear Debt Adviser,If my credit card is under the limit, and the periodic-rate finance charges put me over my limit, can the credit card company tack on an additional over-the-limit fee? I don't see how that is legal if it's not an actual purchase. -- MichelleDear Michelle,

Dear Debt Adviser,How are judgments against a debtor enforced? Can an unsecured creditor take my pension? Can that unsecured creditor take my house? -- TonyDear Tony,Judgments! The term is so ... judgmental.

Dear Debt Adviser,I'm trying to get some of my debt paid off but my wife and I have a difference of opinion on what should be paid off first.

Dear Debt Adviser, I used my credit card company's online bill-paying feature to schedule a payment to them while I was on vacation. The payment was never processed and they have no record of my scheduled payment. I am new at this and did not know enough to get a confirmation number.

Dear Debt Adviser,I had a bank credit card and the company is currently garnishing money from my bank account. Yes, the debt is mine, but I am wondering why money is being garnished when I never signed a summons for court.

Dear Debt Adviser,How does one go about financial re-education? A dear friend is in over his head. He thinks American Express is the answer to everything. His new laptop, Wii and digital camera are clear evidence of this.

Dear Debt Adviser,Can I pay less than the minimum payment on my credit card? I am finding it difficult to pay the monthly payment. Thank you.-- NorDear Nor,Your question reminds me of Sunday dinner when I was a kid. My mother, Grace, was a great cook and I'd often ask, "Can I have seconds?"

Dear Debt Adviser,I just lost a job offer because of my credit. I am 33 and had some personal problems last year that caused my credit to get really bad. Before that, I never had any late payments.I'm not sure what to do or how to handle job opportunities. Help.

Dear Debt Adviser,I made a stupid mistake. I refused to pay my gas credit card because my $95 gasoline bill grew to $305, after $210 in late fees. The last payment was in January 2005.The gas credit card was charged off in June 2005 and sold to a collection agency in May 2007. The collection agency raised the amount due to $408 in May of this year.

Dear Debt Adviser,I keep getting turned down when applying for financing at various institutions. For instance, I can't get approved to finance a bed at the local Furniture Mart. In addition, I can't get approved for a credit card.