It may have been nice to have a break from all the junk mail thanks to the postal strike but the stoppage could have a sting in the tail for credit card holders.

The card companies are expecting their customers to pay their bills by the normal due date despite the fact that statements could be delayed in the post.

If your payment isn't received on time you face a double penalty - a £12 fine and an extra bill for interest. Almost all credit card issuers charge £12 for late payments - American Express's £8 fee is one exception - while the usual interest-free period of up to six weeks is withdrawn if the outstanding balance is not paid off in full and on time.

And don't think that being a day late means that you will be hit for just one day's interest. Interest is calculated from the date of the transaction - so if your payment is received just a day late, for example, you will pay 14 days' interest on a purchase made two weeks previously. For heavy users of credit cards who normally pay their bill in full, the sudden imposition of an interest charge could come as a nasty shock.

It comes as no surprise that credit card companies are not being flexible about possible late payments. after all, they want you to be late so the y can fine you and add more to the total sum you now owe them.

Credit companies are here simply to make a profit and they do so ruthlessly and efficiently. There is a way out however, if you arm yourself with the right financial knowledge, you can beat these companies and set yourself debt free.

Cynthia Curry of Lifesuccessforyou.com knows of just such an educational programme. 'I was lucky enough to be introduced to the Ultimate Entreprenuer Club and with the wisdom passed down to me was able to start the process of eliminating my credit card debt. This is too fantastic not to share, and I want to help as many people as possible who are struggling with minimum repayments, losing sleep worrying about debt.'

Cynthia adds, 'once you have the RIGHT knowledge, you can set yourself free of debt, and the Ultimate Entrepreneur Club provides just that. Along with a team of people who will help guide and support you through the process. Anyone who has a debt situation should definitely learn more'.

Contact Cynthia Curry at cynthia@lifesucccessforyou.com or check out the website http://www.wealthfreedomfighters.com