Last week’s answer

Based on Long Island, N.Y., I trace my business roots to Southern Italy in 1850. I’ve entertained at six U.S. presidential inaugurations, the Olympics and countless Independence Day celebrations. I serve customers big and small, from major international cities to people throwing private parties. I make pyrotechnics, pyrotechnic simulators and training devices. I also provide storage for explosive materials and offer ballistic range testing. I invented the “stringless shell,” eliminating the major problem of burning fallout. In 1997, I opened a new plant in Virginia, to make and distribute high and low explosives. I’ve been America’s First Family of Fireworks for decades. Who am I? (Answer: Grucci Fireworks)

Know the answer? Send it to us with Foolish Trivia on the top and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a nifty prize! The Journal-World’s address is P.O. Box 888, Lawrence. 66044.

Nursed to financial health

In 1982 I entered the Hermann Hospital School of Vocational Nursing and paid $600 for the one year of tuition. As an incentive to work there, the hospital reimbursed me the entire amount within one year of employment. In 1998 I was earning $30 per hour as a contract employee taking care of patients in their homes, and I was able to apply the vocational coursework toward an associate of applied science degree in nursing, to become a registered nurse. Best of all, I’m doing something that I truly love! — Diane T., Houston

The Fool Responds: Investing in a career can offer big payoffs, especially when it involves work you really love. As a bonus, when you enjoy your work, you’re likely to do it well and be rewarded accordingly. America has faced a nursing shortage in recent years, and in 2000, the average salary for full-time registered nurses was nearly $47,000, with some earning more than $70,000. Congress recently authorized new programs to increase the number of nurses and the quality of nursing service in America.

Digging out of credit card debt

Credit card debt is the opposite of investing. With investing, you earn a return on your money. With credit card debt, someone else is earning a return on your money. You can get out from this quicksand, though. Millions have. Here are six steps you can take:

1. Stop using your cards. Don’t add to your debt. Take all your credit cards out of your wallet or purse, and leave them at home (perhaps keep one for emergencies only). Cut up the cards, if you have to. Some clever folks make their cards hard to use by freezing them in glasses of water.

2. Stop the flood of credit card offers. You can force credit bureaus to stop selling your name and address by calling (888) 567-8688. To find a low-interest card, click over to www.cardweb.com or www.bankrate.com.

3. Always pay more than the minimum and, when possible, the maximum. Credit card companies require small minimum payments on your total balance in order to extend your payments for as long as possible, boosting their profits.

4. Don’t just throw yourself at a mountain of debt without preparation. Plan your attack. How many cards do you have? What interest rates do they charge? Which have the highest balances? It’s usually best to start by paying off the cards with the highest rates first.

5. Reduce your interest rates. Most cards charge between 16 percent and 20 percent, which is ridiculous. Negotiate with your credit card company for a lower rate — it often works. (Shoot for 12 percent — or less.) Remind them if you’ve been a loyal, longtime customer. Say you’re prepared to take your business elsewhere.

6. Consolidate your debts by combining them onto one or two of your lowest-rate cards, if possible. Your lender can help you transfer funds.

July is Cash in on Credit Month at Fool.com. Drop by for many tips on getting out of debt, keeping your credit record clean and choosing the best credit cards. Another resource is www.ftc.gov (click on “For Consumers” and then “Credit”).