Household HSBC Watch

Analysts said today that summer gasoline prices are expected to be about $2.25 a gallon for regular unleaded. Prices are projected to be $5 a gallon within two years, according to one survey. For consumers already experiencing the high cost of predatory loans such as credit card loans and predatory second mortgages, patience may run thin as they perceive personal violations of family budgets and family security. consumer advocates say customers may have less patience with balances that never go down, while companies such as HSBC Finance Corporation feel the backlash as budgets are tightened.