If you had to choose
greatest enemy of your financial security, where would you look? In
lineup as you look them over who would you choose? There are so many that qualify. Banks, credit card companies, persuasive advertisers, finance companies, and identity thieves, would all be in
running. Banks because, while you are their customer, they do not have your best interests at heart. They hit you with all sorts of fees and charges for services which used to be provided free. They constantly bombard you with offers to go further into debt. Car loans, home equity loans and other lines of credit are pitched in every statement you receive. But, they are not your worst financial enemy.
Credit card companies love to add charges for many different errors on your part (and sometimes theirs). Late fees, over-limit fees, yearly fees, and returned check fees are just a few. They hike your interest rate if you looked cross-eyed on a Tuesday, or miss a payment (not just with them, but any creditor). Still, they are not your greatest financial enemy.
Persuasive advertisers love to get you to buy, buy, and buy. They have you pegged as far as your habits. They know your wants and desires. They have so much information on you,
fight isn’t even fair. Their ads make you feel good and pull all
triggers. Yet, they are not your greatest financial enemy.
Finance companies who charge rates that reach to
moon do you no favors when you walk in
door. Sometimes you don’t even need to walk in
door. They send you a check you can deposit in your account and thus take out a loan with them with out ever seeing them. They turn easy money into easy debt; easy until it comes time to pay
bill. Even here you will not find your greatest financial enemy.