Just how bad is this economy?
January 14, 2010
This economy is bad. How bad? Well, here’s what my clients are saying:
The economy is so bad that….
” I just got a letter pre-declining me for a credit card.”
[It came postage due]
The economy is so bad that….
” I got a check returned for insufficient funds and wondered whether the bank meant me or them.”
[Hey, where's MY bail out money?]
The economy is so bad that….
” My Congressman just got laid off by Bank of America.”
[And these guys are the last to go]
And finally, the economy is so bad that….
” Yesterday, I ordered a Big Mac and the kid at the counter asked: ” Can you afford fries what that?”
You know, I was just thinking: As bad as it is out there, it’s good to know that Mickie D. understands. I’m lovin’ it.
The New Credit Card Law: “Deep N. Debt” Reporting.
January 10, 2010
Back on August 5th of last year, I wrote here that the new federal credit card law would result in higher fees and charges from the Banks, designed to increase revenue in the face of the act’s more restrictive consumer protection provisions.
That prediction is now confirmed.
I got a phone call last night from a trusted source, well-placed in the banking industry, who goes by the code name “Deepak N. Debt” in order to protect his multi-billion dollar pension.
“Deep” reports overhearing the following conversation between shakers and movers at the company holiday party.
Shaker: It’s rough, you know. All that heat about arriving to testify by private jet.
Mover: Not as rough as flying commercial.
Shaker: Good point. I’m just concerned that the public might see these higher credit card fees we’re rolling out and the costlier checking accounts, as a money grab. You know, like the bail-out.
Mover: Don’t be a lunatic. These tougher consumer protection laws are going to cost us north of $50 billion annually. That’s $50 billion each and every year. You wanna explain losing that kind of swag to our shareholders.
Shaker: Well,,,um….
Mover: Me neither. Listen. This isn’t about a money grab. It’s about covering higher operational costs and significantly enhanced transactional risks.
Shaker: You think they’ll buy that ?
Mover: Guaranteed. They have no idea what it means.
Shaker: I suppose more disclosure does mean more paper, more printing, more postage….
Mover: There you go! And those things cost money. Look at it this way: If we have to tell consumers exactly what they’re buying, shouldn’t they have to pay more for it?
Shaker: They should. It’s added value!
