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Money management and the things we “deserve”

By Cathy Moran

American Express radio commercials are touting a women’s money group, The Smart Cookies, who, we’re told, got control of their personal debt problems within two years.

The five women they featured collectively owed $50,000, which seems small relative to the clients I see.

But what set my teeth to grinding was one woman’s assurance that it is possible to master debt problems “and still get the things you deserve”.

Arghhhh!

In my view, it is this sense that one “deserves” certain purchases that underlies a significant portion of the overspending problem.  What is the source of this belief that we are entitled to a certain standard of living or accumulation of goods and experiences?

Mercifully, the radio spot I heard didn’t go into the details of the Smart Cookies’ approach to money, but if their connection with American Express didn’t put me off, their announced sense of financial entitlement did.

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About Cathy Moran

I'm a veteran bankruptcy lawyer and consumer advocate in California's Silicon Valley. I write, teach, and speak in the hopes of expanding understanding of how bankruptcy can make life better in a family's future.

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About The Soapbox

You've arrived at the Bankruptcy Soapbox, a resource of bankruptcy information and consumer law.

Soapbox is a companion site to Bankruptcy in Brief, where I try to be largely explanatory and even handed (Note I said "try").

Here, I allow myself to tell stories and express strong opinions on how I think law should work for the consumer and small businesses when it comes to debt.

Moran Law Group
Bankruptcy specialists for individuals and small businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area

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