[SHELF TALKER]
CREDIT CARDS
APR, rewards math, balance transfers, deferred interest, cash advance fees, penalty rates. Every line on the statement, explained.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $176B/YR IN INTEREST + FEES
[SHELF TALKER]
OVERDRAFT & BANKING FEES
Overdraft, NSF, ATM, paper statement, inactivity, account closing. How accounts are designed to trigger them — and how to avoid each.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $7.7B/YR IN OVERDRAFTS ALONE
[SHELF TALKER]
MORTGAGE & LENDING
Origination fees, points, escrow shortages, PMI, ARM resets. The disclosures, in English, before you sign.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $50B/YR IN FEES AT CLOSING
[SHELF TALKER]
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
401(k) expense ratios, target-date fund fees, advisor wrap fees, vesting traps. Why a 1% fee costs you a third of your retirement.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $135B/YR IN 401(K) FEES
[SHELF TALKER]
STUDENT LOANS
Capitalized interest, IDR plan math, PSLF requirements, refinancing trade-offs. What "forbearance" actually costs.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $1.7T OUTSTANDING
[SHELF TALKER]
INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Whole life vs. term, deductibles vs. premiums, the agent commission structure that drives the recommendation.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $1.4T/YR IN PREMIUMS
[SHELF TALKER]
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
Mutual fund expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, structured products, annuity surrender charges. Where the fund prospectus buries the cost.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $10B/YR IN HIDDEN FUND FEES
[SHELF TALKER]
DEBT COLLECTION
Your rights under the FDCPA, statute of limitations, zombie debt, settlement math. What collectors can — and cannot — do.
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INDUSTRY REVENUE: $11B/YR INDUSTRY REVENUE