Posts by briskdriver110

Nicholas Turner said:@hollowharbor56

How exactly are they doing? If you’re a veteran, you’ve got your pension—plus you're picking up side gigs under the table because, frankly, you're bored—on top of having stakes in a veterans' fund. Your kid gets into college just by passing half the entrance exam, and then comes the scholarship; back in the day, you could even import cars tax-free like a wounded warrior. If you're a farmer—a real grower—well, life's a breeze. You plant some wheat, the government buys half your tractor, tosses in a subsidy, and you don't even have to worry about selling the crop. You just sell it back to the government at whatever price you feel like naming. You haven't even spent two months a year actually out in the field! If you work in the civil service, you basically don't work at all—it's great because the paycheck and benefits just roll in. But if you're a retiree voting for the Republican Party or the Libertarian Party, you're still getting squeezed by the state—even though your savings were gutted and looted back in the '90s, and there isn't enough left to raise workers' wages. And if you're part of the diaspora, you vote because you get all the perks with zero obligations—no taxes, no local levies, no tribute, and no military service (which is gone now anyway)—all while asking the USA for subsidies despite already having your own home base. In short—there is no economy that can sustain this right now, let alone in the future.

Great post. Between what you wrote and all the political dirty tricks, I guess that's why it's so hard for them to lose power.

Chris Stewart3 said:Just picture the scenario when they issue you a brand-new credit card. What actually happens? They slap you with a fee without even bothering to ask. You have to wonder why they won't just provide it for free—it’s not like they’re going bankrupt over a few dollars, and honestly, it would be such a decent gesture toward the customer. When people are struggling, these institutions turn around and charge 15% interest on overdrafts; it feels less like banking and more like dealing with loan sharks. They hide behind this excuse of "managing risk" to squeeze out a little extra profit just in case they can't collect, but if you sit down and crunch the numbers, the math is staggering. If they were actually being fair, that interest rate would be closer to what you see on a standard personal loan from a place like Chase. I’m not saying money doesn't have a cost, but there is a point where it becomes extortionate. Even my local movie theater didn't charge me a fee for my membership card, so it's clearly not an impossible hurdle to clear...

I guess you clearly don't really get how an overdraft works (basically, it's easier credit for the client than most other loans) or why the rates are set that way. If it feels too high to you, well, maybe just don't overdraw.
And honestly, a Bank of America card is a bit more serious than a membership at a video rental shop.

Chris Stewart3 said:The reality is that banks essentially incentivize us to spend money we simply haven't earned yet, creating this endless cycle of debt just so they can pad their bottom lines. It’s quite calculated, really; they constantly push credit cards and personal loans through aggressive, highly polished advertising campaigns designed to make borrowing feel like a necessity rather than a trap.

Google😂

Well, maybe just start using banking services once you grow up or... I don't know, get some common sense.

Charles Ramos7 said:Where’d you hear that? I have a credit card, but honestly, I've never actually used it for a loan in my life. I usually just opt for zero-interest installment plans—not because I'm strapped for cash, but simply because why wouldn't I? I'd rather park that money in a money market account and grab a little bit of interest. It’s not a fortune, but it’s nice to see it grow. 🙂

No waaaaay!!! So those flashy commercials didn't tempt you?? :O What a shocker!

Chris Stewart3, seriously, go read what neno1966 wrote and maybe think about it for a second.

Chris Stewart3 said:One must remember that there was a time when plastic cards didn't even exist, yet we managed to live perfectly fine lives. Increased spending isn't inherently a problem when it's born of necessity; the issue arises when it's driven by pure luxury. Look at telecommunications today: we spend five or six times more than we did before the smartphone era. We surround ourselves with a mountain of products we never truly needed, simply because this materialist culture demands that we own and display them. We acquire things we didn't create, thereby defining our very identity through someone else's labor and borrowed money.

I mean, how is the bank even to blame here?

Terry Ross11 said:That’s exactly how it works. My husband and I both run small businesses, and since we couldn't get traditional domestic financing, we went with RBA in Leibnitz—specifically a mortgage-backed loan. That's all they care about: whether the title is clear and the equity is unencumbered. We send our payments to Leibnitz, not locally.
We didn't overextend ourselves, so even with a five-year term, the monthly payments are manageable. For the most part, we're comfortably ahead of the curve.

So, what kind of interest rate did you end up getting on a loan like that?

Daniel Perez13 said:It’s possible some people are offering loans from the USA, and if they are, they probably won't care about your local credit report as long as you have collateral. If you have an unencumbered property, that might be your way in. There are plenty of scammers and predatory lenders out there, but there are also legitimate people working through actual lawyers and notaries. Just be careful; if you don't have equity in a house, you probably aren't getting a loan anywhere.
Just make sure you don't fall for any predatory schemes or pay anyone upfront for things like life insurance or "processing fees." You should only ever pay costs once the loan actually clears.
Good luck!

Yeah, there’s definitely some "shady business" going on since this wouldn't happen through normal channels... like, you can't just pull funds from the Federal Reserve and then move them into our local banks like that...
Bless your heart, did that guy who offered you the deal actually tell you what the interest rate would be?
I’d definitely try my luck at some smaller local banks too; it’s usually way tougher to get approved at the big national ones.
And yeah, definitely read that article from the link signum posted.

Brenda Rogers41 said:I’d never dream of turning to a loan shark, which is exactly why I wanted to get your take on these loans. Apparently, this guy claims he can restructure debt through the Federal Reserve in Austria—supposedly you have to travel there to collect the cash, but then you pay the installments back at local Federal Reserve branches here. He says that’s how he sidesteps the FEC and all their red tape. The reality is I owe money to JP Morgan Chase because I maxed out an approved overdraft, plus I’m behind on my American Express card. I missed three payments, and now they’re demanding the entire balance upfront, including the installment amounts I thought I had time to pay off. I wasn't expecting that, and honestly, it’s been devastating. It isn't even a massive amount of money; if I could just secure a seven-year loan, I could clear everything, and even with high interest, the monthly payment wouldn't exceed $533. As for the banks? They’re more aggressive than any street thug. They call my house, they call my job, they blow up my cell phone. I make one small payment, and they’re calling me immediately to ask when the next one is coming. They threaten me with lawsuits, telling me I’ll be stuck paying court fees and attorney costs, and that they'll go after my house and my wages via garnishment until every cent is recovered. Unfortunately, people I know are in even worse shape than I am, so I don't have anyone to turn to for help. Thanks again for all the input.

Interesting. I should probably look into this more.

Brenda Rogers41 said:I’d never dream of turning to a loan shark, which is exactly why I wanted to get your take on these loans. Apparently, this guy claims he can restructure debt through the Federal Reserve in Austria—supposedly you have to travel there to collect the cash, but then you pay the installments back at local Federal Reserve branches here. He says that’s how he sidesteps the FEC and all their red tape. The reality is I owe money to JP Morgan Chase because I maxed out an approved overdraft, plus I’m behind on my American Express card. I missed three payments, and now they’re demanding the entire balance upfront, including the installment amounts I thought I had time to pay off. I wasn't expecting that, and honestly, it’s been devastating. It isn't even a massive amount of money; if I could just secure a seven-year loan, I could clear everything, and even with high interest, the monthly payment wouldn't exceed $533. As for the banks? They’re more aggressive than any street thug. They call my house, they call my job, they blow up my cell phone. I make one small payment, and they’re calling me immediately to ask when the next one is coming. They threaten me with lawsuits, telling me I’ll be stuck paying court fees and attorney costs, and that they'll go after my house and my wages via garnishment until every cent is recovered. Unfortunately, people I know are in even worse shape than I am, so I don't have anyone to turn to for help. Thanks again for all the input.

Well, did you try any other banks besides JPMorgan Chase to see if you could get a consolidation loan? I mean, you mentioned in your first post that "all" the banks turned you down, but which ones were those? Maybe a smaller local credit union would give you a shot?

Brenda Rogers41 said:I’m not sure if you’re implying I’m lying here or what... If you actually care to know, I’ll lay out how things spiraled. There are plenty of people who didn't end up underwater because they were chasing some high life or blowing cash on luxuries; sometimes life just hits you from a different angle. As far as the banks go, they're giving me options to pay back $1000 per month for one debt and 😲 for the other, which comes out to $500 monthly. They want $500 over two years, or $1000 within a single year—otherwise, it's all threats of lawsuits and seizing my belongings. Honestly, I have no idea how I’d even survive that year without an income. My paycheck at $1000 plus whatever odd jobs I can scrape together won't even cover the banks, let alone anything else. And don't even get me started on the interest rates. We're looking at 14-15% annually, not to mention the constant collection notices... it’s hard to imagine them legally charging any more than that.

No, I wasn't being sarcastic. I mean, I guess nobody in their right mind would put themselves through that kind of mess just for some luxury stuff, so your situation is totally fine, really.
And those people grinding away just to fund someone else's luxury? Honestly, screw 'em! 🙂

Brenda Rogers41 said:I’m not sure if you’re implying I’m lying here or what... If you actually care to know, I’ll lay out how things spiraled. There are plenty of people who didn't end up underwater because they were chasing some high life or blowing cash on luxuries; sometimes life just hits you from a different angle. As far as the banks go, they're giving me options to pay back $1000 per month for one debt and 😲 for the other, which comes out to $500 monthly. They want $500 over two years, or $1000 within a single year—otherwise, it's all threats of lawsuits and seizing my belongings. Honestly, I have no idea how I’d even survive that year without an income. My paycheck at $1000 plus whatever odd jobs I can scrape together won't even cover the banks, let alone anything else. And don't even get me started on the interest rates. We're looking at 14-15% annually, not to mention the constant collection notices... it’s hard to imagine them legally charging any more than that.

Yeah...
The best way to go about it, I guess, is finding some kind of side hustle to cover everything... but whether that's actually doable for you right now is a whole different story.

Anyway, I guess it's better to let them take a bit more than dealing with a loan shark. You'll be in real trouble if you go that route.
It feels kind of weird to me that a bank wouldn't just find some way to restructure the debt, you know? Like, maybe something along the lines of... $167 If you pay a certain amount every month for a few months, what would it take to end up paying back, say, 130% of the debt you actually have? I wonder which bank you're dealing with.
If things don't look up, maybe try hitting up the local news? If you tell them what's happening, there's a chance the bank might actually find a way to fix this. I mean, nobody wants that kind of bad press.

Brenda Rogers41 said:It wasn't really the overspending that landed me in this mess; it was a family medical crisis. Not that it matters much now—that's behind us. But the fallout remains. I’m facing lawsuits and potential garnishments if I don't settle everything immediately, and frankly, I have no desire to go down that road. I know a few people who managed to secure legitimate loans through brokers at standard banks like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan Chase, even after being rejected by those very same institutions. They didn't pay any shady fees under the table either; they just had to take out a life insurance policy where the broker pockets the commission. Of course, those were loans back in the States through American banks, whereas my situation here is in Europe. I figured this was going to be an uphill battle, which is why I reached out to this forum for your take. I appreciate the honest answers.

Yeah, I mean, nobody sane gets into debt just for luxury items...

Brenda Rogers41 said:It wasn't really the overspending that landed me in this mess; it was a family medical crisis. Not that it matters much now—that's behind us. But the fallout remains. I’m facing lawsuits and potential garnishments if I don't settle everything immediately, and frankly, I have no desire to go down that road. I know a few people who managed to secure legitimate loans through brokers at standard banks like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan Chase, even after being rejected by those very same institutions. They didn't pay any shady fees under the table either; they just had to take out a life insurance policy where the broker pockets the commission. Of course, those were loans back in the States through American banks, whereas my situation here is in Europe. I figured this was going to be an uphill battle, which is why I reached out to this forum for your take. I appreciate the honest answers.

But couldn't you just work something out with the bank? Like a debt restructuring or a payment deferral? Hasn't someone already tried that?
Banks aren't exactly thrilled when they have to resort to foreclosures and all that; they much prefer it when people can actually pay up...
And that thing you mentioned about taking out a loan somewhere else—if you actually have that option, I'm curious how high the interest rate is..

I just don't get how people can't see that there’s gotta be some kind of catch when you're getting money from someone that every major bank turned down and who ended up on a blacklist...

I mean, sure, anyone can have issues and that's fine, but if this guy's only option is to dive even deeper into trouble...

shadowgull98 said:😳 hey, if you actually have something smart to say, go ahead, but if not, maybe just keep it to yourself! cheers from your local jokester🙂

That picture really suits you.
I don't know about you, but my mouth is usually shut while I'm typing on the computer.

shadowgull98 said:Man, I really don't feel like I have to explain myself to anyone, believe me.

Haha, you don't have it.

shadowgull98 said:Honestly, unlike most people, I don't really care about being judged for what I listen to. I guess I just don't feel any shame about my playlist.

Fair enough, that's fine—but honestly, I think the people who listen to Country music are even worse, especially since they're too embarrassed to actually admit it.

shadowgull98 said:I don't feel even a tiny bit of guilt about it, and honestly, I don't feel bad at all!

Sometimes I think ignorance really is a blessing. Maybe it just is.

shadowgull98 said:I listen to Country music because it’s just easy on the brain... simple lyrics, catchy tunes... it just carries you away, I guess.

Are you telling yourself that, or trying to convince us?

dustylynx98 said:/cut

Way to go, bravo! We're still here! 👍

shadowgull98 said:omg, guys, seriously, stop being so annoying about this... maybe find a hobby other than hating on certain music genres. honestly, if people start blasting Country music in their cars just to get under my skin and ruin my mood, I might actually lose it! heheheh

Ugh, as if I’d even bother responding to some random trolls! lol

Elizabeth Mendoza43 said:Oh, come on. First you say I or most immigrants from Canada listen to folk music, and now you're claiming people from rural areas, the coast, and everywhere else listens to it too...
Just make up your mind, okay? Who actually listens to this stuff? And why would you think where someone comes from dictates their playlist? I'm not even from Eastern Europe, but I absolutely love Gypsy music. It's killer. And Anthrax has some great tracks too. What kind of musical connection could these different groups possibly have? None at all, besides being in my CD player.

I just said that most people I know who moved here from Canada, or are originally from there, listen to folk music.
Go ahead, try to find where I ever claimed that *only* people from Canada listen to that garbage.
I'm from a small town in the Midwest, and yeah, there are definitely people here who listen to it, I'm not denying that. But honestly, you can find weirdos anywhere.
As for where people are from, obviously I don't think it *determines* what you listen to—it's pretty clear from my previous sentence. But my first point still stands.

Elizabeth Mendoza43 said:Honestly, I know tons of "cool" kids in the city who aren't even from Canada or have parents from there, yet they still blast that country music everywhere. And I'm talking about people my age, in their early 30s. Don't even get me started on the teenagers. Have you ever been out in rural Ohio where every third radio station is just playing country hits? You don't see many immigrants from Canada there either, if you ask me.

Yeah, I'm totally with you on this. I don't think I ever actually wrote anything against it, did I?

Benjamin Richardson86 said:I just can't stand country music. Honestly, if someone tells me they listen to it, I just can't look at them the same way. I know that sounds harsh, and I'm not saying everyone who likes country is a bad person, but I just can't help it. I can deal with almost anything, but country... 🙂

And yeah, it's pretty normal to judge them for that—it kind of says something about a person, I guess.

Elizabeth Mendoza43 said:huh?
If you asked my old man who moved here from Canada what kind of music makes you money, he’d say country. What on earth is this Seka Aleksić stuff? And since when are Americans from Canada any less valuable? What are you even talking about?

I mean, sorry, but it’s true for people who moved here. With some honorable exceptions, obviously. Most people I know who came over from Canada—or are actually from there—listen to country music, even if it's just "in passing."

shadowgull98 said:Oh sure, let's just throw everyone who listens to country into camps! Look, I used to think like you guys—stupid lyrics, for simpletons—but once you get hooked, it's game over. Why do you even care what others listen to?!?!! It honestly just shows how pathetic you are. Have you ever heard anyone trash-talk metalheads that much?!? No, and look at them! They look like freaks! If they walked up to me in the dark... I'd be terrified. Is that normal? Not for me, but do I judge them? Of course not, because I actually have some class, which clearly some of you don't! And then people say New York isn't part of the South... are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!👎

So you listen to country, and then call other people pathetic? LOL

I've heard that show is actually pretty good, though I haven't gotten around to watching even a single episode yet. Seems like I see people all over the forums saying I really should 🙂