This is my rant for the day.
I just called my credit card company to find out why I wasn't getting "Reward Dollars" anymore. Upon completing that exchange (turned out I had reached the limit), he informed me that due to my good credit, I had been specially selected to receive a special balance transfer rate. I replied that I had no balances to transfer, whereupon he assured me that I could simply deposit the check in my checking account and spend it on whatever I wanted. I told him I had nothing to buy. He emphasized what an incredible opportunity this was, talking it up to beat the band. Then he said, "What would you do if I sent you a check for $15,000?" I told him I'd tear it up. There was virtually no deterring him. I did my best polite "no" and forced the conversation to an end.
I couldn't believe how the whole conversation he's acting as if I should just go on a shopping binge and spend this money that's conveniently available, as if it were free. Sorry, but I don't spend $15,000 without very carefully thinking about it and planning it, and then only if I have a compelling justification for it. I don't just say, "Hey, a $15,000 loan dropped into my lap, let's spend it!" God help anyone who does that! It's no wonder our country is screwed up when people are being encouraged to go into debt like this.
