Fight Financial Myths with Facts

TRUE OR FALSE?

1. The average fee for overdrawing on a debit card transaction is double the amount of the overdraft. 
   True. 
   The average shortfall is only $17, but the average overdraft fee is $34.

2. In recent years, the financial services industry has spent more on lobbying than the health care and defense industries.
   True again. 
   In fact, during the past decade, financial services companies, including real estate lobbyists, have spent $2.3 billion to influence Congress—more than the health care, energy, agribiz and defense industries combined.

3. Recent reforms passed by Congress have reined in the credit card companies.
   Not even close to true.
   Congress passed new credit card legislation last summer, giving credit card companies a year to comply.  Since then, credit card companies have increased fees or rates 8 times, with more hikes likely to come.

4. Federal regulators have taken the lead in addressing abuses on home loans.
   Definitely false.
   The truth is that multiple federal regulators with authority to act stood by and did almost nothing while the states took the lead in fighting harmful lending practices.  If Congress prevents states from making stronger lending rules as necessary, they will essentially remove the front-line defense against abusive lending.

A lot of misinformation is flying around Washington these days. If you'd like more information please visit my source at Center For Responsible Lending