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Responsible Lending: Balancing Access with Financial Education

March 18th, 2025 Mar 18, 2025 Read time: 2 min

Young woman using e-banking to pay bills from home

In the world of consumer finance, a common question we encounter is, “Do you make a loan to anyone who walks in the door?” The short answer is no. As a responsible lender, our commitment extends beyond merely providing loans; it involves a deeper responsibility toward our client’s financial health and stability.

It’s essential to understand that loans can be powerful tools for managing financial emergencies or achieving goals, but they’re not always suitable for everyone. Our policy is to extend credit to individuals whom we assess as having the ability and intention to repay. This assessment is not just about protecting our interests; it’s fundamentally about ensuring that we do not burden our clients with debts they cannot manage. Consequently, we find ourselves turning down almost half of our loan applications.

This stringent approach might seem counterintuitive in a business landscape where customer acquisition is often paramount. However, our philosophy is rooted in the principle of “first, do no harm.” We believe that offering a loan that someone cannot afford is harmful not just to the individual but to the broader community as well.

Understanding this, we support and advocate for financial education programs like Money$kill. These initiatives are more than just value-added services; they are integral components of our mission to empower consumers. Educating individuals about financial management, budgeting, and responsible borrowing equips them with the tools to make informed decisions. Financial literacy is the foundation upon which sustainable financial health is built.

Our support for these programs also stems from our desire to see more people become eligible for our loans. When individuals are better informed and can manage their finances effectively, they are more likely to meet our lending criteria. This approach benefits everyone: the consumer avoids the pitfalls of unsustainable debt, and we gain a responsible, creditworthy client.

In conclusion, while we do not lend to everyone who applies, our goal is to increase financial inclusivity responsibly. Through education and careful lending practices, we strive to ensure that access to credit is safe, affordable, and beneficial to all our clients. Our commitment to financial education is a testament to our belief that a well-informed consumer is good for our business and essential for a healthy financial ecosystem.

Author – Dr. Rickie Keys

Dr. Rickie C. Keys is an experienced advocate dedicated to addressing significant challenges faced by communities nationwide. His passion for problem-solving is evident in his approach to conducting t... Read more »

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