The Marketing of Debt: How Lenders Exploit Your Blind Spots (and How to Outsmart Them) with John Dinsmore

Why do smart people still fall into debt traps? The truth is, debt is marketed to us in ways to exploit our psychology. We underestimate the true cost of borrowing, overestimate our ability to pay, and let lenders hide the fine print in plain sight.

In this episode, Shari sits down with John Dinsmore—Professor of Marketing at Wright State University and author of The Marketing of Debt: How They Get You.

Together, they unpack the marketing tricks and mental blind spots that keep people swiping, tapping, and signing up for loans they may regret later.

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You’ll hear:

• Why your “future self” isn’t as financially heroic as you think
• How irregular expenses—not daily bills—fuel most credit card debt
• The hidden dangers of “0% interest” offers and long-term car loans
• Why paying with cash feels painful (and tapping to pay feels too good)
• The most important step you can take today to avoid debt traps

If you’ve ever wondered why debt feels so easy to get into—and so hard to get out of—this episode will give you the insight (and strategies) you need to outsmart the marketing of debt.

Talkin’ Points → where your money gets smarter.

Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here. 

Follow John on X https://x.com/jdinsmore

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