Ever wonder why spending feels so good, and saving so hard? This episode pulls back the curtain on the subtle, yet powerful, marketing strategies that push us towards debt. Dr. John Dinsmore reveals how banks, retailers, and even social media craft a world where borrowing feels like freedom, often trapping us before we realize it. Hear his personal financial journey and learn how to recognize these influences.

00:00 Uncovering the Marketing of Debt
03:22 Why Spending Feels Like Freedom
07:49 Frictionless Payments and Debt
12:53 Our Ignorance of Financial Complexity
17:53 Optimism, Good Debt, and Social Media
25:12 AI’s Impact on Debt Marketing
33:12 The Student Loan Crisis
41:53 Financial Literacy in Education
46:47 Personal Reflections and Goals

• “I think what they’re also selling is, I mean, in some ways, I guess marketers of debt are selling a bit of a fantasy, right? Being able to get things that you otherwise wouldn’t have the means to get in the moment.” – Dr. John Dinsmore (01:11)
• “Most marketing or sales pitches are usually about creating urgency and getting you to act in the moment. Because typically if people take time to think about stuff, usually cooler heads will prevail.” – Dr. John Dinsmore (01:40)
• “Do I really need this? Or probably even better, do I really need this today?” – Dr. John Dinsmore (47:23)

Dr. John Dinsmore’s personal struggles with financial decisions, despite his background in finance, inspired his book. He recognized a common disconnect: many people feel things aren’t working with their finances but don’t know why. His research highlights human biases, the psychological impact of payment methods, and the growing influence of social media and AI in debt marketing. He shares a significant personal lesson from a bad mortgage deal, underscoring the importance of questioning and negotiation.

• Book: “The Marketing of Debt: How They Get You” by Dr. John Dinsmore (Available on Amazon, Target, Goodreads)
• Dr. John Dinsmore’s Website: dinsmoreresearch.com
• Dr. John Dinsmore’s TEDx Talk: TEDx Talk on Youtube

• Website: dinsmoreresearch.com

• Apple
• Spotify
• Audible

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