Delinquent: Inside America's Debt Machine

Delinquent is a book by Elena Botella that explains how banks lure Americans into debt and how to break the cycle. It combines insights from the banking industry, quantitative data, and research findings with personal stories from interviews with indebted families. Botella exposes the ways that banks exploit our common weaknesses and fantasies about money and presents a plan for reckoning with and reforming the industry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

A consumer credit industry insider-turned-outsider delves into the intricate mechanisms employed by banks to trap Americans in debt, offering valuable insights on how to break free from this cycle. Through her book, Delinquent, journalist Elena Botella takes readers on a captivating journey, exploring the impact of debt on individuals and families across various settings, from the bustling streets of Detroit to the cozy kitchen tables of Sacramento.

Unveiling the hidden costs of consumer credit to American households, Botella, formerly an industry insider who played a role in setting credit policy at Capital One, exposes the unscrupulous and often predatory practices employed by banks to entice borrowers into debt they cannot afford to repay.

By combining Botellas industry expertise, quantitative data, research findings, and personal anecdotes from interviews with indebted families nationwide, Delinquent offers a relatable and empathetic perspective on understanding debt. Through her insightful analysis, Botella exposes the ways in which bank marketing, product design, and customer management strategies exploit our common weaknesses and financial fantasies, perpetuating the cycle of debt.

Furthermore, she challenges the notion that competition between banks is solely responsible for improving the lives of Americans struggling with debt, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform within the industry. In her quest for solutions, Botella presents a comprehensive and forward-thinking plan for reckoning with and reforming the consumer credit sector.

Delinquent poses important questions about the accessibility of credit and the responsibility of banks in providing it without causing harm. By shedding light on the underlying issues and offering practical solutions, Botella's book serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to break free from the burden of debt and build a more financially secure future.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520380356