Americans’ credit card debt levels have just notched a new, but undesirable, milestone: For the first time ever, they’ve surpassed $1 trillion, according to data released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

  • @gila
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    21 year ago

    Paying a portion later means more cash can flow through the business and provide utility today. Your post implies that every business operating this way is effectively insolvent without access to credit, but even if your employer has the money to pay for the raw materials today, it generally isn’t in their best interest to do so

    • @afraid_of_zombies
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      11 year ago

      Sure. There is going to be variation. Some companies are going to be money empires, I have heard ship builders usually are but can’t confirm that. Plus you got like tech startups that can spend a decade without making a penny.

      And yes it generally isn’t a good idea for a business to pay for everything right away. If they run low on cash they will have to borrow vs delayed payment means an interest free loan. Back in my freelancer days I used to get furious about net-90. Do all the work, lay out all the expenses, and still have to wait 90 days to get paid.

      Without trust the whole thing burns to the ground. Good thing everyone trusts that the banks won’t fuck us over and demand a bailout, that will never happen.