Maxed out : hard times, easy credit, and the era of predatory lenders
(Book - Regular Print)

Foreclosures are hitting record highs; Americans are declaring bankruptcy at rates ten times that during the Great Depression; more college students drop out because of debts than poor grades; reports of debtor suicides proliferate. In other words, it's a great time to be in the banking business. Documentary filmmaker Scurlock takes us on a road trip around a country populated by debt pirates, corporate predators, human credit card billboards, debt evangelists, megamillion-dollar spec homes, and, of course, trillions of dollars of easy credit. Combining startling facts with even more startling examinations of individuals, institutions, the government, and modern religion, Scurlock separates the myths--there is "good debt" and "bad debt"--from the harsh reality--corporations partner with colleges to target today's youth; credit reports are riddled with errors that will never be fixed; and death, for many of those in trouble, is the only way out.--From publisher description.