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Cleo AI paid $17 million as a result of a FTC lawsuit about misleading cash advance services and obstructing efforts to cancel subscriptions. They say you know you’ve made it when you get haters, but there’s a bit more to this case.

Cleo is a cheeky personal finance app that promises to “roast you into financial stability.” They’re an AI-superpowered budgeting, financial tracking, and cash advance service.

However, Cleo is also getting roasted as they pay out $17 million for allegedly deceptive marketing and sneaky cash advance fees.

But it’s not just Cleo.

Everyone and their dog is offering “early paycheck access” or “instant cash advances.” Platforms like Dave, Albert, Chime, and so, so many more are popping up everywhere

It sounds helpful — until you’re stuck in a rinse-repeat cycle of borrowing $75 at a time with a $10 tip and wondering why you’re broke two days after payday.

It’s no conspiracy. The US financial system is designed to take advantage of you in many ways.

Good thing you’re subscribed to this newsletter. Consider sharing it with your friends so their finances glow just like you!

There are many predatory norms out there. Let’s make sure they don’t get the best of you.

They wear sleek UX and say things like “we’re here to help.” Don’t be tempted by their (financially) sweet nothings!

Here’s the shortlist of potential money drainers:

Ever heard “0% intro APR?” It’s just the pregame. And that party ends quicker than too many tequila shots. 20%+ interest hits harder than sunlight the next morning.

To be clear, I support credit cards. They’re beneficial for many reasons, if used correctly.

Remember kids: treat your credit cards like cash and pay off your statement in full every month.

Free trials are fun until they’re not.

Forgot you signed up? Congrats, you can now watch your favorite show on Netflix, Disney, Peacock and YouTube TV simultaneously.

Or maybe unsubscribe from one or two and save some cash.

These are especially mischievous because they seem like they’re doing the ultimate favor. But then you get caught in the cycle we mentioned earlier.

These services are especially popular right now too. Here is a screen recording I took when I searched Cleo on the AppStore:

Remember that these are loans, and they should be treated as such.

Overdraft fees are when you’re charged a fee for trying to withdraw more than what’s in your account.

Also, some banks like Bank of America and Chase will charge “maintenance fees” if you don’t meet certain exemptions.

It’s important to be aware of these fees or go with a bank that doesn’t have them. Capital One doesn’t have overdraft or maintenance fees.

There are many ways financial advisors can make money. Try to look for advisors that charge a flat or hourly fee.

Many advisors will charge a fee based on your assets under management (AUM), which can take a lot out of your finances.

Others will make money on commission from selling you their various financial products, which also probably isn’t the route you want to take.

These are some of the big ones. There are plenty of other ways the system is set up with poor intentions. Respond to this email if you have any questions.

Stay safe out there friends.

This is your once-a-month ritual to make sure you’re not slowly leaking cash like a sad bouncy house on Lil Timmy’s birthday.

Try to focus on the value of your bank account after subtracting what you owe on your credit card. This is more representative of the actual amount of cash you have.

Open your banking app. Look at your last 30 days. I swear it won’t be a jump scare.

Or maybe it will. But Yoda once said, “If you face your fears, the only thing sure to perish is fear itself.”

Or maybe he didn’t say that. But you get the idea. Review your finances, floss the gunk out like your checking account is your pearly whites.

Then, set a calendar reminder for a monthly review. Pick a day — like the 1st of each month, payday, or the day you swear to start drinking more water.

But actually do it in this case. ;)

Thank you so much for being a part of this newsletter. I am grateful to write to you weekly and I hope this helps you feel more confident with your finances.

If you found this newsletter helpful, please share it with a friend and invite them to subscribe.

I have a goal of helping people learn personal finance. It works better when more people get my emails.

Thank you for helping me (and your friend) out!