Check Cashing Places

I read an article in the WSJ about how a lot of utility companies require their customers to pay their bills at check cashing chains if the customer wants to pay in person. PG&E is actually one of those utility companies. This may save the utility company money because they can shut down their own regional customer service and payment centers, but it also means that you're directing your customers into places that are pushing payday loans. A lot of these loans can carry interest rates in excess of 400% annually. I don't know what loan shark rates are like, but that's ridiculous. I'm not saying they should re-open their service centers, but at least send partner up with a reputable institution like a bank chain (BofA or Wells Fargo or something). I'm sure they'd welcome the foot traffic as well given most people don't go to branches anymore.

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Nine Prescriptions for Building the Duke Entrepreneurial Community

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