Advertisements have the uncanny ability to get under our skin. In 30 seconds they evoke pleasure, fear, joy or pain. Sometimes they do it all at once.
One of the more recent MasterCard commercials did just that. If you haven’t seen it yet you can watch it here.
What was it about this commercial?
There was nothing wrong with it, was there? It was a nice commercial!
If you have spent any time around More than Enough, there is nothing that gets us more riled than the subliminal lies we believe around credit, and this and many other commercials are rife with it.
Problem #1: Credit= Happiness
The beautiful couple, the dreamy vistas, the joy of love, everything about the cinematography and story of this commercial confirm the strange idea that credit equates to happiness. You can be happy, find love and enjoy those priceless moments in life if you use credit.
The truth is, you can experience all of these things without using credit and experience them more fully. Imagine the joy of going on vacation without dreading the huge bill upon your return, or planning your wedding without the stress of starting your married life with looming debts. Happiness does not come from spending whatever you want, whenever you want. It comes from planning what you spend and spending what you plan.
Problem #2: Instant Gratification is Always Better
Didn’t the commercial make it look easy? Everything from winning the girl to getting married was a breeze of bliss and all because he could use his MasterCard now! And all happening so quickly!
Sarcasm aside, our culture has a need to be constantly entertained and for things to be simple and immediate. Credit caters to this beautifully, it is easy to pay now and consider consequences later. As in most other areas, easy does not mean best. Buying now and paying later is a dangerous mentality which leaves our finances and relationships in stress and confusion.
Problem #3: Credit is a Part of Life
Probably the most dangerous and prevalent lie enforced by this commercial. Debt is not a big deal, it is a part of life. Why worry about it, debt is normal.
YOU DO NOT NEED DEBT! It is not necessary to live life only making minimum payments while your finances are in confusion. You don’t need to make payments on a car loan, or take your dream vacation on credit. It is possible and beautiful to live life without going into debt.
Don’t settle for the status quo. Desire freedom from the bondage of debt and confront the lies which constantly bombard us. With planning and patience you can become debt free.
To coin MasterCard’s slogan, the feeling of living debt free: priceless.
To find out how, call More than Enough today: (613) 520-4157.