This post comes from J.D. Roth at partner blog Get Rich Slowly.
Sometimes I wonder: Have I always had personal-finance conversations all the time? I don't often initiate them, but money seems to be a constant topic, even when people are unaware that I write about it every day.
For example, I met with a fellow who needs some boxes to ship his woodworking products. (By day I am the sales force for my family's small box factory.) My customer gave me a tour of his shop, showing me his doll beds and myrtle clocks with obvious pride. "When I retire in a few years, I want to spend my time doing this," he said. "I love it."
After we'd measured his products and determined what kind of boxes he needed, we began to discuss payment terms. "Now, do you guys take credit cards?" he asked.
"We don't," I said. "We're not set up to handle them."
He sighed. "I guess I can pay by check. I should be able to pull the money together. It's probably for the best anyhow. That interest will eat you alive."
"Oh, I know," I said.
He took a sip of his coffee and then told me his story.
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