I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. No B.S. Just a 6-Week Program That Works.

by Ramit Sethi

Ramit: Hi. I just saw this bank charge for overdrafting, and I’d like to have it waived. Bank rep: I see that fee . . . hmm . . . Let me just see here. Unfortunately, sir, we’re not able to waive that fee. It was [some BS excuse about how it’s not waivable]. Bad things to say here: “Are you sure?” Don’t make it easy for the rep to say no to your request. “Is there anything else I can do?” Again, imagine if you were a customer service rep and someone said this. It would make your life easier to just say no. As a customer, don’t make it easy for companies to say no. “Well, this Indian author told me I could. Have you read his book? It’s called I Will Teach You to Be Rich, and I love it because . . .” Nobody cares. But it would be cool if a thousand customers called their banks and said this. “Okay.” Don’t give up here. It’s easy to walk away, but there’s a better way. Try this instead: Ramit: Well, I see the fee here, and I’d really like to get it waived. What else can you do to help me? (Repeat your complaint and ask them how to constructively fix it.) At this point, about 85 percent of people will get their fees refunded. I have hundreds of comments from people on my blog who have taken this advice and saved thousands of dollars in fees. But in case the rep is obstinate, here’s what you can do. Bank rep: I’m sorry, sir, we can’t refund that fee. Ramit: I understand it’s difficult, but take a look at my history. I’ve been a customer for more than three years, and I’d like t...