Dear ABSA

I would just like to say a few words before I consider accepting this gracious anti-recession gift- one that you would like me to consider as a “now-living-spoil-yourself-treat”.

I wonder how intimately you really know me?

I am curious to find out whether my age or my credit record has instigated this. You see, my age puts me into an opportunity-filled “Young-Up-And-Coming” or “Achievers” customer segment. My credit record makes me lower risk. But, since my credit spending can’t be very profitable for you, I suspect it may be the former. (I suppose I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but since you tell me that the first benefit I’ll enjoy is “having the elite symbol of ‘Gold’ in my wallet”, I am guessing generalisations are permitted.)

I also wonder if you are aware how much money I earn (you do have access to these things, you know). If you actually asked me or just snuck a look at my transaction history, you may see that I have very little spare cash floating around after bills are paid and my petrol tank is topped up. The salary that gets deposited into my account each month is not massive and it doesn’t take the rocket scientist of finance to figure that out.

Regardless, you are telling me to reward myself, expand my existing credit limit and buy things that I cannot afford this month and will not be able to afford next month. (I somehow imagine that paying rent and cell phone bills, paying off a car, and filling my car with petrol to get to work is not quite considered a treat.)

Enough said, but I’d like to correct you on something: “living for now” is a saying more appropriately and wisely used in conjunction with one’s attitude as opposed to one’s spending patterns during a financially-insecure recession. But, thank you for the invaluable advice.

Regards,
Jayne