Episode 56: How Lenders Are Draining Borrowers Dry (And What You Can Do About It)

Why do so many lenders squeeze every last dollar from borrowers, even when they’re already making great returns? Hidden fees, surprise penalties, and fine print can turn a fair loan into a financial trap, leaving borrowers drained and frustrated.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the practices he sees in the lending world that cross the line from fair business into taking advantage. You’ll hear real examples of why he chose to do things differently, and what both borrowers and lenders can do to create better, more transparent deals. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the hidden penalties and fees borrowers often overlook.
• Understand why some lenders design loans expecting defaults.
• See how transparency builds stronger, repeat borrower relationships.
• Learn what to watch for in contracts to avoid being blindsided.
• Discover how responsible lending can still deliver 30–50% returns.
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Borrowers who want to protect themselves from predatory lending tactics.
• Lenders looking to grow returns without unfairly burdening clients.
• Investors are curious about how fair, transparent lending really works.
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
This episode sheds light on the side of lending that often goes unspoken, the ways contracts and penalties can quietly drain borrowers. Whether you’re lending or borrowing, you’ll walk away with clarity on what’s fair, what’s not, and how to avoid getting caught in the middle. It’s about creating long-term success instead of short-term traps.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why lenders push borrowers for every dollar 

[01:00] The problem with penalties built into short-term notes.
[02:00] How hidden strategies inflate borrower costs without them realizing. 

[04:00] Why transparency matters more than flashy low rates.
[05:00] Common surprises borrowers face (and how I handle them differently).
[06:00] Why repeat business is better than squeezing borrowers once.
[07:00] The case for educating borrowers to protect themselves.
[08:00] How to learn my lending approach and grab the Smarter Wealth Blueprint.

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/