Why do consumer advocates advise against using alternative financial services such as payday loans and check-cashing outlets?

• A. Because these services are regulated more strictly than mainstream financial institutions.
• B. Because these services increase consumer surplus by providing more choices.
• C. Because these services always offer lower interest rates than traditional banks.
• D. Because these services often charge high fees that can exceed consumers' willingness to pay, reducing consumer surplus.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of consumer surplus, which is the difference between what consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and what they actually pay.
2. Recognize that alternative financial services like payday loans and check-cashing outlets often charge high fees and interest rates compared to traditional banks.
3. Analyze how these high fees increase the cost to consumers, potentially exceeding their willingness to pay, which reduces the consumer surplus.
4. Consider the regulatory environment: these alternative services are often less strictly regulated, allowing them to charge higher fees without the same consumer protections.
5. Conclude that consumer advocates advise against using these services because the high costs reduce consumer welfare, despite the availability of more choices.