Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

The Old Curmudgeon Rant

Billy Kaderli

I don’t know if this is part of my grieving process, but I do know that part of grieving is being exhausted. And I am. Therefore I have little patience for incompetence and for low-level people working in credit card fraud departments who have never left their zip code.

I’m tired of this bullshit. My credit rating is excellent. I don’t like debt, so I pay my cards in full every week. Yet I still have to jump through insane verification hoops just to open a new card—or in one case, simply to purchase a $106 item. I don’t use points or whatever else these cards are offering. So I’m asking myself why I even need them.

I monitor my accounts regularly. I’ll spot any issues well before the card companies do. It seems they want to annoy people who pay their balances in full and never carry a balance. Maybe that’s their model. I honestly don’t know. But I’m tired of being treated like an abused spouse when I’m not the problem. I’ve been with one card company for decades and would think that loyalty goes both ways, but I believe I’m mistaken.

Why did we give up so much power to these card companies when we are the consumers? Without us, they wouldn’t be in business. One new card wanted me to upload my passport and a selfie. When I explained that I have a high credit score and no debt, the rep said I was “lucky.” No—I worked my ass off with discipline and responsible spending habits. I thought that was what I was supposed to do. If they can’t figure out who I am with the information I provided and my credit history, I’m questioning whether I even want to deal with them. I’m passing on their offer.

I’m concluding that these credit card fraud departments are self-fulfilling annuities. The more people they harass, the more important their jobs appear to the company. Instead, they’re driving responsible customers away. I’m tired of this bullshit. They need me. I don’t need them.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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