We’re in an era when mortgage rates are in the 4 to 5 percent range, and car loans are 4.75 to 6 percent. So, why would anyone pay 200 to 700 percent on a loan? Usually, it’s because people are money hungry. Over the next three months, people will give up huge amounts of money in “fees” because they want their tax return back as quickly as possible. Typically, these companies claim you’ll get your return back in three days, which sounds very appealing. But they charge you an exorbitant interest rate to do so. You’d be much better off to file the normal way and wait 10 or 12 days and get the full amount back. Besides, you shouldn’t be getting a very big tax refund anyway. If you’re expecting one, it means you’re giving an interest-free loan to the government. You need to reduce your withholding through your employer so you’re getting a very small refund or breaking even on your taxes. The people who will spend money on these loans have a hard time saving money. Why not use a payroll savings plan and invest automatically in a savings bond or CD. You are not allowed to touch the money for at least a year, and you don’t have to borrow money to get your own money back.