George's Takes
Trust But Verify — What 6 Years of Partnerships Taught Me About People
Weeks after I cut him off, blocked his number, and swallowed a financial loss I couldn't afford — he emailed me asking for referrals.
·6 min
Honest Money
by George Pu
I've been broke.
Cash advances to survive. I know what it feels like.
Then I spent 6 years in fintech helping thousands of people with loans.
Let me help you figure out your next move.
Not financial advice. I'm not a licensed advisor - just sharing what I'd personally do based on my experience.
What I can help you figure out
Extend Your Runway
Quitting your job? Need cash to bridge a gap? I'll help you decide between 0% APR cards and personal loans.
Pay Off Debt Faster
Credit card debt eating you alive? Balance transfers and consolidation loans can save you thousands in interest.
Make Your Savings Work
Your bank pays 0.01% while inflation eats your money. High-yield accounts pay 4-5% with the same FDIC insurance.
Finance Big Purchases
Need equipment or making a major purchase? I'll tell you when 0% cards make sense vs. when you need a loan.
Why I made this page
I ran SimpleDirect, a fintech company, for 6 years. We helped thousands of people find personal loans. I saw what worked—and what destroyed people financially.
Before that, I was taking cash advances from credit cards to pay rent. I know what financial desperation feels like. I also know what it feels like to finally get your head above water.
6+ years
running a fintech startup
1000s
of borrowers helped
Honest
even when it costs me money
How this page works
1
You tell me your situation
How much you need, what your credit looks like, your timeline
2
I give you my honest take
What I would actually do in your shoes—not a generic checklist
3
You make the call
No sales pitch, no pressure. You decide what's right for you
Some links are affiliate links where I earn a commission. I always tell you which ones.
Want to read more first?
Detailed guides on each topic, with the full reasoning behind my recommendations.
Common questions
Are you a financial advisor?
No. I'm not licensed. This is my personal opinion based on 6+ years in fintech—not professional advice.
Do you make money from this?
Some links are affiliate links. I always tell you which ones. When I recommend something with no affiliate, I say that too.
Why should I trust you?
Don't trust anyone blindly. I share my reasoning so you can decide for yourself. Your situation is unique.
What if your advice doesn't fit?
Trust your gut. The quiz can't capture everything. Read the detailed guides for more nuance, or consult a professional.
Ready to get started?
Let's figure out your next move.
Takes about 2 minutes. I'll ask a few questions and give you my honest take.
