Re ‘Paydazed in RVA: High-fee loan traps Henrico man,” Jan. 28-30 edition:

Many people come up short of money. It is an unfortunate situation to be in, especially when you are on a fixed income.

I am 56 and was diagnosed in June 2007 with an incurable disease, and was placed on treatment for the rest of my life. I live on $959 monthly from government disability.

I have come up short of cash on several occasions and had to use car title loans and cash advance loans.

Based on my income, $150 was all I could borrow. I was given a contract to make one payment of $194.90 within 62 days. I didn’t feel that I was trapped because of the high interest rates.

Title loans, lines of credit, cash advance ‘til payday or Internet loans are not a permanent solution for a short-term money problem.

My advice to anyone who decides to use one of these lending institutions? Before you sign your name, be aware! My personal experiences have been great. Those people are not the devil.

ANTHONY R. FORD

Richmond