31. Which of the followIng statements best descrIbes how Amerlcans are belng outsmarted by banks and other lenders? We are taught that we can buy happiness. We are driven by consumerism. Credit is marketed so well that we desire to have it while completely dismissing the fact that interest rates and fees continue to destroy our financial well-being. Buying things on credit has become acceptable in our culture.

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a question about the ways in which Americans are being outsmarted by banks and other lenders. The options provided are:<br />1. We are taught that we can buy happiness.<br />2. We are driven by consumerism.<br />3. Credit is marketed so well that we desire to have it while completely dismissing the fact that interest rates and fees continue to destroy our financial well-being.<br />4. Buying things on credit has become acceptable in our culture.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The question asks for the statement that best describes how Americans are being outsmarted by banks and other lenders. This implies that the answer should reflect the negative impact of banks and lenders on the financial well-being of Americans.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Looking at the options, the third option, "Credit is marketed so well that we desire to have it while completely dismissing the fact that interest rates and fees continue to destroy our financial well-being," seems to best fit the question. This statement highlights the negative impact of credit marketing on the financial well-being of Americans, which aligns with the question's requirement.