In 1999, thousands of North Carolinians did, and they turned to the state's 1,000 payday lenders who advance cash for a short-term loan for a fee.
Advocates criticize payday lenders for excessive fees and rollover abuses.
Payday lenders contend their industry provides a service people need. The Kenan Institute is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School. The book and photos by local photographer York Wilson will be showcased in a series of venues statewide. The exhibit will be displayed through Jan. 31. The explosive growth of payday lenders in North Carolina mirrors national trends, said Michael A. Stegman, MacRae professor of public policy and business, director of the Center for Community Capitalism and head of UNC-CH's public policy curriculum.