The Rules of Wealth, 4th Edition

RULE 88

Check the small print

I could write you a contract promising you a cast-iron, no get-out clauses, guaranteed, money back without quibbles, cross my heart and hope to die in a cellarful of rats, sort of thing that would stand up in a court of law and withstand any scrutiny you cared to put it under. What am I selling? It doesn’t matter. Small print can cost you dear. Check it carefully.

I love the sort of small print classics, such as taking shoes back that don’t fit only to be told they can’t be refunded if they have left the store. Or the small print on medications that say they can make you sick and you can’t sue. Or the small print on computer software that says you are bound by the agreement if you break the seal on the packaging ...