6 - Q. But isn't this what everyone does? The degree... A. Only in the matter of degree to which we select our opportunities after studying all available options. All businesses have strategic planning, but we find many back into their opportunities. We always have contingency plans ready. Q. So there is a point when you're warned? A. The big mistake most businesses make is being too persistent when they should decide the idea won't work. Q. Isn't part of planning giving it amount of time to work? A. Yes. Some say let's change the plan, because they're unwilling to admit it won't work. For example, our accident and health insurance was a very significant volume opportunity but not a significant profit opportunity. Our insurance people thought they could get it fixed. But we found most of our competitors were having the same problem. Q. How long a time do you generally set? For instance, if you're not there yet, but you're moving there, are you flexible enough to give it more time? A. Yes, but the best planning anticipates all the circumstance you might encounter. Q. How long-run will some be given? A. Accounts-receivable inventory financing was given a long run. It began in 1967 and ran until 1971...a single office operation, I believe...before we became persuaded we should expand on a national basis. We've had a credit card on test in New Jersey for some time, watching its characteristics for acceptance, etc. We haven't yet decided to either discontinue the pilot operation or expand it. That's been under study since around 1973. Slowed down by heavy demand for funds in 1974 and by other diversification activities in consumer financing. Q. What is your biggest problem at moment? A. Probably government regulations at the federal and state level in consumer activities. (At this point Mr. Stanger asked that his comments in answer to this question be off the record.) Our biggest business problem? Things are going pretty well and I can't identify any major problem. Q. Do you expect to be able to continue your growth rate? A. We won't be able to grow our assets at 19% as in the past year or two. We expect net income growth to be at a somewhat slower rate in immediate years ahead. But then we look forward to resuming