There are no hard numbers on payday loans, because firms won’t release those figures, but they do acknowledge the increased interest in the products, even if the companies aren’t lending more money. Steven Schlein, spokesman for Community Financial Services Association, a trade group for the payday loan industry, said it will know more about the financial meltdown’s impact as time passes.

“Customers are trying to make smart decisions. They don’t want to bounce a rent or utility check,” Schlein said. “It’s usually a temporary thing where their paycheck isn’t matching up to their means.”

Yes, the customers know what they’re doing.  And they don’t want so-called “consumer groups” or legislators making their decisions for them.