A Song of Debt and Credit

With the new season of Game of Thrones under way, we’re all thinking about swords and magic, dragons and white walkers. We thought it would be fun to compare the different houses in all of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros to see who’s who and what’s what. We all know a Lannister always pay his debts, but what about the other houses? Who has the best credit score? Who is all set for a comfortable Westerosi retirement? Who is going to leave their heirs the most assets? Let’s take a look at 'A song of Debt and Credit'

A Song of Debt and Credit

The Baratheons

House Baratheon, who ruled in the first season, was headed by Robert Baratheon, a gluttonous drunk who loved to explore. Clearly these are spenders, most likely deeply in debt with no end in sight. They like the finer things in life, but rather than work for them, they’ll take them by force, throw moderation to the wind and die doing what they loved. They fly by the seat of their pants, merrily, it seems, without a care in the world. We'd give the Baratheons a D for their money skills.

The Greyjoys

Now, The Greyjoys aren’t necessarily the worrying type. They’re fearless and ferocious, cruel and calculating... but planners, they are not. The health of their own wealth and credit isn’t likely to show up on their radar that often, however, with their tendency to attack and invade, they probably ought to pay attention to it. All good conquerors need men and gear! They Greyjoys are certainly below average planners, but strike carefully. We'll give them a D+.

The Tyrells

The wealth of the Tyrell’s suggest they are great savers, considering they were, at one point, an offshoot branch of the House Gardener. They rose from just an afterthought, to a powerful noble house with immense wealth, impressive enough to marry into the ruling Lannisters. They’ve gone from mediocrity to lenders themselves, and their credit likely reflects that. In our eyes, the Tyrells could save a bit more, so we'll give them a B.

The Boltons

The Boltons? To be honest, I’d rather not talk about the Boltons. Let’s just assume they’re the worst, and move on.

The Starks

House Stark. Everyone’s favourite house. This house is fierce but compassionate. They put family first and try to stick by their personal values as best they can, even in times of war. They don’t indulge or overspend. Their lives are simple and respectable and centered around planning and being prepared. Even though most of the Starks have been scattered, it is likely they still have good credit, except, of course, in the eyes of the Lannisters. The Starks always do more with less, so we'll give them an A.

The Lannisters

Speaking of the Lannisters, does a house whose motto is “A Lannister always pays his debts” have good credit? Surprisingly, I’m gonna say no. The Lannisters are cruel and ruthless and will destroy and usurp anything to get what they want. They use up resources faster than Tyrion can down a bottle of wine, and there’s not one part of me that thinks they care all that much about the cost. They’re wasteful and indulgent, greedy and frivolous. If the Lannisters don’t start living by their motto soon, they’re gonna need the pros here at Refresh to ensure the future health of their noble house. It's a C for the Lannisters, who could use a lesson in saving over spending.

The Targaryens

Finally, House Targaryen, the mad rebels; the silver haired stunners; the keepers of dragons. We don’t get to see a lot of the House Targaryen, except, of course, for Daenerys. As she fights her way back to Westeros, cutting deals and freeing slaves along the way, she seeks the advice of those who’ve fought before her and those who have the wisdom of experience. She’s careful and intelligent, cautious and calculated. She tried her best with what she’s got and I don’t think anyone would disagree, she means well, even though she makes mistakes. Daenerys is you. Daenerys is me. Daenerys will succeed with the right advisors. Hey! Maybe she should come visit us at Refresh. For Daenerys, a B (and an A with the right advice!)

Jon Snow

They say he knows nothing, yet Jon Snow may be the best builder we know. With his ability to look at the bigger picture, Jon is able to bring enemies together to work towards a bigger purpose. In many ways, the houses of Westeros could look to Jon and learn something about planning in general. At Refresh Financial, we're big fans of Jon. His ability to do more with less gives him an A!

So, who do you think wins the grand game in 'A song of Debt and Credit'? Which game of Thrones character are you? Let us know in the comments.