Adrian - firstly, welcome to FT and secondly, welcome to the US. From what I understand, you have had to relocate to Manhattan from the UK for work. I'm not familiar personally with the resources available at your place of work for employees who've come to the US, but I might suggest asking human resources if they can give you any guidance.

This part of my response you can read or disregard, as you wish; I'm trying not to be offended by some of what you've written. Yes, banking and credit in the US isn't flawless, but 'Give a population access to credit, corn syrup in every foodstuff and the false god of patriotism and they will be happy watching another Iraq death toll report on their new plasma TV's while eating donuts.' is a bit much. In future, you might find that those of us who do live in what you refer to as 'the flyover states' would be more willing to give you the advice or commiseration we assume you want when you post to FT if there was a bit less stereotyping.