Book Description

In this fresh, interactive guide, respected financial expert Dave Ramsey offers a proven, comprehensive plan for getting in shape financially.  The Total Money Makeover Workbook takes you one step closer to getting out of debt and achieving financial health. Against a playful backdrop of fitness terminology, Dave gives solid, hard-hitting advice and the “hope” and the “how-to” needed to turn goals into reality. The Total Money Makeover Workbook includes:

• Useful worksheets and forms
• Readable and informative charts and graphs
• The four factors that keep people from getting in shape financially

The Total Money Makeover Workbook is an essential resource for anyone desiring total financial fitness. Dave’s no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach translates into results for those who diligently follow this complete action plan. Tens of thousands of people have already transformed their financial situation with Dave’s advice, rooted in “God’s and Grandma’s common sense.” With The Total Money Makeover Workbook, countless others will be on their way to financial fitness.

Reviews (1)

Are you people with negative reviews kidding me?
This book is so much more than a book for the financially clueless. After you read this book, listen to Dave's radio program or listen to the archives on daveramsey.com. After less than two months of listening to Dave on radio, our bill arrived from the credit card company and I owed $500 for the previous months spending. I was so irate with myself that I pulled out the old credit card and cut it up while my husband grinned from ear to ear.

Then we went to Costco where Dave was appearing and had him sign our book and discovered for ourselves what a terrific guy he is! He not only cured our financial problems but his influence caused us to merge our finances, and write a monthly budget for the first time (at age 63 and 66). My husband and I were so filled with fresh hope that we were turning cartwheels of joy. We can't thank Dave enough!!! Asking for fresh financial advice is like asking for new ways to breathe air. There are rules in the universe dude, shut up and learn. ... Read more

Book Description

Respected financial expert Dave Ramsey offers a comprehensive plan for getting out of debt and achieving financial health. Against a playful backdrop of fitness terminology, Dave gives solid, hard-hitting advice needed to make your goals a reality. Filled with both the “hope” and the “how-to,” The Total Money Makeover includes:

• Useful worksheets and forms
• Readable and informative charts and graphs
• The four factors that keep people from getting in shape financially
• Photos and amazing stories from people who have succeeded following The Total Money Makeover plan

The Total Money Makeover is a necessity for everyone in need of a financial makeover. Readers will learn to live by the The Total Money Makeover motto: “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”

Reviews (39)

The Total Money Makeover
How many books can "Truly" say they have changed someone's life? This book should be a must read for every high school senior to get them on the right financial path. Dave has a very simple step-by-step plan to financial freedom, no matter how much you earn or how old you are.

To supplement this book, listen to his great radio show. It again, has caller after caller you can learn from to help you and your family with your financial future. It has helped my wife, daughter and myself to be able to say, in 5 months, will be debt free, besides our house, following Dave's plan, thanks Dave!

I read a lot of book and can honestly say this book is one I will pass on to someone I truly care about. This book is a must read.

Common Sense for your Dollars and Cents
Dave has done it again. In his new book The Total Money Make Over Dave Ramsey explains and expands on the financial wisdom of "Baby Steps", get out of debt, live on less than you make, save money, and retire with dignity. If you liked Daves' first book Financial Peace (now revisited), you will love the Total Money Make Over. He gives tons of real life examples of how real people got out of debt and changed their lives.

My favorite saying "If you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else."

This is not a "high-brow", sophisticated, plan for how to invest $1 and make a million. This book is full of common sense ideas to save money, get out of debt, and win with money.

I encourage anyone to buy the book. If you want to learn more before you buy tune into Daves radio show, or listen to the archives at www.daveramsey.com

Thank you for your ministry Dave

Great read! Awesome book!
I'd never heard of Dave Ramsey until about 6 months ago when my mentor suggested I read his book. I found out later that he also had a radio show. I know, I know...I live under a rock. :) (We don't have a local affiliate where I live that carries his show.)

Anyway, this book gets you to think, which is the most important thing that it does. Does it give all of the most intricate details? Not always, but it doesn't need to. If you can't make your mortgage payment this month and don't have food on the table, do you really care about the intricacies of the ROI of a particular mutual fund? Hell, no!

The most important thing this book does is give you belief. He MAKES the reader analyze their situation and does a darn good job of it. The stories of success written by Dave's faithful listeners are what solidifies this book, not just Dave's messages. I know I would not be as read to commit to fixing my own problems if it wasn't for these stories. They are key...injections of belief.

God Bless Dave Ramsey and his audience for this great read. I'm re-working our budget right now! :)

It Works!! We Tested It!!
There are so many books on being financially set that you wonder if there can be another book that has the right principles. Almost like all those diet books out there.

I needed some help and knew of 10 other families in need of help also. So we gathered together and did a course of study using this book as our main textbook. The results???

EVERY family is doing much better financially 4 months after completion of our studies. I am referring to 10 different families with 10 different backgrounds!!!

My statement is that if it can work for this group there is no reason why it cannot work for you. The principles are simple to understand and therefore to follow. The key is learning how to really do a monthly budget with enough room to flow without choking through the month.

IT WORKS!!!!

Get Back On The Right Track Financially
This book can definitely change lives. Dave Ramsey provides a step by step "real life" approach to tackling your financial woes. I can't say enough good things about this book.

Are you sick of living paycheck to paycheck?

Are you tired of worrying about your retirement funds?

Are you in a financial mess?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need Dave Ramsey's "The Total Money Makeover". It is a great read. It has helped my family immensely; though we need to concentrate a little more in certain areas.

This book can teach you how to become debt-free in three to four years of sincere effort.

Well, what are you waiting for? Click the "BUY" button. It may be the best move you've ever made.

See ya next review.
www.therunninggirl.com ... Read more

Book Description

Credit cards may sound like a great way to finance your lifestyle - but do you know how much you'll really be paying and just how long it will take you to get out of debt?Even if you consolidate your debts, do you know the hidden pitfalls that could cost you thousands and get you even deeper in debt?Now, this first-of-its-kind guide unlocks the secrets of "credit card math" and shows you how to navigate the tricky world of debt consolidation options - such as home equity loans, 401(k) loans, credit cards - and come out AHEAD.Slash Your Debt: Save Money and Secure Your Future - written by America's top credit experts, Gerri Detweiler, Marc Eisenson and Nancy Castleman - is filled with simple charts that show how to pay off small or large debts as fast as possible, saving you a ton of money.You'll discover ...
* Why a 13% credit card can cost more to pay off than a 19% one ...
* Where to get consolidation loans with no credit check ...
* Smart ways to make secret credit card math work to your advantage ...
* How to create a rapid repayment plan based on your personality ...
* The 8 essential keys to successful debt consolidation ...
* and much, much more!The influential experts, who have already helped thousands of people save millions of dollars, are now offering YOU their priceless secrets in this step-by-step guide for getting out of debt fast.Chapter 1: Debt Consolidation BasicsThe Good News: If you choose the right consolidation loan, you'll have one monthly payment (or at least fewer payments), which can mean fewer hassles.You can save time and money -- if you choose a debt consolidation loan with an attractive interest rate and reasonable repayment terms.The Traps: You may pay more with a debt consolidation loan. That's correct. If you don't choose the right consolidation loan, you can end up forking over even more money than if you had just paid your bills at the higher interest rates.You may be in debt for a very long time. Some of these loans carry long repayment terms that can keep you in debt for decades, if not generations! You may end up deeper in debt than when you started. This happens to a lot of folks. Don't let it happen to you! Follow our advice to ensure that you'll get out of debt and stay out.Our first goal is to help you choose the lowest-cost debt consolidation option for your situation, which will hopefully mean lowering the interest rate you're being charged. But getting a lower rate is just one of the steps you can take to get out of debt and save a bundle. Another is to pay off your debt as soon as possible, ideally in no more than three to five years. Throughout this book, we're going to offer many tips that will help you pay off your debts faster, at less cost, and without creating more problems for yourself in the future. Concrete examples will make it easy for you to tune in on the advice that's most relevant to your situation. To keep the numbers as simple as possible, we'll assume your debt is all on one credit card, carrying a 17% interest rate and requiring a minimum monthly payment of 2% of the outstanding balance. As your balance goes down, so will your required payment. (That's how credit cards work. Mortgages, car loans, student loans, and other personal loans require a predetermined monthly payment that does not get smaller as the balance is paid down.) We'll compare three levels of debt: $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. If your debt is smaller or larger than that, you'll be able to use the tables we provide for information that more closely matches your situation. The Less You're Charged, the More It May Cost At first glance, it would seem that the lower the interest rate charged on a credit card balance, the less you'll pay in interest. And all things being equal, that would be true. Unfortunately, all things aren't always equal, and the credit card industry has come up with an ingenious way to turn less into more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good book on how to reduce debt - and a easy read.
I bought this book and showed it to a friend who is in a credit crunch. He looked at me and said; "This is just plain common sense." I agreed and said, "Then how come you are not doing better financially?"Common sense is not necessarily common knowledge and unfortunately is usually not common practice.-To know and not to do is the same as not knowing.I highly recommend this book.

Great suggestions for cutting interest expenses
Common sense should tell you this stuff but not everyone is dollar wise. In my search for a good book on how to payoff credit card debt quickly, I found most books were for people who have already ruined their credit. We needed a book for someone with good credit, that just wants to payoff their bills. This book concentrates on paying off debt and saving as much as possible in interest. It points out how just a little extra can make a huge difference in the long run. They have several great ideas for reducing your debt and many great examples. The book is very easy to read and comprehend. Great for anyone, regardless of your credit rating!

Better off without it
I bought this book hoping that the writer had provided solid, unique advice for saving money and finding your way out of debt. Unfortunately, the book didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. (Don't use credit cards, pay in cash, etc.) I think that anyone with common sense would be able to think of the tips that the book details. By the time the book arrived, I had already made efforts to do the things that the author suggest without reading any book or researching other sources. Although it is easy to read, the simplicity isn't worth the effort of buying the book and reading it cover to cover. My best advice is that anyone who has questions about debt sit down an try to think logically about what they can do about their situation before consulting the book.

Easy-to-understand advice
This book has really a great advice on how to consolidate your debts. It really makes it clear how to save money & get out of debt fast. The charts in the book are so helpful. I know I'll save a lot of money following this advice. Plus it's really easy to read! I really recommend it.

If you spend money, you need this book
After reading "Invest In Yourself, Six Secrets To A Rich Life" by Gerri, Marc, and Nancy. I didn't think it was possible for them to hit back to back homeruns. They didn't, they've hit a GRAND SLAM! "Slash Your Debt, Save Money And Secure Your Future" should become the financial BIBLE of the average working Joe like you and me. Eight years ago my wife and I were $15,000.00 in debt on credit cards from purchases and a failed Multi-level Marketing program. Soon the creditors started calling all the time looking for payments. I had a copy of Marc's first book, "The Bankers Secret" that was given to me when I was a morning disc jockey on the local radio station. I glanced at it once or twice but thought, "This would never work for me." As the debts climbed higher and the stress level increased, I did what most people would do. I thought about declaring bankruptcy. Many of my "financial advisor" friends told me that it was the easiest way to go. Instead I picked up the book again, looked up Marc's address and found his phone number.I called him and asked him to prove to me that what he said in his book was really true. I found him and Nancy to be two of the most honest down to earth people that I had ever met. And they were living the stress free life that they were writing about. I began to follow their advice and read more of their books and pamphlets. Listened to their audio tapes. And started using their computer programs to eliminate my debt the honest way, by paying it off. We are now only one payment away from credit card debt freedom. All because I listened to the experts on Financial freedom. Marc, Nancy, & Gerri. This new book is so easy to read that the average person who balances their own checkbook can benefit. I read the entire book in three days and then read it again. It's short, simple, and to the point. I do not invest in stocks (yet). So you can skip those chapters if they do not fit your situation and still benefit from this book. Slash Your Debt is a must read for anyone who spends or uses money, and has to work hard to pay it back. If you owe money that is costing you money. Then Slash Your Debt should be in your hands today. I never thought that my wife and I could be so close to having those credit cards paid off. We have saved Thousands of dollars in interest by following the advice of these three financial advisor geniuses. I'll say it again. If you owe money that is costing you money, Slash Your Debt- Save Money And Secure Your Future is the book that has all the answers and advice you'll need. It's your money, it's your future. The decisions you make today will be to your benefit in your future. Start today to "Slash Your Debt"! ... Read more

Book Description

"Managing a Consumer Lending Business" summarizes the lore and the knowledge of the business as the new century begins. It covers many subjects a good manager should know: the importance of how to attract enough good accounts to offset the inevitable bad accounts that every lender will get, controlling line sizes, encouraging use by good customers/discouraging or controlling the bad customers, managing profitability with predictability, if he or she is to effectively run a high-volume consumer business. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best in its Class
Managing a Consumer Lending Business is an excellent primer covering both fundamental practices and principles for safe and sound lending. This book covers the basics well and should be required reading for management trainees and those new to consumer lending. This 2002-published book is superior to older, now-obsolete books on consumer lending, and is spiced with anecdotes, quotes and references to mistakes that made headlines. The chapter on recessions is germaine and usually neglected by other books. The only criticisms are minor: a few too many references to the authors' consulting practice, and it would be improved by a chapter or two on securitization and the gain-on-sale practices.

A Comprehensive Guide
This book is very well written. It is about managing a healthy consumer lending business by using systematic ways to plan, acquire, and maintain a portfolio and by emphasizing quantitative tools to measure its performance and manage risks. I like this book also because it provides careful accounts about the history of this industry.
This book is an excellent reference for serious practitioners. Portfolio managers and financial analysts can acquire important concepts for managing their businesses. You might even be able to start your own consumer lending business by following the steps introduced in the book. Meanwhile, this is an attractive book for consumers to equip with extensive knowledge to deal with credit card issuers, collection companies and to take care of their mortgages and automobile loans, etc. ... Read more

Book Description

A step-by-step action plan to quick and lasting recovery after personal bankruptcy.Indexed. ... Read more

Reviews (156)

The Book Works! The FREE Seminar Works, Too!
I attended Stephen Snyder's seminar a year ago in NY. I purchased the book and have used the non-profit organization's services to delete eight items from my credit report. Last month I applied for and was approved a $13,000-limit credit card with 25-day grace period and 9.99% ongoing APR. My FICO scores are up and I can obtain a no-docs mortgage with 10% down whenever I'd like. The book has many important ideas for bankrupt people and I also suggest going to the free seminar. I attended my second one in NJ this month (one year after my first one). I was remotivated and seriously look to continue my financial future. I can't wait for "Business After Bankruptcy" and the new bankruptcy magazine this winter.

UPDATE (10/25/2002):
With the help of Stephen Snyder and his legal services I was able to remove my bankruptcy from Experian. A typical bankruptcy remains on an Experian credit report from 7 - 10 years. I've only had my bankruptcy for 5 years. Pretty impressive!

Amazing advice!
Wonderful! The advice he has given has truly helped me to begin my financial life all over again. The book includes the names of well-respected companies that are willing to work with bankrupt consumers. The helpful hints on how to talk to future lenders and what to bring with you has also made a big difference. I was amazed on how much more information you can get from lenders if you just ask the questions the way he recommends! The author has also gone through a bankruptcy, which gives him much more credibility. I now have a credit card and am about to buy my first house and a new car thanks to the wisdom I received in this book! I also feel secure that I will not end up back in a grim situation as long as I follow his advice.

The book is written in a way that you do not feel ashamed of your bankruptcy. It gives you hope and a solid path for the future instead of reminding you of your failures.

Thanks Mr. Snyder!

Caveat Emptor
There appears to be a dichotomy here between reviewers who have gone to the seminars vs those just relying on the book to fix their credit. What's the point of the seminar if you've already read the book? Or the purpose of buying the book if you've already attended the seminar? The claims coming out of the seminar participants seem wild. Besides, no one should approach bankruptcy without full knowledge of the new laws pending in Congress. As another reviewer pointed out, things have changed in the past 10 years. Having a valid bankruptcy removed prematurely from credit, as another reviewer claimed they did with Steve's help, is extremely illegal if the purpose is to obtain credit fraudulently. I wonder if Steve takes personal checks to repair credit at the seminar -- or whether he requires all cash from the recently bankrupt?

on the road to recovery
I read the review by ebay_princess. Obviously she didn't truly read this wonderful book. Mr. Snyder does not talk down to women. Instead, he encourages husbands to listen to their wives and their "sixth sense." Each chapter is a step to be learned in the recovery process, so no - there is not a graph showing the steps to take. There's way too much information to consider to print it in such a way. There's many ways to establish credit. This book is for people who want to learn the RIGHT way to do it. Mr. Snyder's examples of his previous thinking (that Ford sucks) is written in a humerous way that tells us all to "build a bridge and get over it" if we want to do this the RIGHT way. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to reestablish their credit, whether bankrupt or not.

CRASH COURSE IN RELIGION?
I should have read the reviews a bit better BEFORE ordering this book! Not only is there NO "step-by-step" guide to repairing your credit, but this man is just plain offensive! He makes sexist pig comments such as how he is the "leader" of his house, but he takes his wife's opinion into consideration....well how nice of him!
I hope no Ford Motor Company employees purchase this book, he also comments on how when he found out a Ford was about the only vehicle he could purchase after bankruptcy they were "scared it would fall apart" being a measly American made vehicle and all. How embarrassing to have to call this man a fellow American!
If you want to read about how jesus saves, women are morons, and american made items are junk, buy this book. Otherwise, start saving your money now and and dont waste your time! I'm selling mine right now (I just got it today) and I feel like i'm ripping someone off by even re-selling this crap! ... Read more

Book Description

Jean Chatzky has been working with viewers of NBC’s Today show for a serieson how to get out of debt once and for all. Her method, both on TV and in this book, issimple yet powerful: the key is saving just $10 a day that you currently waste. It doesn’tsound like much—a movie ticket or lunch for two at McDonald’s— but $10 really cantake you from debt to wealth in just a few years. And because it doesn’t feel like animpossible goal, people are more likely to stick with Chatzky’s plan than an extremeregimen of spending cutbacks.

Chatzky is focusing on debt because it’s the single biggest threat to our financial health.The average American family has sixteen credit cards and high-rate debt of more than$8000, not even counting car loans and mortgages. They pay more than $1000 a year ininterest alone. Debt makes people feel depressed and overwhelmed, leaving them withoutenough money for the truly important things in life—education, retirement, owning ahome, feeling secure.

Chatzky, one of America’s most popular personal finance experts, writes in down- to-earth, woman-next-door language about how to get started right away, without giving upthe things that truly give you pleasure. She offers practical, accessible strategies to helpreaders find the money to pay off their bills, lower their interest rates, and improve theircredit scores. Featuring real-life examples of people featured on her Today showseries, Pay It Down can transform debtors into future millionaires. ... Read more

Book Description

HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS, by Norman H. Perlmutter, CPA, is the book that everyone needs to prevent economic meltdown. It’s the essential, up-to-date, comprehensive and gutsy survival guide to meet this ever growing serious problem of financial ruin that faces so many of us.

In a step-by-step format it guides individuals, families and businesses through a process that will end debt and reverse insolvency without filing bankruptcy. Even if you're on the brink of financial ruin, with this book you can regain financial health and get a fresh start without committing "financial suicide".

HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS provides legitimate workable solutions to repair financial chaos. It’s written in a conversational style and organized in an outline format that promotes understanding and ease of reading for the average person. You will learn in no uncertain terms how to climb out of the hole you are in and get your financial life under control without causing irreparable damage to your future in the process.

The author is a practicing CPA and Financial Advisor who formerly owned a Debt Collection Agency. He understands the tactics of the conniving moneylenders and their debt collector enforcers and all the other scam artists who are out there waiting to rip you off. He knows how to deal with these people and how to stop them from harassing you and from ruining your credit and your reputation. Furthermore and most important, with this book he will teach you how to take control of your financial life and get out of the mess you are in.

HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS is for all those individuals, families and businesses whose debts grow deeper by the day and whose lives are being adversely affected by them. Here’s a summary of how the book will help you deal with your problems with debt:

• It will teach you the basics – what you're up against, who the predators are, how to recognize and avoid their debt traps, the fundamentals of debt, the risks you take when you don't pay, and what they can and cannot do to collect from you.

• It will help you understand your problem – by following the steps outlined you will be able to expose, examine and evaluate your dilemma with debt, how it's affecting your life and the options you have to deal with it.

• You will learn to know your enemy – what makes creditors and bill collectors tick, what motivates them, what their weaknesses are, how you can exploit them and how they are vulnerable to attack.

• It will show you how to keep the wolves at bay – by creating doubt as to the validity and the collectability of your debts and by using "Dirty Tricks" and Counter Attack Techniques to frustrate and discourage creditors and bill collectors.

• It will teach you about your rights and how to take advantage of them – federal and state laws enacted to protect you from abuse and to punish bill collectors who violate them.

• You will learn how to negotiate a debt settlement plan – using basic negotiating skills and built in leverage to set up an advantageous arrangement with your creditors to workout and settle your debts.

• How to use the "Golden Rules of Debtsmenship" - to protect your assets and your privacy and to safeguard credit, and where necessary, how to repair credit and rebuild it.

• How to deal with lawyers – to negotiate debt settlements, contest lawsuits and protect your assets from judgment levies.

• How to settle secured debts and tax debts – by recognizing and seizing upon opportunities to settle or otherwise favorably resolve these debts that creditors have more power to collect.

• How to settle business debts – by understanding the differences that must be considered when negotiating workouts and settlements with business creditors.

• Where to get help if you need it - and how to watch out for all the scam artists who are out there waiting to take advantage of you.

• It’s a reference manual as well as a guide – with its outline format and comprehensive index the book can be used to easily and quickly obtain information on any of the many subjects covered relating to debt and debt relief.

HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS ~ Without Committing Financial Suicide ~ shows you how to end debt and reverse insolvency without resorting to the self-defeating and demeaning ordeal of filing bankruptcy. It provides you with all the knowledge, the techniques and insight required to successfully accomplish this. ... Read more

Book Description

The collateralized debt obligation market has seen explosive growth in the last few years. To help you keep up with the expanding CDO market and its various instruments, Laurie Goodman and Frank Fabozzi have collaborated to bring you Collateralized Debt Obligations: Structures and Analysis. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book is a valuable guide that provides you with critical insights into many areas of this important market sector.

This straightforward and well-rounded resource offers a wealth of practical information on the collateralized debt obligation market and its products.

Topics covered include:

• Cash flow versus market value structures
• Synthetic structures
• Structures backed by speculative and investment grade corporate bonds and loans, emerging market bonds, and structured finance products
• The appropriate default rate for high yield-backed structures
• Mezzanine and equity tranches
• PIK tranches
• Structural considerations and the CDO arbitrage

Filled with in-depth insight and expert advice, Collateralized Debt Obligation is required reading for those who seek to understand this market. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Good Reference
This book covers a broad number of topics on CDOs. I would recommend it with the earlier one "Investing in Collateralized Debt Obligations". Combined they give you a good insight on the market.

Good introduction to the CDO market
This well written book provides an excellent introduction to the CDO market. It covers topics of interest to the potential investor in these securities, in an easy to use format.

Excellent Resource
Ms. Goodman's book is a much needed resource on CDOs. If you are just learning about the CDO market, Ms. Goodman clearly defines key terms and explains the structures from beginning to end. Those with extensive Wall Street experience will enjoy having one of the few well-written references available in the market. It is also a good marketing tool to give to potential investors. This is a good comprehensive reference guide.

Ridiculous and outrageous accusation by an idiot reviewer
The reviewer below suggests that Moorad Choudhry has posted a negative review of this book. To him/her I say this: Moorad Choudhry did not write it. I did. Mr Choudhry actually has a very high opinion of this book, and recommended to me I buy it when I attended a Bloomberg seminar he lectured at a few months ago. "Buy the new Goodman/Fabozzi book on CDOs, its excellent" he told me.
Well I did buy it, but I do not share his enthusiasm for it. It is totally US-centric and has no detail on European transactions.
However, the reviewer below, under internet anonymity, and with no proof whatsoever, decides that any negative reviewes must be written by Mr Choudhry. I am sure that were he to know his identity, Mr Choudhry would instruct his lawyers to sue this spineless, gutless idiot for libel and slander.
Get real, whoever you are. I bought the book and I do not like it. You throw around baseless accusations on Amazon, you have no proof, no clue and no idea. Just because you like the book is no reason for someone else to. And Mr Choudhry did not write that 1-star review, I did. So stop making up ridiculous accusations.

Great book on CDOs - personally recommended
I have no hesitation in recommonding this as a great book on CDOs. I have bought a copy myself and it is very impressive. Moorad Choudhry. ... Read more

Book Description

Studies have shown that 96 percent of Americans fail to achieve financial independence by the age of 65. The number one reason cited? The inability to delay gratification. The hidden cause, as John Cummuta demonstrates, is what he calls the “Coalition of Four,” a subtle combination of marketplace forces focused on seducing American income earners into first spending all they make…and then spending far beyond what they make by using debt. The Coalition preys on this human weakness to systematically siphon most of the money Americans earn into Coalition coffers. Made up of Merchants, the Advertising Industry, Media, and the Credit Industry, the Coalition works synergistically to create a sense of need, prey on our naivet, appeal to our pride, and offer us an “easy” way to afford it all.

But the reality is we can’t afford it all…at least not early and all at once. The result is that most consumers end up being slaves to the Coalition, and fully expect to be making debt payments till the day they die.

After exposing the Coalition and its intentions, Cummuta helps readers stop succumbing to the seduction and take charge of their own financial future. His purpose is to free readers to be able to live the life they really want to live. The solution Cummuta offers is his “Cascading Debt-Elimination System™,” which can eliminate a typical American household’s debts to zero – including paying off their home mortgage – in just 5 to 7 years, using nothing more than the money they already make. And the system works no matter the household’s income level or debt amount.

Finally, Cummuta explains how readers can achieve permanent immunity from the Coalition of Four by maximizing their income and successfully investing it in assets that will produce more than enough retirement income to live on…with our without working. Most people are trapped in their jobs and lives, “sticking it out” just so they can pay the bills. This book gives them the tools and the opportunity to redesign their lives and start over.

Reviews (3)

Your Future Wealth Depends on it!
This book is a must read for every person, no matter where you fall on the income scale! It's easy to read and understand. It not only tells you the problem but, guides you through the solution. People are in for a rude awakening , if they don't begin to understand these dangers and start doing something about it right now! Bravo for John Cummuta for bringing us the answers and guiding us down the road to a brighter future. You've given hope that we can get out of the mess we've gotten ourselves into with debt. And you've done it an entertaining way. Thanks!

My employees love it
I am constantly looking for ways to help my employees have a better life. We employ more than 350 great people around the state of Wisonsin. The majority of these people live from paycheck to paycheck. I get many requests for financial help and I hear sad stories from many of my co-workers about the debt lifestyle they live. I have given hundreds of small loans to my employees over the years.
After reading " Are You Being Seduced into Debt", I realized that some of our workers were never going to be able to escape their current financial mess until they understood how debt can ruin their lives.
John Cummuta has changed my outlook on debt through this book. I have made it required reading for anyone who comes to me for financial help. Donald B Knapp

Blah
This book suffers from the same problem that plagues so many other 'how to manage your money' books; it contains lots of casual chit-chat and very little actual financial advice. I can save you the $22.99 and convey all the money management information that appears in this book in three easy points:

1.Stop using credit to buy junk that you don't need.
2.Pay off all your debt as quickly as you possibly can.
3.Once you are debt-free, invest/save as much money as you can afford.

That's it. But of course anyone reasonably proficient at managing money would already know that. Since you can't charge $22.99 for three sentences worth of advice, Cummuta fills the rest of the book by weaving a tale of grand conspiracy made up of credit card companies, marketers, and media firms that are intent of getting everyone into debt by selling us things that we don't need. Hello? Is it really news to anyone that credit card companies like people being in debt to them, or that advertisers try to sell us things that we don't need? There's a smattering of good advice in this book, but I would suggest it only to people who are really struggling with debt. Even then, you would probably be better off using your $22.99 to buy yourself half an hour with a professional financial planner. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Don't Do It
This book didn't help me one bit. Don't throw away your money!

Disappointing
I bought this book because "Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair" was very informative, but I wasted my money. The book is a big ad for the author's new Credit Insider online magazine that costs a mere one hundred and twenty five dollars a year. Since "Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair" was published in 1994, I was hoping for some updated information, but there was nothing new in the book. It wasted a lot of space on forms that you would be sent anyway if you needed to fill them out. Too much space was also wasted on discussing how you could take the credit reporting bureaus to court and it appeared to me that key points may have been left out. Guess you have to buy the magazine to get all the good advice. Spend your money on a better book.

This book taught me Credit Bureau Kung Fu!
I know it sounds crazy, but after reading this book I felt like I knew Kung Fu when I was dealing with the Credit Bureaus and my past creditors. I had wonderful success prior to this book with the strategies that I learned from "Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair", but when I started using the strategies from this book, I took it up a notch. In a few instances my creditors read the letters that I developed from reading this book, and simply gave in to my requests. The straetgies require a little time (A few months)a little typing and a little postage, but it yields amazing success. In fact, I have even begun helping others to recover their credit. God Bless Todd Bierman and Nathaniel Wice.

Pretty good -- if you want to know how to sue
I bought this book hoping to find out how those credit repair scams work. Todd Bierman doesn't go much into this as I'd like. He simply refers you to his other book, titled "Guerilla Guide to Credit Repair).

The Fix your credit workbook concentrates on how to demand reparations from credit agencies and what to do if they don't respond to your demands. He goes as far as provides stock letters for the credit agencies and a step-by-step guide on how to SUE in federal court by yourself.

I'm not a lawyer, but I think its foolish for any lay person to sue a credit agency in federal court without a lawyer. But Bierman does do a good job in case some bold soul out there wants to know how to file a petition in federal district court.

I just ordered the Guerilla Guide today and am anxiously awaiting it. The Fix your credit workbook is well written and a must have to deal with these pesky credit agencies nowadays.

It's not as bad as some of the others...
For standard 'dispute letter' type credit repair (the type that is used by most credit repair companies) I'd recommend "The Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair" by Todd Bierman & Nathaniel Wice.. even THIS BOOK makes the same recomendation. But, when and if things get sticky and results are lagging and you have accounts that are legitametly NOT YOURS or NOT CORRECTLY REPORTED and you are prepared to use your legal rights to the fullest extent of the law to protect yourself, then this is a good book. If you are serious about repairing your own credit, then I'd recomend getting this book and the Guerrilla Guide both. The average person however, would benefit most from the Guerilla Guide book by (one of) the same authors as this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There are plenty of heavily pedigreed personal-finance experts dishing out good advice, but not many who know what it's like to have to eat ramen all month to make a car payment. On the other hand, there's Mary Hunt, a recovered credit card addict whose free-spending ways landed her family in the middle of $100,000 of unsecured debt in the early 1980s. Pulling herself out of that morass gave Hunt the courage to strike out on her own as a writer, motivational speaker, and the brains behind The Cheapskate Monthly, a newsletter and Web site (www.cheapsk8.com) dedicated to promoting the art of living within one's means, a message that grows ever more urgent as the average American family struggles each year to pay $1,200 in interest alone on revolving, unsecured debt.

While Hunt's previous books have echoed some consistent themes--debt bad, saving good--they've addressed a hodgepodge of different areas: building financial confidence in women and kids, doing Christmas without a stack of credit cards, tips for gourmet cooking at low cost. In Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living, Hunt finally puts together a financial primer for all--whether retirees trying to decide when to start drawing Social Security or teenagers ready to sign for their first college loans. Security, according to Hunt, is built with simple tools: tithing, saving, paying off debt, creating a contingency fund for emergencies, driving used cars, owning a home, having insurance.

Although Hunt's "been there, spent that" zeal and warmth have turned her into the Ann Landers of personal finance, she's not just an agony aunt for spendthrifts--business experts will find her a savvy marketer who's using her name and story to build, somewhat ironically, a very effective brand. That doesn't negate her sincerity, however, or the fact that her advice is sound, her formulas work, and her Rapid Debt Repayment Plan has kept increasing numbers of families out of bankruptcy. And finally, Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living is just a joy to read--its clarity and lack of condescension make it a perfect gift for anyone just starting to understand the basics of money. --Barrie Trinkle ... Read more

Reviews (104)

help for newlyweds
My husband and I were married only three months ago, and have taken on the challenge of trying to combine our ideas of how money should be spent. He is the thrifty one (the cheapskate :)), while I have always been a spendy girl! I spend every dime I can get my hands on, even though I know I should save. I actually had a small victory when I closed all of my store credit accounts that I used on a regular basis! I bought Mary's book for my husband's birthday, and while he was out of town on business, I read it and began to transform our lives! We have quite a substantial amount of debt for a couple in their 20's since we paid for most of our wedding with visa. The first part of the book really spoke to me and how to tackle a large amount of debt in a short period of time. I immediately created a rapid debt repayment schedule that is now posted on our refrigerator! Mary had some great ideas on how to start saving and investing while paying off current debts, no matter how small you start. Her advice was very encouraging when I felt like we could never climb out of our hole! Now we have a plan to be debt-free in 30 months and I cannot wait! Thanks Mary for all your great help and ideas!

Hope for the financially lost!
I loved this book. I purchased it with big plans for New Year's resolutions...get out of debt. Unlike other books of this type I have read, I actually enjoyed reading this one! Mary Hunt covers the nuts & bolts of a sound financial plan in easy to read, concise terms. She uses her own life examples and lots of humor. I liked the fact that she made the concepts easy to grasp without being condescending or too technical for the beginner. Her book covers many different areas of personal finance without being too broad. And there are some great charts and calculators for creating very "livable" solutions to your money problems. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with personal finances, and maybe a new year's resolution or two!

Very Helpful.
This book and the author's website (www.debtproofliving.com) have really turned my financial life around. Such a practical, reasonable and "do-able" plan. After so many futile attempts to learn how to manage my money, I've discovered a way that really works--the debt-proof living way!

Hands Down, This is the Best
I am a personal finance junky and not easy to please. This is it ... the best book I've read on the subject. Not at all condescending. I give it 5 stars because I learned a lot even tho I thought I knew it all.

God this, God that
Can't people just write self-help books anymore without throwing God into the picture?? This is just another example of Christian authors trying to push their values onto others. The author suggests that we give away 10% of our income, and that connects us to God? I don't think so. And besides, if I'm buried in debt and am having financial problems, am I really in a position to just give away 10% of my hard-earned money? I think not! If I make $2000 per month, I'm supposed to give away $200? Maybe when I'm OUT of debt, I'll be in a better position to donate, help the homeless, or aid some other cause.

This book lost credibility from the get-go. ... Read more

Book Description

Today's most complete, up-to-date reference for controlling credit risk exposure of all types, in every environment

Measuring and Managing Credit Risk takes you far beyond the Basel guidelines to detail a powerful, proven program for understanding and controlling your firm’s credit risk. Providing hands-on answers on practical topics from capital management to correlations, and supporting its theories with up-to-the-minute data and insights, this authoritative book examines every key aspect of credit risk, including:

• Determinants of credit risk and pricing/spread implications
• Quantitative models for moving beyond Altman’s Z score to separate “good” borrowers from “bad”
• Key determinants of loss given default, and potential links between recovery rates and probabilities of default
• Measures of dependency including linear correlation, and the impact of correlation on portfolio losses
• A detailed review of five of today’s most popular portfolio models—CreditMetrics, CreditPortfolioView, Portfolio Risk Tracker, CreditRisk+, and Portfolio Manager
• How credit risk is reflected in the prices and yields of individual securities
• How derivatives and securitization instruments can be used to transfer and repackage credit risk

Today’s credit risk measurement and management tools and techniques provide organizations with dramatically improved strength and flexibility, not only in mitigating risk but also in improving overall financial performance. Measuring and Managing Credit Risk introduces and explores each of these tools, along with the rapidly evolving global credit environment, to provide bankers and other financial decision-makers with the know-how to avoid excessive credit risk where possible—and mitigate it when necessary.

Reviews (1)

a complete, robust and comprehensive valuable resource!
In Measuring and Managing Credit Risk, the authors provided a robust, complete and comprehensive treatment of several aspects of modern credit risk measurement and management. Written by two high talented practitioners, this book will become certainly a reference both for academics and practitioners thanks to its careful treatment of several not so known empirical issues which practitioners have to face everyday. At the same time, do not consider the book as a new recipes book for managing credit risk. Both authors already proved their deep knowledges of financial theory and establish once again, through this book, how advanced knowledges of theory combined with significant practical experience make leading researches. As a PhD candidate in Finance, actually writing on credit risk, I definitively adopted this book and higly recommend it for anyone dealing with credit risk issues either through a practical experience or through a theoritical work. ... Read more

Book Description

Roughly once a year, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. treasury secretary and in some cases the finance ministers of other G-7 countries will get a call from the finance minister of a large emerging market economy. The emerging market finance minister will indicate that the country is rapidly running out of foreign reserves, that it has lost access to international capital markets and, perhaps, that is has lost the confidence of its own citizens. Without a rescue loan, it will be forced to devalue its currency and default either on its government debt or on loans to the country's banks that the government has guaranteed. This book looks at these situations and the options available to alleviate the problem. It argues for a policy that recognizes that every crisis is different and that different cases need to be handled within a framework that provides consistency and predictability to borrowing countries as well as those who invest in their debt. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Beware of bogus reviewers
I have not yet read this book and am giving it the average number of stars to keep from tilting the scales one way or another. I would just like to say that not all reviews are equal. Case in point, I did a Google search of "Bill Bauer" and "credit," and came up with some very strange results.

Always read reviews with a grain of salt, espcially those from self-proclaimed "world's best experts bar none" on any particulare subject.

SUPERB !!!
It doesn't get any better than this. I was desperate trying to get a book that could help me in the subject. God, am I glad that I got this book. It teached me everything I have to know in order to fix my credit; from getting my credit report, how to read it (and understand it), and how to "repair it". I jumped from a lousy 523 points to 715 points in a period of 6 months. Yes thats right, they are not magicians (not over night fixing), but real fixing of your credit trough very easy and practical steps. You just have to be consistent cause time is important.
Thank you gentleman for saving my life !!!

Easy to Follow Advice on Credit Repair
I bought this book on advice from How-to-get-credit.com I'd have to agree that the information is a little bit old, but it was good information none the less.

A good book on credit repair.
I thought this was a good book on how to improve your credit report. It is a little bit old but the author does take you step by step through ideas that can help you improve your credit report. I would recommend this book to a friend with credit problems.

waste of money
This book repeats the same things over and over again. It wasn't helpful at all, it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. ... Read more

Book Description

No matter how bad things might appear right now, flawless credit is within your reach, and it does not require credit counselors, debt consolidators or lawyers. BestCredit empowers you to take control of your financial situation, turn things around and ultimately win the credit game. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Best Advice
I have this book and have read it through a couple times,and I think it is probably the best help someone could get that has a need for this type of advice! Period! The section on how to negotiate was of great help to me because it more or less tells you how to respond to the questions that you WILL be asked by collectors and such.It helped a lot also in preparing a deal that I would offer and then responding to a counter offer by the collector if indeed one was. I would recommend anyone wanting to deal with their own affairs in debt negotiation to buy and read this book and follow it as close as possible and see the results,it's great!

Bestcredit : How to Win the Credit Game
Mr. Neal's book is packed with helpful, insightful information. It is a real education on understanding the credit industry and how to deal with it much more successfully. I highly recommend this well written guide to anyone who wants to improve their credit rating, or maintain a good one.

Educational, Insightful and Enjoyable Reading!
Before I read this book I was at a loss as to how to deal with Credit Bureaus. Many years before I had a few credit problems but I'd also worked hard to clean my credit up. Still, I could not understand why my score was not higher. After reading Mr. Neal's book, I took some of his advice, took a much closer look at my reports and found one of the agencies even had the year I was born incorrect! The book was easy to read and I not only learned how to have improved interaction with the Credit Bureau's, but also how to understand them better. Thank you Mr. Neal!

A Must for Those In Debt
This book - speaks plainly and will allow a person to make real changes to their credit standing....

Do it now//

Most simple to follow//

Best Credit... best advice!
C. Linn Bower, a small business owner, January 26, 2004,
Definately a 'results oriented' book
This author deserves the highest praise. I used to have bad credit, and now it's flawless. This book revived my ability to acquire credit; gave me the confidence to apply for credit with out fear of being denied. Neal's techniques helped to clear both inaccurate credit ratings from unscrupulous creditors as well as my own credit mistakes. His real life examples were the shot in the arm I needed to initiate credit repair on my own. Now, I can take full responsibility for great credit and keep it that way. My story began with a payment delinquency with Bank One. I was falling behind on my bills shortly after a difficult divorce, and Neal's technique for credit repair got my relationship with Bank One back on track. They even agreed to remove the bad mark. Also, I was able to clear erroneously reported information from First Union Bank and GMAC. Now they are completely removed. It really worked! And the chapter on identity theft prevention/recovery was top notch. I should also state that I've read other books on this subject. None came close to being so complete and easy to follow. (There was also some refreshing humor in there, something we can all use.) Neal was also accessible by answering questions via email- very surprising. This book isn't for the unmotivated, though. There aren't any silver bullets or snake oil methods for fixing bad credit. I highly recommend this book to anyone wise enough to recognize and take great advice. A+ ... Read more

Book Description

The Overspent American explores why so many of us feel materially dissatisfied, why we work staggeringly long hours and yet walk around with ever-present mental "wish lists" of things to buy or get, and why Americans save less than virtually anyone in the world. Unlike many experts, Harvard economist Juliet B. Schor does not blame consumers' lack of self-discipline. Nor does she blame advertisers. Instead she analyzes the crisis of the American consumer in a culture where spending has become the ultimate social art. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

From the Overspent American -NOT
As a newcomer to this country, I find books like these fascinating, as they give me glimpses into the thought process of my fellow citizens (not all, of course). I enjoyed the book for answering the questions of "why", but found many ideas on coping with consumerism quite hard to swallow. (Sharing the lawnmower with my neighbors? I don't even know their names! (Nor do I want to know them! For that matter, I don't wish to mow my own lawn at all! )And no, the TV show "Friends" have not replaced real people in my life yet. Downshifting and spirituality are great, but seeing the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, and the Red Square are also quite an experience. As long as one does not deplete their life's savings to do it, why deliberately deprive yourself? ) If you are looking for the book on "how to", this is not the one. Instead, a good starting point is "A Millionaire Next Door" coupled with "One up on Wall Street". If you wish a peek at our "class-less" society and their spending/living patterns, read Paul Fussell's "Class". If you are looking for a book on why you may be making a six-digits salary and living in debt, read "The Overspent American". (...)

Engaging and Informative
Juliet Schor provides Americans, in this engaging book, the knowledge of what their overspending can and probably is costing themselves, their families and their community. The data and research allow readers to look at themselves and what they consume to determine who they are and how they can make their lives happier. Schor's pioneering ideas that consumption can make people less happy need to be looked at by many families in America, so that they may be more conscious of advertising and television. Debt in America is becoming a problem, and this book promotes a higher rate of savings by families and spending less for their well-being and happiness.

Wake up and smell the exhaust
This book was pretty good, although I enjoyed Affluenza a little more. Many Americans come off online as spoiled babies who can never get enough, as is seen by reviews for this book. They get their opinions from Talk Radio and television, because they are incapable of thinking for themselves. They deny and placate away any guilt because they would rather be a soul-less consumer than a responsible human being. It is not liberal to care for the environment; it is smart. If you're smart, you surely would know better than to excrete in your own cave. Perhaps not.
Yes, consumerism all comes down to personal responsibility. With great freedom comes great responsibility. In this country of "entitlement", few seem to want to bear the brunt of that responsibility.

Makes You Think About Your Way of Life
Mrs. Schor brings up so many great points that hit so close to home, several times during my reading, I had to put the book down, and simply think for a moment about the sociological points on consumerism she brought up. Something she said, either applied to me, someone in my family, or a friend, or my neighborhood.

This book really caused me to think about reevaluating my priorities. It made me think about whether buying my "things" really gives me satisfaction, or temporarily satisfies a void in my life.

However, this is one of many books that deals with extreme consumption, and simple living as a way to combat it. As with all these books, whenever the issue of "simple living" is discussed, there will be mentions of caring for the environment, and living with less. Any mention of caring for the environment suggests liberalism, which may annoy some readers. If you bother to read this book, be prepared for that angle, though the entire book is NOT liberal.

If you want to handle a book that was good, even though it is HIGHLY LIBERAL, read "Your Money or Your Life", by Dominguez and Robin. This book is familiar to whomever is reading this review. I'm sure of it.

A perspective on Consumerism
The statistical data presented in this book may now be outdated but it still is very insightful as it is. While there is personal accountability, many people may neither be quite aware nor they have realized the reasons why they are in debt very consciously. Some people lack financial goals or money management skills (even if they are considered high salary earners) fueled by lack of values and especially the seductions and 'pressures' to acquire more - that is to keep up, to give or please, to show, to belong, to be seen as.

This may not be the first book written about frugality, I believe that this is a good read. It could make a person more aware of what consumerism is for. I suspect the reason why some readers weren't so pleased with this book was because it is more of 'whats and whys' written in an academic context ( a thesis) with so many lists of bibliography, notes and works cited that maybe others found irrelevant. But we need to understand the whys and whats in order to do the now what and how to...practically.

In terms of downshifting that is earning less and working less or leaving a 9-to-5 job, it may not be possible for others to do. The truth is its not for everyone. A reviewer said that downshifters look suspicious to him or her, well, I could understand the point too since there are many dishonest people everywhere and there will always be. Nonetheless, there are people who have done it with honesty and dignity.

I am merely a student of frugality and I have readt few books about the subject. For people who are interested about the idea of downshifting, I would like to recommend the book below:
"How to Survive Without a Salary: Learning how to live The Conserver Lifestyle" by Charles Long. Reviewers of this book seemed to be very pleased with the way it was written, including myself. ... Read more

Book Description

First publication by the Debtors Anonymous 12 Step Fellowship. It describes the basics of the D.A. recovery program and includes 38 success stories of D.A. members. It offers experience, strength, and hope to help other compulsive debtors and all those who want to stop incurring unsecured debt, such as credit cards, unsecured loans, personal loans, unpaid taxes, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Inspirational & Practical
This book gives both practical information on a very popular and much needed self help program, Debtors Anonymous. The contributors tell their stories of hope and inspiration of what led them to get into debt and how they got out of debt. It also gives many suggesions for folks who are 'underearners.' People who underachieve and don't earn enough to live on or don't earn up to their potential. HIghly recommended.

Hope and inspiration PLUS ideas
A truly remarkable book full of hope and inspiration for anyone who is in debt and wants to get out. The stories of how others have done it offer so much encouragement while providing practical ideas to make the day to day decisions easier. It's full of examples of how reversing the debting dilemma changes other areas of one's life. A must read if you feel hopeless and helpless about your financial situation.

Bringing hope for people with debt and money problems
This program and this book changes peoples lives! It gives the reader inspiring stories of hope from people recovering from debt problems, bankruptcies, compulsive spending, and living in deprivation. The moving accounts of people turning their financial lives around in the context of this 12-step program truly shows how we can recover from compulsive debting. I have read this book numerous times and each time I am given another gift of hope. If you can't get to a Debtors Anonymous meeting, this is the best resource for you. Excellent!! ... Read more