Book Description

This text addresses the challenges that result from the change and growth within the financial services and credit industry.It is the best selling text in this market ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Possibly his best book yet
I downloaded the e-book yesterday and read it last night before going to bed. Once I started, I couldn't stop reading.

While some of the contents are similiar to the other Rich Dad e-books and programs, there is also new material here. The concept of not having to cut up your credit cards is interesting.

Too many so called "financial experts" are touting "cutting up your credit cards." My grandparents used to tell me the only way to lose weight is to push away from the table. Doesn't work - neither does cutting up your credit cards.

What Rich Dad teaches is responsibility - how to responsibly use credit cards and other forms of debt not only to stay out of trouble but actually to create wealth.

I highly recommend this e-book and will buy the paperback when it comes out next month. The stories were inspiring and a joy to read.

Kiyosaki has done it again - another winner.

Another "reviewer from Chicago" responds
I have to admit that the Amazon Board is pretty amusing. We have this guy claiming to be "the true reviewer from Chicago" giving this book five stars but Rich Dad Success Stories only 3 stars because there not enough business success stories to warrant 5 stars.

Well Mr. "Reader from Chicago", if you truly bought the book, you should have reviewed it quickly at the book store like I did and I assume the others did as well. I enjoyed Rich Dad Success Stories and felt that it was five star material based on the content. You feel differently, that is your choice. Enough!

In Becoming Rich .... Without Cutting Up Your Credit Cards Kiyosaki expands on the philosophy that you don't have to cut up your credit cards and can do quite nicely by using your credit cards properly. This is also a five star book. Too many other so called financial "experts" seem to think that the answer to credit management is "just cut up your credit cards."
Sorry, wrong answer.

A certain amount of debt is good when used responsibly. Cutting up credit cards is not responsibility, it is only a feel good experience that gives temporary relief while you still have the long term pain of debt.

Excellent book Mr. Kiyosaki. I hope you keep them coming. Oh, "reader from Chicago", perhaps we will meet someday in Chicago. I frequent Ophrah Winfrey's restaurant and other places where people who do not cut up their credit cards but do own their own businesses and real estate frequent. Perhaps this section of Chicago is unfamiliar to you.

Blatant promotional vehicle
I am in the process of listening to books on CD as my job involoves a good deal of driving. I listenend to Rich Dad / Poor Dad and was invigorated. I decided to add this book on CD to my list. I just got done with it and actually skipped many parts as i felt that it was strictly a vehicle to promote other Kiyosaki products. There were really no new ideas in this book. Don't waste your time or money.

Read his other books...
First I'd like to say that in large Kiyosaki has some great ideas, and two of his books (the 1st rich dad poor dad and cash flow quadrant) were interesting reads. Unfortunately, this one isn't one of them. If this book was a set of new ideas or even just compilation of other works it have been pretty good. Sadly, this book just serves as one big advertisement of all of his other products, such as his board game, which he dedicates almost a full chapter to advertising it. There are glimmers of good information, but most of is very vague.

To summarize, I wasn't very happy to buying and reading a paperback commercial. I would recommend his other books, but I'm not sure I even have respect for the author anymore.

Rehash of previous material
Nothing new in this book that hasn't already been mentioned in his other books.
Forget about getting rich with this guys advise.
Get a good broker and invest on the Dow, is my advice to you.
The only person who is gonna get rich from this book is the guy who wrote it. ... Read more

Book Description

The business of credit ratings began in the United States in the early 1900s. Over time, credit ratings have gradually taken on an expanding role, both in the United States and abroad and in official financial market regulation as well as in private capital market decisions. However, in 1999 the Bank for International Settlements (through its Committee on Banking Supervision) proposed rule changes that would provide an explicit role for credit ratings in determining a bank's required regulatory risk capital. Once implemented, this BIS proposal (often referred to as Basel 2) would vastly elevate the importance of credit ratings by linking the required measure of bank capital to the credit rating of the bank's obligors. With these regulatory changes under active discussion, research into the role for ratings and rating agencies in the global financial system is particularly apropos. Ratings, Rating Agencies and the Global Financial System brings together the research of economists at New York University and the University of Maryland, along with those from the private sector, government bodies, and other universities. The first section of the volume focuses on the historical origins of the credit rating business and its present day industrial organization structure. The second section presents several empirical studies crafted largely around individual firm-level or bank-level data. These studies examine (a) the relationship between ratings and the default and recovery experience of corporate borrowers, (b) the comparability of credit ratings made by domestic and foreign rating agencies, and (c) the usefulness of financial market indicators for rating banks, among other topics. In the third section, the record of sovereign credit ratings in predicting financial crises and the reaction of financial markets to changes in credit ratings is examined. The final section of the volume emphasizes policy issues now facing regulators and credit rating agencies. ... Read more

Book Description

Would you like to be free from financial worries, rest at night knowing your bills are paid, and have peace of mind when it comes to money matters? Then you need Zero Debt.

In Zero Debt, you'll discover:

* How to get annoying creditors off your back
* Insider secrets to reduce interest rates or eliminate credit card late fees
* Your legal rights – and what bill collectors can and can not do under the law
* The best strategies to clean up your credit report or fix errors in your credit file
* How to make lifestyle changes that will save you money for decades to come!

If you want to be debt-free and achieve financial freedom, you need an action plan to guide you. This book is your step-by-step plan. It’s simple. It’s easy to understand. And it works. ... Read more

Book Description

How would you like to be debt free? Do you wish you had some money set aside for retirement? Instead of just wishing about it, you can make it happen. At the age of 40, John White was in debt - credit cards, the worst kind of debt - and had no retirement savings. Today he has no credit card debt and a positive net worth.

Unlike most financial books, this one is based on real life experience, not just some financial advisor's theories. All of the strategies are from the author's real life experiences, and they are guaranteed to work - even if you're not over 40. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Written by a real life survivor who climbed out of debt
Written by a real life survivor who climbed out of debt to credit card companies to re-establish positive net worth, John L. White's I'm In Debt, Over 40, With No Retirement Savings. Help! is a very practical survival guide to improving an otherwise bleak financial situation. From breaking bad spending habits; to keeping expensive teenagers in check; to saving money on the family car; to buying an affordable mortgage; developing a mind set conducive to savings; and so much more, I'm In Debt, Over 40, With No Retirement Savings. Help! is an easy-to-understand, "must-read", for anyone approaching middle age or older who finds themselves ill prepared for a financially comfortable retirement.

Inspiring and Enlightening
The moment I started reading this book I could not put it down! It was a very easy and entertaining read. What I found inspiring and enlightening was the personal desire to improve ones financial well-being, and the lessons that were learned when it was realized.

Initially spending habits remained pretty much the same, except with one troubling exception. Instead of running out of pocket cash and with it the ability to buy anything, now your improved financial income earned you the privilege to buy with credit and your buying power was only limited by the card's credit limit! The more you bought on credit and paid each month, the more your credit limit increased, along with your credit rating, which attracted other credit card institutions to give you their pre-approved credit card which added to your overall credit limit. Can you see where this is going?

But this book has a happy ending.

The book begins to take you through the simple and everyday things that you either ignore or take for granted. Just by applying a few easy money saving and earning techniques, you can accumulate a significant amount of money over time. We're not talking about a get rich quick scheme, rather a disciplined approach to spending with tips that can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars when you have to part with your hard earned dollars.

This book speaks in simple and clear terms. No dictionary or financial consultants are needed to understand and use its straightfoward tips. Buy this book today and it will pay for itself on your next trip to the grocery store!

If I knew this at 20 I'd be retired now at 49.
I've never finished a novel but have always been interested in finance and technical articles. When I purchased this book to read I never thought I would finish it but bam I'm done! This book was so easy to read and follow and just full of common sense tips about how to keep your butt out of debt. Whew! Get this book for you and your kids! It's never too late to start living right and being able to sleep at night knowing that what you have is yours and nobody can take it away from you. Now that's what I call the American DREAM! This would make a great Christmas stocking stuffer that they will keep their pockets full of Christmas cheer the whole year through! ... Read more

Book Description

Feeling overwhelmed by your debts? If you're ready to regain your financial freedom, this book is exactly what you need! Step by step, Attorney Robin Leonard shows you how to:

*prioritize debts
*create a budget
*negotiate with creditors
*stop collector harassment
*challenge wage attachments
*contend with repossessions
*respond to creditor lawsuits
*qualify for a mortgage
*rebuild credit

To make the process easier, Money Troubles also includes sample letters to creditors, as well as worksheets and charts to calculate your debts and expenses and help you create a repayment plan.

With the completely updated and revised 9th edition, learn how to deal with identity theft, choose a reverse mortgage, opt out of telemarketers' lists and defend your property from creditors who are collecting a debt. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

just an ad for their other books
The phrase I encountered most in this book was "for more on this subject see our other books." There was very little in it that was helpful and it was biased toward the creditors, not the debtors.

Too Basic
This book is very basic and gives advice about how to manage money. However the one mistake the book makes is that it assumes that collection agencies and/or creditors are legitimate and offers no recourse to how to dispute charges from less scrupulous companies and agencies. The text for dealing with credit reporting bureaus is very basic. There are more precise texts to tell how to clean up your credit report (naturally after you have closed the accounts).

Reader friendly coverage of all the consumer credit basics.
Get out of debt and rebuild credit with the aid of this revised 6th edition of a classic, which tells how to take control of finances and repair credit. From repairing a bad credit rating to reducing alimony and responding to lawsuits, Money Troubles provides all the basics involved in consumer credit issues.

Comprehensive, practical, authoritative, reader friendly.
Now in a fully updated and expanded sixth edition, Robin Leonard's Money Troubles: Legal Strategies To Cope With Your Debts continues to be an invaluable instruction manual and guide for consumers seeking to pare down their debts by negotiating with creditors and prioritizing financial obligations; rebuilding personal credit; stop collection harassment; respond effectively to creditor lawsuits; learn effective alternatives to bankruptcy; determine if and when bankruptcy is the correct response to debt; and much, much more. Accurate, reliable, practical, comprehensive, and truly reader friendly, Money Troubles is an outstanding, highly recommended compendium of advice, counsel and strategies for dealing with credit cards, bill collectors, credit reports, credit bureaus, judgments, wage garnishments, repossessions, foreclosure, property liens and levies, refund rights, bounced checks, consigned loans, budgeting, and credit counseling.

Absolutely the best!
This book has to be the most comprehensive and most helpful book for people who are having credit and money problems. It's easy to read (like all the Nolo books I've read) and the information is detailed and excellent. The state-by-state charts of current laws are really useful. I can't recommend it highly enough -- and I've recommended it to a lot of people. ... Read more

Book Description

The Handbook of First Mortgage Underwriting details the foundation for a revolutionary new commercial mortgage underwriting process. The first true industry breakthrough in years, it brings tremendous savings of time, effort, and cost by prescribing the first industrywide standards for underwriting commercial real estate.

Includes:

• Easy-to-follow methods for cash-flow underwriting process and analysis
• Standardized scopes of work for the property's site inspection
• Guidelines for clear, concise presentation of the underwriting conclusions

Book Description

This self-help book about personal finance provides hundreds of motivational and inspirational messages and common-sense and creative money-management ideas and techniques to help readers get out of debt.The book has 30 chapters.Of the 30 chapters, the first four are filled with motivational messages, the next 26 are packed with money-saving ideas.At the beginning of each chapter is an eye-catching illustration and at the end of each chapter is an affirmation.There are also six worksheets and three self-evaluations throughout the book to further assist readers in becoming totally debt-free. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wonderful Book - I refer to it daily!!!
I purchased this book a little over two years ago when I first saw the author on television. Since then, my husband and I have referred to it daily to find ways to save money. If we keep it up, we should be out of debt in two more years. So, we both think that this is the best book that we have ever read about getting out of debt. If this author puts out a second edition, we hope to be the first to buy it. Thank you author for writing such a wonderful book!!!

Start saving by not buying this book!
I have read a lot of books about debt recovery, personal finances, budgeting, and saving, and this book has been by far the worst. To begin with, regardless of how the title sounds, the author doesn't actually give any tips for how to organize or budget in order to reduce the debt that you currently have. The book is basically a list of money saving tips, which would be fine if the tips were useful and applicable to ones daily life. Unfortunately those that Ms. Gabriel shares are neither.

Her tips range from ultra-restrictive suggestions such as never go into a mall or retail store again to tips that would only apply to specific and seldom occuring (at least I hope) situations such as decide not to get tattoos or don't throw lavish funerals for your loved ones to just down right impractical suggestions such as move in with family or friends for a year and rent out your house so that you can double what you are paying on your mortgage. If you are looking for a book of practical, manageable money saving tips that you can apply to your everyday life then this is definitely not that book.

What Ever Person Should Read
America is known as the land of plenty. We should say the land of "plenty of debt". This book has practical solutions for living debt free that readers can apply to their individual lives. Living and Living "Debt Free" are two different states of mind. In a time of economic uncertainty these basic principles are a path to opening economic success for all who read, comprehend and apply this time tested information. This book should only be read if the reader makes a committment to become debt free.

Interesting
This book offered many interesting tips. Although I didn't agree with some of them, I think the author did a nice job.

For anyone seeking to emancipate themselves from debt
Become Totally Debt-Free In Five Years Or Less: Pay Off Your Mortgage, Car, Credit Cards, And More! is a compendium of practical, effective, coherent, "user friendly" advice for anyone seeking to emancipate themselves from the burden of debt and former money-management mistakes. Gwendolyn Gabriel shows how to determine if you are a candidate for bankruptcy debt relief; how to end the credit-card cycle; turn your house into a money-maker; lower your utility bills; cut eating expenses in half; resolve financially incompatible marital woes, divorce inexpensively, save money during holidays, prepare your own will, save on planned vacations, and much, much more. If you want to be debt free and no longer bleeding your earnings through interest payments, late fees, and financial waste -- begin with a thoroughly reading of Gwendolyn Gabriel's Become Totally Debt-Free In Five Years Or Less. ... Read more

Book Description

"This is an essential book for any practitioner, researcher or student of securitisation - concise and accurate coverage of the key aspects of securitisation on all the main and secondary markets of the world."
—Alexander Batchvarov, Managing Director, International Structured Product Strategy, Merrill Lynch, London.

"John Deacon's original book became the leading textbook for those genuinely interested in gaining a profound and detailed understanding of the arcane world of securitisation. The new, updated version confirms John's status as the top writer in this sector. Securitisation has moved on, becoming ever more complex in both its detail and its variety, but John's book never fails to deal with all the intellectual challenges posed, in a clear, logical and comprehensive fashion. A must for all practitioners- – I thoroughly enjoyed it."
—Robert Palache, Managing Director, Head of European Infrastructure Finance and Corporate Securitisation, Barclays Capital

"Deacon’s book is an unparalleled treatise on all aspects of asset securitisation and CDOs and is ideal for use by both experienced market practitioners and by those new to the seemingly ever-expanding world of securitisation. The book comprehensively outlines the various structures encountered, ranging from true sale and future flow financings to synthetics and whole business, addressing not only the framework of the structures but also the regulatory and accounting implications. A must have reference book."
—David Newby, Executive Director, ABN AMRO BANK N.V., Head of UK and Irish Securitisation, Head of European Commercial Real Estate Securitisation

"John Deacon’s experience in seeing a myriad of securitisation structures as an investor, as well as in using securitisation technology to create investment capacity brings a unique, practical perspective to the securitisation market. This book will become fundamental reading for both experienced securitisation professionals and those looking to understand this critical component of the capital markets."
—Iain Barbour, Global Head of Securitisation, Commerzbank Securities

"This book is one of the most comprehensive pieces covering the asset backed and CDO markets that I have ever read over my 15 years of involvement in the most innovative deals in the European Securitisation market. It provides a great knowledge base and reference point for CFOs, treasurers, investment bankers, lawyers, regulators, rating agencies and other market participants. I would recommend this book to anyone involved in the industry, whether they are new to the market or have 20 years experience."
—Andy Clapham, Senior Managing Director, Bear Stearns, Head of European Securitisation & CDOs; voted one of the top 10 Structured Finance professionals of all time in 2002.

"This latest edition of John Deacon's book on securitisation once again provides bankers, lawyers and others with an up-to-date analysis of the whole range of securitisation – from simple receivables, through future flow and whole business, to synthetic. In addition to providing core legal analysis (which readers can research in more depth elsewhere if required), the book gives valuable insight into the key business issues that have to be addressed as well as the rationale for particular structures. The country analysis is an especially good starting point in looking at any jurisdiction."
—Neil Campbell, Partner, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, Head of Securitisation and Structured Finance, Asia-exJapan.

"Drawing on his extensive experience as a highly successful market professional John Deacon has written an important, authoritative and comprehensive work on the burgeoning and highly dynamic global securitisation, credit derivative and CDO markets. His distinct and unique perspective combined with his lucid style results in an exceptionally clear, insightful and meticulous account of the markets including future opportunities and challenges. It is the essential reference book for all those involved in this area whether seasoned market professionals or those approaching it for the first time."
—Paul D Severs, Partner Clifford Chance LLP

"The most comprehensive text on securitisation I've seen. Most impressive. Required reference book for all my staff."
—Marcus Giancaterino, Managing Director, Head of European Securitisation, Citigroup ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Deep Collateralized Debt Obligation (CDO) Coverage
Although not smooth reading, "Global Securitisation and CDOs" by Mr. John Deacon, provides a comprehensive lay of the Collateralized Debt Obligation (CDO) landscape - certainly the sexiest area of securitization and one of the most exciting areas of modern finance. I have worked with CDOs for over two years and find the ever evolving nature of both sides of the CDO world very exciting; their shifting asset structures and their evolving liability configurations make each deal unique from the next.

Overwhelmingly, one senses that "Global Securitisation and CDOs" was written by an industry expert brimming with superb information and an outstanding legal background. And certainly, that is exactly what Mr. John Deacon is. His genuine passion for CDOs and structured finance is self evident. However, similarly obvious, this tome was not written by a professor, professional teacher, or consultant willing to lead you on a structured path toward CDO knowledge. At times, the work reads more like a study than an actual book; information is thrown at the reader without enough connections, structure and signposting.

Fundamentally, "Global Securitisation and CDOs" is a very good (and much needed) handbook/reference guide with useful graphs and tables. I recommend it as a reference guide - suitable for a mixture of skimming and in-depth reading - and as a fantastic starting point for intelligent CDO conversation. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

If You Know Nothing About Financing; Start Here...
This has the basic knowledge need to manage your finacing ranging from simple budgeting, credit, stocks and mutual funds, Certificate of Deposit, how to read the market and the prime rate and what it all means. Also, it provides the mental mindset you need to manage and spend money properly, without resorting to short term spending splurges. There's tables for calcuating college funds, morgages, and retirements but most importantly how to avoid the many traps and scams many vendors use to make money off of you without providing any extra services. The one thing I found somewhat worrysome is the way the authors protrayed the banks and other institutions to the point of scaring the reader into being nearly paranoid of all financial instistutions. The fees these institutions charge are describe in the book with good details. A good "how to avoid pitfalls" book.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money, Second Ed
I love this book! Before reading this book, I wondered how anyone could ever save money in the world today. It has helped me to mangage my money easily. An easy to read book, which I use now as a reference whenever I have a question concerning my personal finances. I finally started a 401K, bought a house, a new car, and I am finally learning to save some money,instead of living paycheck to paycheck.

Very Helpful!
This book gave me invaluable advice regarding my finances. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone! I have adopted many strategies in the book to save for a rainy day. Thank you, and when are you coming out with another edition?

The Complete Idiots Guide to Managing Your Money
This book did a great job of explaining to the average person how to save, invest and avoid the common financial pitfalls we so often make. It was done with humor and wit, which is a breath of fresh air in this often hard to understand, jargon loaded industry. This book is beneficial to anyone who has thought about developing a financial plan but does not know how or where to begin. It is an easy read, fun and should be a required reading for the masses of people buried in credit card debt! Great job!!

Highly Recommended for Everyone
Anyone can easily understand and make a decision about their personal financial future, and also what the best approach for getting out of debt. Good analogies- ... Read more

Book Description

Membership has its privileges, but it also has a huge share of disadvantages. Without the proper know-how and guidance, you could find yourself buried beneath an avalanche of credit card debt. Millions of Americans are just like you and are currently attempting to pay off $450 billion to credit card companies. It's in a credit card company's best interest to keep you in debt-after all that's how they make their real money. Even by following their rules, you can quickly be put at a disadvantage. It seems as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel- that is, until now.

Whether you are overwhelmed by credit card debt or trying to prevent it altogether, Credit Card Debt has the answers. The author's basic three-step program provides the information you need to reduce interest rates, eliminate fees, and negotiate with credit card companies to keep your credit report clean. Uniquely designed to help you organize, analyze and reduce your debt, this book helps you understand how credit card companies make their money, how credit cards work, and how to use them responsibly. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

This book is credit card specific!
Of all the books I have looked into, this is probably the one the credit card companies hated to see the most. I have looked into many books regarding personal finances, this is the only one I found that is specificaly about, and only about, credit cards. Alexander Daskaloff has done a great job of informing the consumer of what they can do and say when dealing with credit card companies. If you are looking or help in dealing with your credit cards on matters such as, finance charges, interest rates, late fees, annual fees,ect.; this is the place to get it. This book works both as a source of information and as a project workbook for getting your cards in order. I highly recommend this book, wether you're trying to get yourself out from under your credit card's control, or if you just want to stay one step a head.

Great Book, it will help you get out of debt!
What was nice about this book is the fact that the author provides step by step instructions on how to organize and reduce your credit card debt. It is very easy to follow, however, if you want the books tricks to work for you, you'll need to have more than one credit card, I had three cards. I especially liked the quotes he provides - what you can tell your creditors so that they lower your interest rates. Oh anf if you are the unorganized type (like me) you will find his charts very very useful, I know I did. Also, the author answered my question within a few days by email. You can't go wrong with this book!

good information
All right, here is my review: I think this book is not bad at all. It gives some very useful information about credit cards and credit card issuers. It is always very useful to have this info in your mind, although some of them are really straightforward and clear. Sometimes you need to read it in someonewelse's words even you know it. By the way, if you really don't know how to organize your finances like writing down your balance and credit limit on a piece of paper, you should really read this book!

Ok, that was the good part about the book. What about the rest? Don't we all know how to try to get lower interest from issuer and high interest rate induces high interest on top of your balance in every billing cycle? We know what a transfer balance with promotional rate is etc. and how to use it in our advantage. If you don't, Read this book.

Do you know what is the magical trick behind all of this credit card debt reduction techniques! I'll tell you that. PAY YOUR BALANCES. From no book you cannot get any information about how to reduce your debt without paying money. So, don't spend much, but try to pay as much as you can. Booom, you reduce your credit card debt. That simple.

Last words, this book covers some useful info you might not have known at all. Maybe it should be called "credit cards for dummies". Aren't we all little bit dummy in this field?

Only helps people who are in good shape
I am deep in credit card debt, and I am being hounded by credit card companies, bill collecters, etc. I thought that this book would really help me with my alternatives for debt consolidation, give me guidelines about when to file for bankrupcty, and offer some advice about how to work with professionals. Instead, it seems like this book is written for the average person who isn't too deeply in trouble. I will keep looking for a book that evaluates the various debt consolidation agencies, talks about making settlement offers with the credit card companies, and provides information about how my credit report will be affected by the various alternatives. At this point, would it better to just file for bankruptcy? Would it be worse for my long-term credit to file Chapter 7 as opposed to making 50% settlements with my creditors? How can I find answers to these questions?

And the winner is . . .
This book ROCKS! If you want to win the fight against credit card debt you MUST have this book in your corner. You can't lose. ... Read more

Book Description

This extraordinary guide, now expanded to incorporate the latest in new credit protection laws, tells you all you need to know to maximize your personal credit. Written by nationally recognized expert Gerri Detweiler, it is designed to help you solve your credit problems: whether you have too much debt, not enough credit, or a damaged credit history. It is the most comprehensive and reliable book available on the subject today. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Timeless credit tips I have used to save money /make money
These credit tips were the basis for my company, United College Marketing Services.

This book was awesome and I used it as the foundation for Credit Strategies Seminars educating over 25mm young adults. It contains great tips on getting and keeping good credit for yourself. I truly encourage everyone who want to have awesome credit to get this book.

People that I have referred this book to rave about it as well. Libraries have multiple copies and people tell me that they are almost always checked out. My first copy of Ultimate Credit Handbook is very worn and close to falling apart...

I met Gerri back in 1988 at an International Credit Industry conference. I have never met a more giving person. Her career has been dedicated selflessly to helping consumers.

Buy this book because if you don't, you will lose out on thousands of dollars in interest fees.

Ten steps to financial wisdom
This book is the most useful financial took I have ever read. The majority of financial books focus on the details of transactions or the emotional battles of spending or saving money. Written by a woman with practical experience, this guide contains helpful, accurate information for bolstering your credit and practical suggestions for overcoming emotional roadblocks to financial stability.

The Ultimate Credit Handbook
We used the information outlined in this book and it worked great. We had an old credit issue that dogged us for years. With this credit advise, we were able to deal effectively with AmEx and get incorrect charge-offs against our credit removed. This information is powerful and valuable. We recommend it.
Craig H.

ultimatecredithandbook
this book gave me the information i needed to turn my finacial life around. easy to understand the who what where how and why to your credit history and future. if you need help with anything regarding your credit this book is all you need. thank you gerri detweiler.

This book is extremely well written!
This book truely answered all of my questions about credit and then went into suggestions that I could understand and implement. My credit is now perfect with a credit score of over 750. You will learn that scores over 700 are considered "A" credit. You will also see the importance of paying off high interest debt first. It sounds so simple but many people, like myself, were paying more on our mortgage while still carrying a credit card balance. This book has changed my family into knowledgable consumers. We are now debt free and I would strongly recommend it to anyone- and no, I don't know the author. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Millions of consumers have become trapped in a spiral of debt, but there is hope. If you wants to free yourself from the shackles of debt, this book is for you--it can help you "get out of debt, stay out of debt, and live prosperously." Jerrold Mundis writes in a friendly, engaging style, urging readers to stop the cycle of spending. Mundis knows what he's talking about--he, too, was once thousands of dollars in debt and didn't know where to turn. Anecdotes from Debtors Anonymous folks, plus multiple examples from the writer's own life and ledgers, make How to Get Out of Debt an encouraging read, not a condescending one. Once you start your program, you may want to periodically reread some chapters for inspiration--and fun. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

This book changed my life
After 6 months of really hairy, on-the-edge-of-my-seat finances, I picked up this book based on reviews here. I read it in one sitting, and it absolutely changed everything for me financially right then. One concept grabbed me by the neck: you can't get out of debt by creating more debt. Not rocket science but I'd never looked at it that way.

If you're a chronic debtor, this guy has your number, shoots down all your excuses before you can even make them,and offers hope when you most need it. I've gone back to re-read bits when I'm feeling doubt, and I feel better right away.

The only thing I had trouble with was the idea of putting all your unpaid bills in a box and not looking at them for a month. A week maybe, but a month?

I bought several other books on debt at the same time, but this one far and away was the one that motivated me to take control of my situation. Worth way more than I paid, because I haven't felt this relaxed and sane in a long time, and in no way do I feel deprived either.

Be debt free... NOW!
If you have any kind of debt at all, you definitely need this book!All through our lives, no one has ever showed the keys to financial stability but Jerrold has not only given us the key, he has given us the car (debt-free, remember), and now we can all master these easy techniques.

Just imagine not having to worry about paying hard-earned money to someone else in the form of interest.A great conceptisn't?Especially when the average American is in over their heads to the tune of $8500 in revolving debt.

Don't be like the fools who think they can buy their way to happiness.Jerrold gives you real ways to be happy without getting yourself into huge debt.I don't know about you but I don't like to part with my money.I would rather have it working for me instead of working for it.That is why this book should be with you at all times!Learn it! Live it! Do it!

How often have you said to yourself, "I wish I could afford to buy...", well, now you can.Only, make sure you need it and that you can afford it.His concepts are timeless and are practically heresy when compared with the crazy spending going on in this world.

If you don't get this book, you'll only have yourself to blame if you continue to struggle with overburdened debt.Give yourself a chance.Let him show you a new path to prosperity by helping you eliminate your debt.. QUICKLY AND EASILY!

Great Book
I've purchased several books to help me eliminate debt for the new year, this is one of them. Like many people I'm entering a new year with debt that I've had for many years past. Locating hands on - concrete information from people who know or have been there done that is hard to find. I highly recommend this book as well as Surviving Financial Disasters. Both will surely answer any financial question you may have with out the normal BS most people give. Both authors provide enough information to help you get rid of the debt.

We can Be Debt Free no matter what our financial situation
This book has been an amazing experience for me. I have read a lot of "how to" books on Finances and have never put the book down feeling like I had actually gotten somewhere.
With all the talk about investing, IRAs, 401ks and savings, or the other extreme of clipping coupons and reusing saran wrap I wondered was there anyone else out there like me?
This book actually was for me! There ARE others. I am a hard working person with a compiling debt situation, just trying to make it. As my bills have been piling up and I am working full time, I don't have time to go to extremes to save 5 pennies, and I don't have the extra funds to put into 401ks and special savings.
This book has completely opened my eyes to my financial situation and BIG changes have happened in just the several weeks since I got this book. I do see a way out. I have not incurred any new debt. I haven't paid off all my debt, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. It will take time, and it is not easy, but it CAN be done!
This book is practical, motivating and gives useable solutions for everyday people. It is worth every penny and time spent reading it.

Hope and Help for anyone struggling with debt.
Mundis has been where you are.He's struggled with massive debt, considered bankruptcy, felt despair over low income and climbing credit card balances.

After years of struggle, he found the way out.His method is based on the principles of Debtor's Anonymous, and the keys to the method are these three steps:

1) One day at a time, you don't incur any new debt.
2) You keep an accurate daily spending record.
3) You stick to your spending plan.

Notice I didn't say "three EASY steps."People struggling with debt often find the steps difficult, maybe even impossible, to implement.Why? Lots of reasons, it turns out.The good news is, Mundis helps you understand what those reasons are, and then he shows you ways to find the resolve to stick with the steps.

He offers hope and then some practical help.Truly, I think this is one of the best books I've read on beating debt.I think it will feel like a Godsend to anyone who knows the hopelessness that accompanies crushing debt.

Mundis also has a website. Get the book first, though.If you're a debtor/spender this book is a WORTHWHILE place to spend a bit of cash.

Reviewer: Linda Painchaud ... Read more

Book Description

Every year, millions of people are the target of collection agency harassment. People react in a variety of ways: they screen their phone calls, are afraid to open their mail. Some consumers run to a bankruptcy lawyer simply to get away from the harassment.

Few people understand their rights under the law, and even fewer know they can actually sue the debt collector for abusive and deceptive behavior.

In fact, the collection industry is a multi-billion dollar industry: collectors are trained in the art of deception. When a consumer loses a job, goes through a divorce, or has an illness, they are already in a state of depression. The collector knows this, and knows how to prey on you to get you to pay.

Collectors and their lawyers meet at conventions. The lawyers tell the collectors which cases have been won and which have been lost; which tactics have been deemed legal and which have been deemed illegal. Imagine: they are ganging up on you. They are trained; you should be, too.

This book is written by an attorney who has spent the better part of a decade suing debt collectors. Learn the secrets they don't want you to know. Learn how courts have interpreted the law.

This book comes with case citations, and even sample complaints.

You can actually sue the debt collector, and win money damages, including 100% of your costs and attorney fees. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Why are debt collectors trying to destroy this book?
I have to laugh when reading these reviews: This book gets 5 stars from consumers, yet it appears several debt collectors wrote reviews (they probably didn't even read the book) and give it a star or two. Gee, I wonder what is happening?

Not one review by any debt collector actually goes to the substance of the book: That debt collectors have laws they have to follow. When those laws are broken--and this happens frequently--you, the cosumer, can sue the debt collector. There is no reason to be afraid, no reason to screen your phone calls. We, as consumers, have tons of rights against debt collectors, many of them we don't even know. This books tells us what those rights are-nothing more, nothing less.The author does not say all debt collectors are bad. What he says, in plain, easy to read language, is that debt collectors cannot abuse and harass consumers, and he gives us exact cases that explain what the law is. There are only a handful of books out there on this subject. Debt collection is largely a "dark" industry and has never been exposed. And the debt collectors just can't stand the fact that someone finally exposed them and their cheap bag of tricks.

Consumers have rights they don't even know about, and the debt collection industry simply doesn't want us to know what those rights are. Debt collectors use desk names, caller id, talk to our neighbors, threaten to sue us. Much of this is illegal.

Why are debt collectors so afraid of this book?

My prediction: some "consumer" will give it an iffy review. The
reviews right now are 5 star consumer based, 1 star by the debt collectors. Gee, I wonder how much farther the collectors will go.

The word is out about you, debt collectors. I know it makes you burn. You're not all bad, so you say--but why are you so afraid of a book that simply tells the consumers what their rights are?
What are you trying to hide? As members of our wonderful open society, do you not want your fellow citizens to be fully informed on laws? Or do you break those laws so often, exposure could really, really hurt you?

You "cross the line" all the time, and many consumers don't even know when you do. When you cross the line, for example, use vile language, you can get sued. That's right--a consumer can go to the National Consumer Law Center in Boston, find a lawyer that makes a living suing debt collectors, and sue--but isn't this what you do? Don't you make a living suing people--people who have gone through a divorce, gotten ill, lost a job?

Please. It's about time you face your responsibility.

The Author Responds
Richard DiMaggio, the author, must respond to the debt collector who is upset with the notion that consumers have rights. I must first state that the book does mention that debt collection is an occupation of last resort for most collectors. Unable to find a "real" job in the profession of their choice, the unemployable resort to harassing people for money. The unknown reviewer is an economist who became a debt collector. Enough said. When banks went broke in the S&L scandal, they went to Congress for a bailout. When Chrysler almost went belly up in the early 80's, they went to Congress, too. It would be great if we, as consumers, could go to our government for hand outs, but we can't. And with but a sprinkling of true "consumer advocates" in the country, the consumer has no where to turn. Even popular consumer credit counselling groups are sponsored by banks--but no, they don't tell you that.
The collection industry is huge. It has training camps for collectors, law firms, seminars and conventions. The lawyers who represent debt collectors monitor consumer protection attorneys and discuss ways to quash them. Law suits are monitored on a nationwide basis. Meanwhile, a consumer who has lost a job, became ill, or went through a divorce is up against this behemouth of an industry. The point of the book is that consumers have rights, and lots of them. But you don't know those rights, because the collection industry does everything it can to keep their limitations a secret--i.e., giving a great book a single star rating, even though they most likely didn't even read it.
You, the consumer, are in control of the debt collector. Never, ever, forget that. If the reader is so concern about credit card debt, tell him to tell the credit companies to stop sending everyone so many solicitations and to stop being so reckless in their own business. I have personally been quoted in Business Week magazine, and have appeared on WABC, CBS Evening News and lecture extensively to groups. I know of which I speak.

Not all debt collectors are ruthless, this book is misleadin
I picked this up at a local library and read most of it looking for information on my field... that was a mistake. This book is simply capitalizing on groupthink and stretching the truth about the industry, painting all collectors with a bad brush and saying you can get away with things that you can't.

The company I work for, OSI, is very good at training us to respect the consumer, respect the FDCPA and even go above and beyond the FDCPA and help the consumer through hardships.

Example: If you simply SAY that you want us to stop calling you, we will mark that number bad and stop calling you. The FDCPA actually requires a written letter to be recieved, but we go beyond the laws to protect the debtor. Honestly, if you're mad at us why would you want to clean up your debt or even listen to us at all?

I would not buy this book
This is not the book I would by to help me with my credit problems. There are more practical books that contain letters, contain practical help. Remember that if you wait 7 years without applying for bankruptcy, your debt will disappear by itself because of the rules. You don't have to apply for bankruptcy. Not 1 book that I read on the topic, told me that. For all of you who have problems with credit, this is a good solution. I hope that helps

And one more point for Mr. Dimaggio....
Regarding your response to the college student, Lee Iacocca and Chrysler PAID BACK the government loan!

As for the S&L's they should have come under the same regulations as full service banks years ago, as well as the credit unions, which will be the next government bailout! ... Read more

Book Description

With grand announcements, recycled promises, and much hype about debt relief by the leaders of the world's rich creditor countries, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank since 1999, many of us can be forgiven for believing that the debt crisis of the world's poor countries is over. Far from it.

Reviews (6)

Very sensible propositions
Noreena Hertz's basic principle is that the rights of creditors do not stand above fundamental human rights.
Debt repayments should not be imposed on governments when they could put in danger a minimum level of food, health care, clothing, water, education and housing for the entire population.

But as US president Calvin Coolidge said to the English delegation after WWI: 'We lent you money. Didn't we?'
The fact is that a lot of money was lent to corrupt and despotic regimes (Suharto, Marcos, Abacha, Ceaucescu, Mengistu, the South-African apartheid regime ...). More, after the end of the cold war, the US asked immediate debt repayment from States which were no longer strategically important.

Democratic governments should not be responsible for irresponsible lending by States or International Organizations.
She remarks that 60-70 % of all World bank projects under Mc Namara were failures and that only 10 % were ecologically and socially sound investments.

For her, debt should be forgiven if it was lent to undemocratic regimes, if the investments were against the interests of the majority of the population and when those who gave the money knew for what it was disbursed.
Ultimately, debt forgiveness will ot only favour the poor but also the rich countries, for it should not force nations to implement unsound policies and should improve security in the world.

By the way, she rightly lambastes massive arms investments (4 stealth bombers represent 1 schoolyear for 155 million children) and agricultural subsidies in the US and Europe (every cow receives 2,20 $ per day, or more that 1 billion human beings on our planet).

This book is a must read about a crucial problem for a massive part of the world population.

Honest, but .....
Just as her other great book , The Silent Takeover, this one is an honest effort, well documented and basically well intended.I think Ms. Hertz is brilliant and brave in her exposure of the facts. But...and there is always a but. I think that, her final proposals tend to be naive. Do not misunderstand me. Herproposals would be very good...if and only if, the people with the power to move ahead with the kind of actions that are needed were really interested in the fate of poor countries and in the people of their own countries ( as she very well explains). What they are interested in , I mean the elites everywhere,is in PROFITS and power..that is the reason and the blood of limitless capitalism. All other issues, including the welfare of the people or the environment are simply not considered.
Another point is that the role of the corrupt political elite in third world countries is in some way minimized. These guys are gangsters and must be treated as such. But instead they are very well treated by the political and corporative elites in the developed nations...and when they no longer represent PROFITS or geopolitical advantages they are simply discarded..Just remember Noriega or Saddam...The sad point is that the people of these countries can not discard these gangsters by their own means..Why?? Because of the support the corrupt Govts' receive from the rich countries..And they preach about moral and ethics....!!!Very good read....Worth your time.

The Plague
Back in the good old days of Western imperialism, Western powers used the same tried and true approach over and over again to extract wealth from and subdue non-Western peoples: invasion and/or colonization, and/or enslavement. This method was effective for a few hundred years, until subjugated populations after living in close quarters with their masters and learning their weaknesses, mounted various successful forms of resistance against them, e.g., the Algerians' violent resistance of the French, or Gandhi's non-violent resistance of the British.After the First World War, the Western powers (although with much backsliding, evident now in Iraq), began to withdraw their armies and close up their colonial shops.After the great bloodbath ofWWI the old cover stories -- "The White Man's Burden" - were so threadbare that the average Westerner could at last see imperialism for the nasty racket it was.

But wait. It turns out that was just the opening chapter of imperialism.There's a new chapter, or in business-speak a "new paradigm."Through the relatively abstract miracle of debt, rich countries since WWII have been able to reclaim their hegemony. The beauty part for the West has been that invasion through debt does not require much in the way of armies and colonists.In fact, what is really sweet about the new way of doing business is that invaders get to dictate terms to poor countries and don't usually have to back up their threats with armies.Instead there's the threat that global traders will lower poor nations' bond ratings, squeeze their economies, and, by extension, their people, until they see the light. Kind of like loan sharking when you think about it.

Loan sharks, contrary to the stories told in movies and books, generally like to keep their customers alive, because after all, they want to get their money back.In this new form of colonialism that's pretty much true, too.But still, people do get killed like they did during the traditional imperialist paradigm.Hertz shows in chilling detail, for instance, how a cholera epidemic swept through Peru because Alberto Fujimori, following the dictates of the IMF and World Bank, sent every nickel he could get his hands on to pay the interest on Peru's national debt so Peru would get back into the good graces of the financial markets.Healthcare services, welfare and other human services were curtailed or cut to pay the debt.When Peru and opened up its economy to the international market as per the IMF just as commodity prices dropped, unemployment and poverty rates went through the roof.Rural dwellers moved to the city seeking work.Work was not available; unsanitary conditions were.So desperate was their poverty that these Peruvians couldn't afford soap to wash their hands or kerosene to boil their water.And so cholera killed nearly 4,000 in less than a year.

Ms. Hertz provides much needed insight into the history of the debt threat.It began in the Cold War - the era of the "chessboard and the checkbook" in Thomas Friedman's phrase - when the U.S. and the Soviets were buying allies.Few restrictions applied to these loans.Dictators and oligarchs could spend it any way they wanted as long as they remained friends.Then in the 70s came the commercial U.S. banks, awash in petrodollars, making loans and betting that Uncle Sam would reach into the pockets of the U.S. taxpayer to bail them out if necessary.After the Soviet collapse ended the era of checkbook diplomacy, a newly invigorated IMF and World Bank began its recent career as a lender of last resort.Their one size fits all free market approach placed the same onerous restrictions on every nation they did business with.Debt enslaved nations meekly agreed to more enslavement lest these agencies tighten the screws further.

Ms. Hertz takes us through this history at a brisk pace and shows through examples that though the approach may have changed, the result is the same: poor countries in thrall to rich countries.She shows with gripping examples not only how the racket works but, more importantly, how these practices put the West in danger by promoting dangerous conditions around the world.For instance, disease can now board an airplane and land in any Western nation in a matter of hours.Poor people grown even poorer because of their nations cannot afford basic health services and so grow weaker, more susceptible.Their afflictions mutate and metastasize, and soon the entire body of humanity is at risk.Then, of course, there is the wholesale destruction of the environment as poor countries rip up their forests and sell their oil to the West so it may be burned or turned into toxins.And, of course, there are terrorists who find an ever expanding pool of ready recruits among the poor, a whole new class of young men who are boiling with resentment and rage.Tragically, in the narrow Western ethos of profit and loss, payment of debt must override all other concerns, because profit-making is the only goal, and capitalism the best of all possible alternatives.

With THE DEBT THREAT,Ms. Hertz's continues to demonstrate how the forces of global hypercapitalism that she explored in her first book ("The Silent Takeover") put the lives of everyone in physical, and at the very least, moral jeopardy.As in that book, her personal story gives one hope: an economist trained at Wharton (she was there to help "jump start" the Soviet economy in the early 90s and was witness first hand to the anti-human ethos of the free-market fabulists), she has switched her allegiance to the other side of the barricades.On a positive note, global protests and activism has managed to arrest some of the worst abuses of the World Bank and IMF, the commercial banks and ECAs.One can only hope that this cogently argued work will awaken more and more people to this latest, and perhaps even more deadly strain of imperialism.

Third world debt is a noose and a time bomb
Large amounts of government debt are a combination of a noose around the neck of many developing countries as well as a potential time bomb that could explode and threaten the developed countries as well. When I was growing up, I was repeatedly told how much the United States was giving to the poor countries of the world in foreign aid: money, equipment and food. I also heard many times about the anti-American stance that people in those countries had and how their lack of gratitude was disgraceful. Once I entered graduate school, I encountered people from other countries and we talked very frankly about how they perceived the United States. Those from Chile talked about how they watched the Chilean military round up their friends and take them to the soccer field, and how they later heard gunshots and never saw the people again. They also described how the same thing was happening in Argentina. At the time, those regimes were strongly backed by the U. S. as fellow anticommunist governments and received substantial amounts of American aid.
Students from other countries considered U. S. allies also talked about how the aid sent by the United States and other western countries was used to buy arms and equipment for the government forces and very little was ever distributed to the people. A large amount of the aid that the United States sent to third world countries before the collapse of the Soviet Union was used to buy weaponry or to bribe the leaders. The only two conditions imposed on them were that the weapons had to be purchased from the west and the country had to maintain a firm stance against communism. If the leaders receiving the money followed these guidelines, then they were free to skim whatever they felt they needed with no threat of the funds being cut off. Therefore, those nations are now overloaded with vast amounts of debt that they can never repay. One of the main themes of the book is that most of the debt of the third world countries should be forgiven. Since it was the price that the west paid to defeat communism, that is one strong argument in favor of the debt cancellation.
There is also the ugly history of the origin of much of the debt, namely greedy bankers who literally pushed the debt onto governments, giving out massive loans, knowing that the U. S. government would step in to avoid defaults in the worst cases. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have forced debtor governments to institute policies that have made bad situations worse. In Rwanda, after the horror of the genocide was over, and there was not even so much as a stapler in the government buildings, the new government pleaded with the IMF to give them an emergency loan. The response was that they first needed to pay the three million in interest that they currently owed.
This theme of western rapaciousness in the face of increasing problems is the saddest aspect of the situation. In western societies, if a person goes bankrupt, the law allows them to keep some of their assets and at least tries to let them keep enough so that they can work, seek medical care and avoid starvation. That has not been the case with the IMF, which has forced nations to chose between making their interest payments and providing medical care and education for their citizens. In many nations, schools and hospitals have closed, as there is no longer any money to keep them open. The IMF had dictated that in order to get additional assistance, they must make their onerous payments. Such policies will only make the situation worse in the long term and is breeding a great deal of resentment. As Hertz points out, many of those nations are Muslim and this is the source of a great deal of anti-western hostility.
The worst two aspects of this situation are how rich some western people and institutions are getting from this. She describes how much money many of the lending institutions have made from these bad loans; few of them have truly lost significant money, even when a nation has defaulted. In my mind, the worst is what Hertz refers to as the debt vultures. These are people who spend their time in the legal system acquiring what few assets the debtor nations have in the west, stripping them of one of the few things they have of value. This is done in an attempt to pay off some of their debt. When she interviews one and asks about any feelings of remorse he may have because he is literally forcing thousands of people to an early death from starvation and disease, the vulture shows none. Such actions are considered criminal in the United States, but are routinely committed against the poor of the third world.
Hertz was in the former Soviet Union as it was collapsing, working with the international banking agencies and implementing their policies. Her opinion is that those policies were so destructive and shortsighted that they helped accelerate the collapse of the Russian economy. By trying to impose a western style capitalist economy, the functional parts of the old Soviet economy collapsed and this led to the rise of the underground and criminal economy.
This is a book that all people who study the relationships between the wealthy and poor nations should read. I will never forget my discussions with my classmates from Chile. While we all got along and they enjoyed being in the United States, there was bitterness in their voices when they talked about the events in their country. I realize that they will never forget that the United States encouraged and bankrolled the Chilean military and will always assign some blame to the United States. I also understand that they are only a few of the billions of people around the world who have similar reasons to hate the United States. It is time that western banking and political institutions recognize that it is in their best interests to implement a policy that will allow the debtor nations to recover from their indebtedness and begin to expand their infrastructure, educate their people, treat their sick and protect their natural resources.

Important and accessible history (and solutions)
A highly readable and accessible book on an important subject that most people believe is too difficult to understand. Hertz's history of third world debt, which takes us from the Bretton Woods agreements to the present day, is interspersed with stories from the author's work and observations, such as Bono's Jubilee activism and the author's own foray to Russia as a consultant for the World Bank and International Monetoary Fund. Every American should read this book -- particularly every American who finds the subject off-putting, doesn't think it really matters, or has wondered why all those people are protesting globalization. ... Read more

Book Description

In The New Masters of Capital, Timothy J. Sinclair examines a key aspect of the global economy—the rating agencies. In the global economy, trust is formalized in the daily operations of such firms as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, which continuously monitor the financial health of bond-issuers ranging from private corporations to local and national governments. Their judgments affect unimaginably large sums, approximately $30 trillion in outstanding debt issues, according to a recent Moody’s estimate. The difference between an AA and a BB rating may cost millions of dollars in interest payments or determine if a corporation or government can even issue bonds

Without bond rating agencies, there would be no standard means to compare risks in the global economy, and international investment would be problematic. Most observers assume that the agencies are neutral and scientific, and that they interpret their role in narrowly economic terms. But these agencies, by their nature, wield extraordinary power and exert massive influence over public policy. Sinclair offers a highly accessible account of these institutions, their origins, and the rating processes they use to judge creditworthiness. Illustrated with a wide range of cases, this book offers a fresh assessment of the role of an often-overlooked institution in the dynamics of modern global capitalism. ... Read more