Book Description

Protect yourself from the outrageous practices of credit card companies.

Would it make you happy to know that the longer you delay in paying off your credit card balance the more money the companies make off of you? That companies aren't forced to reveal costs for cash advance fees, overlimit fees, or late fees on card applications? That invasion of privacy begins when stores "data mine" valuable information on your purchase record to endlessly solicit you?

Here, finally, is a book for card holders eager to fight back and protect their consumer rights. Informative, practical, and savvy, What Every Credit Card Holder Should Know exposes the often devious workings of the credit card industry and the profit makers behind it. Issuing hard-earned advice about lowering interest rates and annual fees, handling fraudulent charges and disputes, preventing identity theft, choosing the best card for personal needs, and the perils of the new "debit cards," What Every Credit Card Holder Should Know also shares secrets card companies never tell you about how you can save money. Filled with hilarious and terrifying real-world anecdotes, this is a refreshingly bold approach to credit cards and how to make them work for us, not the other way around. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

"
" This book was fair in my reveiw , it lacked that punch I was looking for "...........

Thank God for this book!
I've had a very hard time with a debit card transaction recently, and it's still ongoing. If it weren't for the fact that I bought this book when it was first published (1999) and read it cover to cover, I might have a harder time still, and be unable to prove my case in court. The techniques within the book--keeping records of who, what, and when; knowing what your rights are and how to go about defending them; be polite while doing so--have helped me very much over the past three months. Phew! Strong's book is a jewel to be gripped tightly and passed on from generation to generation. I am definitely making this a must-read for my parents, brothers, and sisters, too!

Right on the money
Superb! We got ripped off on a vacation and wanted to know our rights. Got the book and it gave exactly the info we needed. Pleasant reading too. Found out why to tear up our debit cards too! Highly recommended.

Stand up for your rights against credit card companies
The author presents an adversarial relationship with credit card companies. Along with presenting explanations on how these companies operate, the author presents steps needed to resolve problems with a credit card user's account and the ways these companies try to foil the user. A pretty decent book on a subject near and dear to all our hearts.

Must read for every adult who uses a ATM/Credit Card
Ths book is a phenomenal expose of what banks and other financial institutions will do to skim money from you. The book is not just about credit card but also about the debit cards referred to in the book at Financial Death cards. A must read for every adult who uses either one of these very widely marketed and convenient financial tools which could ruin your financial life if used improperly. I read a copy from the library but I will buy a copy for several of my relatives. Very useful. ... Read more

Book Description

If debt collection agencies are harassing you to settle your unpaid bills, you do not have to put up with their bullying tactics! This book tells you exactly how you can use simple tricks to get them off your back for good or resort to heavy legal firepower if they persist in calling you at work or home. Know your rights! ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Hawaii Business, published by Hawaii Business Publishing Co. on December 1, 2003. The length of the article is 671 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Digging others out of debt; a local firm offers free debt counseling to small-business owners.(Wendy Burkholder, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii)(Interview)
Author: Jacy L. Youn
Publication: Hawaii Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2003
Publisher: Hawaii Business Publishing Co.
Volume: 49Issue: 6Page: S9(1)

Article Type: Interview

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Book Description

This instructional tool provides step-by-step credit repair guidance for the potential home purchaser.The homeowner-to-be is advised not only how and where to locate his/her credit report, but also how to remove any blemishes from the report, whether they are the result of poor credit performance or due to credit reporting inaccuracies.The reader will also learn how mortgage lenders formulate their credit scoring systems to determine whether a prospect is creditworthy, and what his/her legal rights are under such scoring systems.A copy of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is included for the reader to review and use as a reference.The FCRA was designed to protect consumers against inaccurate and unfair descriptions of their credit history.Sample letters to credit bureaus and creditors are included also on a 3.5 floppy diskette for the reader to use as he/she follows the steps. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Business Credit, published by National Association of Credit Management on July 1, 1999. The length of the article is 783 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: National Assn of Credit Management members have expressed disappointment over federal efforts to implement the Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization. They strongly believe that several provisions of the legislation are not only a direct violation of the bankruptcy law, but are also hindrances to the growth of trade creditors. By withdrawing third party obligations on various financial plans, legislators are actually encouraging the use of financial malpractices in the industry.

Citation Details
Title: Watch out for Chapter 11 plans relating to guarantors.
Author: Charles M. Tatelbaum
Publication: Business Credit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 1999
Publisher: National Association of Credit Management
Volume: 101Issue: 7Page: 16(1)

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Book Description

A realistic, step-by-step plan for getting out of debt and making wise borrowing decisions. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Tame Your Money Monster!
Ron Blue is the founder and managing partner of Ronald Blue & Co, a financial advisory firm, and he has earned his Master's in Business Administration. Does this make him an expert? Well, maybe not, but his advice is incredibly timely, and written with a well-spring of wisdom for today.

His book reads like a roadmap to recovery - financial recovery - if one is interested in recovery, with some of the chapters such as:

Taming the Money Monster
The Road to Debt
Advertising Illusions

Financial Deceptions
A Biblical Perspective
The Road Ahead
How to Get Out of Debt
When Should You Use Credit? (How's that for timely?)
Understanding Credit (Most don't)
Installment Debt
Mortgage Debt
Other Debt

There are chapters on college loans, church bonds, house debt and business debt, and it deserves to be read and re-read. Don't let money rule your life. Read this book and see how Ron can help you manage your money wisely and you can find real financial freedom from the bondage of the Money Monster.

Highly recommended - Should be required reading
I highly recommend this book. It really should be required reading, especially for couples before marriage and young people in general. While it does contain a chapter on how to get out of debt, even those who are not in debt would benefit greatly from the understanding they would gain about credit and debt.

Mr. Blue discusses "the magic of compounding interest" and how it can work for or against you. He also outlines four common sense rules that should be followed before going into debt of any kind. He specifically discusses credit card debt, car loans, and mortgages as well as church, business, and investment debt in light of the four common sense rules.

The book is well-written and easy-to-read with real-life examples. It will help those who are in debt to get out, and, if Mr. Blue's advice is followed, it will help anyone to make wise financial decisions in the future.

Great read and ideas
Anyone reading this book, and putting its ideas to work, can accomplish the goals set forth in this publication. Easy to read, practical, entertaining and truthful are but a few of the praises I place on this book. What it professes really works. I have tried it. Prior to reading this book, my wife and I had no hope of getting out of debt. Following Mr Blue's advice,with lots of faith, we are on our way out. Thanks Mr Blue. ... Read more

Book Description

High-cost consumer credit is best seen as a persistent low grade infection, sometimes more and sometimes less noticed by elites, but always burning the vulnerable.

Americans in all demographic categories are borrowing more relative to their disposable income than ever before. In fact, for the first time in American history, our collective debts have exceeded our collective disposable income. ... Read more

Book Description

Tomorrow's cashless society will allow anyone and everyone to get at your finances and transactions. This fascinating book will stop them cold and protect what's yours. From legal new ID to offshore accounts, credit protection and trusts, now you can survive the coming cashless society. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Outdated and Just Plain Wrong. D minus at best.
Of all the books on Privacy I've seen, this one is about the most useless. Some of the information is just plain wrong. There is little or nothing offered in this book that could be of value to anyone.

Be Prepared
This should be on every bookshelf. It offers us a means of self-protection better than I've seen before. To be legally prepared to help ourselves seems to me the only way to go into the future. ... Read more

Book Description

Superior debt-collection strategies to prevent running out of cash--and running off customers.

Great products and super sales don't mean a thing if a company can't get its customers to pay their bills. In fact, bad debt can quickly turn a healthy company into an ailing, cash-strapped company--or even a bankrupt one.

Which is why it's imperative to collect as much money as possible, as fast as possible, while still maintaining the goodwill of debtors. It's a tall order, but one that's totally feasible with the effective collection strategies outlined in this lively and important new book.

Readers learn how to:* use collection letters, telephone calls, and personal visits* collect debts with limited resources* evaluate outside collection services* make debt collection a fun activity* negotiate win-win solutions with debtors, and more.

In addition, the book supplies practical strategies for avoiding bad debts in the first place--such as taking good credit applications, verifying the information, and ensuring that the first payment is made on time. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Eminently Practical and Highly Principled
If you effectively implement only one or two of the Shers' suggestions, you will more than cover the cost of this book. But that's not the best way to use it. Rather, first, re-examine all of your thoughts and feelings about accounts receivable (AR). (Do you even know precisely who owes you how much and for how long?) Then rigorously evaluate your current policies and procedures (if you have any) and make whatever modifications are necessary, guided and informed by what the Shers suggest. Finally, consistently follow those policies and procedures while being willing to consider a specific AR problem within its context. I wholeheartedly agree with the Shers that (a) AR may well be the single most important component of customer relationships, (b) AR problems offer unique opportunities to strengthen relationships with those customers involved, and (c) most AR problems are avoidable, more often than not the result of a misunderstanding rather than a customer's intention to avoid any payment whatsoever.

The Shers organize their excellent material within three Sections (Attitude, Speed, and Knowledge), following an Introduction which -- all by itself -- is worth much more than the cost of the book. They then share "A Few Final Words" about avoiding bad debts, consumer collections (why some don't pay) and what they call "The Kitchen Basket Syndrome," commercial collections, and finally, "Lessons in Real Life." Almost all companies have AR problems because some of their customers have cash flow problems.

What we have here is a step-by-step, cohesive and comprehensive system to minimize, expedite, and resolve problems with accounts receivable. Assume good will on the part of most customers and make every effort to "work with them." However, also know that at least a few are disreputable and be prepared to outsource some ARs to an attorney or collection agency. (The Shers explain the most effective way to do that.) For me, one of this book's greatest values is its emphasis on seeing AR within any organization's entire operations. In certain respects, this is a "How to Do It" book but it is more, much more. The Shers strike me as being psychologists rather than bill collectors, as being two decent people who believe that most other people are also decent, and who sincerely want to help their readers to obtain what is due them without compromising the integrity of those who are in their debt. The Shers' advice is eminently practical; it is also highly principled.

Enjoyable and Informative
I enjoyed reading this book. My boss encouraged me to read this and I enjoyed it very much. I got some good ideas for the collection department that I run and I hope to have my collectors read this book also. I would recommend this to anyone involved in accounts receivables.

Easy Read that was fun and informative
These guys have a wonderful knowledge of the collection world. I read this book fairly fast and gained knowledge that I had never thought about. If you want help on your companys receivables, then this is a must read.

Incomplete
The book tells the history of how the two brothers have used high credit risk customers to their advantage. They tell how they have been successful at ensuring prompt payment from these customers. Only problem is they are incomplete on telling you HOW they ensure prompt payment. Example: They state you can ask five simple questions to determine the credit risk of an individual, but never tell you the five questions. The book is in dire need of a grammar checker. The book is defintely focused on collecting from individuals.

My savior
This book is just what I needed. My collection department has been struggling, but I made all my employees read it and we are doing better. This is like a collection reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

Many people in financial distress have been lured by advertisements implying that bad credit can be magically erased, only to end up deeper in debt than ever. This expose is Bob Hammond's attempt to put an end to that by revealing the truth about the credit repair scams and empowering consumers to help themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Perhaps one of the best books written on the subject
A lot of the "Repair Your Own Credit" books out there are not very helpful. Some of them tell you nothing you didn't already know... Not this one! This is one of the more useful Credit Advice books available on the market. It gives the background of several fraudulant "Credit Repair" firms, info on how to spot a scam, inside look on how the credit bureaus work, and things you can do to correct and "polish" your credit. I would recommend this book to anyone before paying a credit repair/credit counseling company. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Self-Help Book
I came across Road To Debt Freedom at one of my friends home. After glancing through it for a while I decided to purchase the book a few days later. Being embarrassed about my credit card bills and overall financial picture I decided to take matters into my own hands. This book provided me with many chapters of useful information while being easy to read and understand. It's very rare for people these days take the time to say good job for something well done. Good Job!

A step-by-step guide to financial security and debt freedom!
Being in the debt management and credit counseling industry, we read a tremendous number of related books and articles. Every once in a while we come across an outstanding work of art that merits special attention. Road To Debt Freedom ranks at the upper echelon in this category!

The 144 page paperback covers virtually every aspect of managing, understanding and eliminating debt. Reading the book cover to cover, I was personally captivated with the style of writing and the handling of each subject matter. Also impressive was the authors' use of analogies which distinctively paints a vivid picture, especially in areas of finance which consumers often find confusing.

While this book is a MUST read for anyone burdened with debt, if so empowered, I would make it mandatory reading before anyone was granted credit. - Daniel Gelinas, The Center For Debt Management™ ... Read more

Book Description

This unsettling book opens an important and troubling window on American society at the threshold of a new millennium. The authors are the leading experts on bankruptcy in the U.S., and this look at the high rate among the middle class (as opposed to the poor and near poor) provides a barometer of enormous social changes.It is written specifically with the general reader in mind. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Wake-up Call for Women and the Middle Class
This is an important book for women to read. It explores how our seemingly-secure middle class lifestyles may be shattered by a job loss or a serious accident or illness. The authors explain how credit card debt makes families particularly at risk. The most disturbing chapter to me was the description of what happens to women following divorce. The authors show that a divorced woman has a 300% greater chance of filing for bankruptcy than her married sister. Can it be, as the authors say, that a woman's economic success is still largely dependent on marrying--and staying married?

This book made me think about social class mobility in a different way. The authors study middle class people on their way down. They show how people with good educations and in decent jobs can have their lives turned upside down by a layoff, a job transfer, an illness, an accident, or a divorce. According to the authors, more than a million families each year are going to the bankruptcy courts for protection.

The book is well-written, lively and sometimes witty. A good, but disturbing, read.

Excellent read
These people truly understand the bankrupt debtor. Few do. If either of the bankruptcy reform bills pass in their current form America is in trouble. You see, people need a fresh start. Current reform will push people into Chapter 13 and force people to live within IRS standards. Unfortunately, when people think of a bankrupt person they think "deadbeat." That's not true. And by reading this book its obvious that these authors understand that. What needs to happen is you tweak the Chapter 7 guidelines, but put more emphasis on giving people an incentive to file Chapter 13. (i.e., bankruptcy removed in 3 to 5 years when discharged!) This book is very well written and full of non-biased information like all of the other so-called "studies" published by people and companies who want bankruptcy reform.

DROWNING IN DEBT
IN 2OO3, OVER 1.6 MILLION AMERICANS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. OVER 33% OF THE AMERICANS THAN OWN A HOME ARE ONE PAYCHECK AWAY FROM FORECLOSURE. Is it that hard to believe that America is fastly becoming a nation of debtors. Even more interesting, the government actually promotes it by slack regulations, unnaturally low interest rates, and a willingness to keep Americans spending. This book does a fantastic job in helping anyone understand just how bad it is, and just how blind we as Americans are to the situation. 4 STARS! - Mason Johnson, President, www.tomorrowsgold.com

Could Happen To You, Could Happen To Me
This is not a "sky is falling" or alarmist book. It's not a negative gloom-and-doom book. It does focus on an unwanted event we consider negative, and it does occur in millions of peoples' lives. Da Big "B." It could happen to you, it could happen to me. Authors Sullivan, Warren, and Westbrook have decades of experience in the industry and provide one of the most detailed and accurate pictures of the people and circumstances within it.

In addition to statistics and research, tables, and graphs, the authors conducted detailed surveys of 2,452 people and provided case histories of folks that filed for bankruptcy in the 1990s. They come from all income and occupational levels, and from all geographical areas of the country. Just like you and me. It only takes a hiccup. Keep your eye out for the legislation that will be coming forward. Although it would be unpleasant, bankruptcy is not the end of the world, by any means. There are worse things that can happen in life.

The "Fragile Middle Class" has non-biased an informative information on....us. What is the reality behind the so-called middle class? While millions of individuals and families are members of this club, and we have a definition of what qualifies people as being part of it, what is the financial health of the American middle class today in 2003? Real income is still declining, even after the economic boom of the 1990s. (This was a pseudo economic boom). Personal debt is at record levels. If truthful accounting and honest financial disclosures are conducted, being middle class means living paycheck to paycheck, on the brink bankruptcy, due to even a minor financial hiccup: divorce, a staggering medical bill due to illness or accident, or loss of a job. The authors' introduce the new concept called "skidding," which is when a person changes jobs, which results in lower pay, and therefore less income coming in. And they discuss the record number of people who've recently gone bankrupt. This book is about those, who are most of us, that teeter on the edge.

First, debt is essential to living in our modern economy, and when used properly is good for us, and benefits the economy. We can't now, and have never been able to pay cash for our home, or a new or used car. When people invest in real estate or a business, they borrow capital. Having leverage is actually better. However, total Debt ratio is the largest it's ever been, combined with stagnant and declining wages. 2/3 of the American economy is dependent on consumer spending, completely dependent upon people spending their on money on--everything. One example, out of thousands, is the recent public "begging campaign" from politicians and high-profile business spin doctors in New York, imploring people to "come to New York and spend money," to revive the economy. When there is a slight dip in consumer confidence we hear about it from the media, because it's considered so vital to the U.S. economy.

This book uses historical as well as current notes, stats, and case studies, with the majority of the findings from the results from the decade of the 1990s. It is obvious that the tech-boom of the 90s was a temporary band aid that was applied to a long-term sociological and economic bullet wound. Financially, Americans are in some of the worse financial shape they've ever been in. Why is consumer debt at an all-time high? Why over one million bankruptcies per year? This book conducts research and analysis that paints the modern day picture from the perspective of people in the bankruptcy industry. And today, the bankruptcy numbers are so significant that the Federal government will soon pass legislation in an attempt to reduce the numbers of Americans filing. However the reduction in the number of filers means major changes need to be made by our societal and cultural expectations, financial institutions, and personal spending habits and behavior. Something that Congressional legislation can't do alone. There will be an impact, but it will be minimal. One could adopt my personal attitude, which is simply not to care.

A Rehash
Rehashes their earlier book and reiterates the same tautology: too much debt causes bankruptcy. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Builder, published by Hanley-Wood, Inc. on August 1, 2001. The length of the article is 572 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Rent to Own.(Brief Article)
Author: C.B. Farnsworth
Publication: Builder (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2001
Publisher: Hanley-Wood, Inc.
Volume: 24Issue: 10Page: 107

Article Type: Brief Article

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Book Description

Guías de cómo hacerlopara situaciones cotidianas

Aprenda las cosas básicas. Gane confianza. Explore las oportunidades. Estas son las razones por las cuales promovemos Guías Prácticas.Tómese su tiempo y lea lo que necesita saber para tener éxito.

Revise los otros librosque editamos en español

En la contratapa del libro usted podrá encontrar información sobre Inmigración, Bienes Inmobiliarios y otros temas de interés. Sírvase leerla. Todos nuestros libros se encuentran disponibles en su librería local, bibliotecas y a través de vendedores que operan en el internet (on-line). ... Read more

Book Description

What you need to know to boost your buying power.

Managing your credit and understanding how to handle debt wisely shouldn't require hours of reading. In Managing Credit, the information is organized into concise, clear explanations that help you make sense of the process-quickly and easily. This book examines the details and breaks them down into manageable parts. It provides you with essential insights and tools to maximize your credit and use your buying power to its best advantage. Feel empowered, not enmeshed. Taking a clear, concise approach to money management, the Dorling Kindersley Essential Finance Series provides a practical and impartial resource to guide you through important financial decisions. Useful questionnaires pinpoint one's financial status while easy-to-use charts and graphs help track cash flow. Cut through the complexities of financial lingo and gain the confidence needed to build real financial security. Learn to live debt free, invest in the stock market, pay for a child's education, or plan for retirement. Filled with practical advice on all aspects of money management, this series offers an excellent foundation for building a personal finance library. ... Read more