Worth a look if you're considering a personal bankruptcy
926532
If you're considering bankruptcy, it's probably best to understand what lies ahead.  That's where this book comes in.  It is also accompanied by a website where they post important updates when things change over time, blogs, podcasts, and videos.

It's not good to assume that all attorneys are created equal.  If you hire an attorney, you want to make sure to have a general understanding of what they can do for you.  This book helps you to consider such topics as whether you should file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the first place, the automatic stay (a legal term), how bankruptcy affects your property, including your house, what happens with secured debt (along with an explanation of what it is in the first place), how to complete and file your paperwork, what happens in court, and life after bankruptcy.

The book also talks about differences between states, and it gives a large number of sample forms.  It is generally easy to follow.  If you're in the predicament of trying to decide if bankruptcy is right for you, I would definitely recommend this book.  Don't assume, however, that you'll be comfortable handling the entire process without an attorney.  That is for you to decide after becoming more informed about the issue.
1545531
When I first bought this book I was a little concerned it may be full of technical jargon I didn't understand - But I was quite wrong! This is the collected thoughts of a person who has been in a debt situation and has complied an approach to find a way out. And its not all about clever ways to move money around - it includes how we think about money and how we think about those to whom we owe money. The Author doesnt cliam to be a finacial genius - she does however present solid and thoughful information and a way to 'get your head around debt' so you can start on the journey out of owing. It enjoyable and readable , thoughtful and thought provoking - Its certainly worth the investment!!
4063495
I enjoyed the story and I was surprised to read a scenario about what would happen if some other country made a move which would resulted in this country bankruptcy. I do not believe that the solution proposed would have worked in our current situation because even if we could pay off the national debt, we still have big problem with unfunded liabilities and if you include unfunded liabilities by the states than their is no solution possible.
4149955
Dave Ramsey is right on. But it takes a strong desire to be out of debt and to discipline yourself. When working with cash only I found that I really spent less.  His books on finance are really good and works if you apply yourself.
3035210
Debt Cures by Kevin Trudeau has some good information in it, even if it is repetitive. Some of the reviews here focus on Trudeau railing against the credit card companies, but what these reviews haven't mentioned is that the credit card companies absolutely prey on people with the high interest rates and fees they charge. You don't see fees like that from a mortgage, line of credit, or other type of loan.

Some reviewers are even claiming that Trudeau is encouraging you to commit fraud by not paying off old debts for which the statute of limitations have expired. That is absolutely not fraud. Statutes of limitations are established to prevent creditors or plaintiffs from endlessly pursuing a debtor for an old debt. That's not fraud, that's smart. There's no reason to pay off a debt which the creditor can't legally collect.

Trudeau does carry on too much about how evil the credit card companies and banks are, but I think he's trying to drive home a point and prepare the reader for the negotiations to reduce their debt. If you're going to negotiate with the credit card companies, you need to be in the right frame of mind. You also won't get anything done by talking to the first customer service representative you reach. Trudeau is right - you have to  be persistent and keep showing that you can't pay the debt.

Another fact which Trudeau doesn't mention much is that the credit card companies have horrible record keeping. Don't assume that the credit card company is correct about the charges contained on your statement. They make errors too, sometimes significant, and many people don't catch the errors. Make the credit card company prove that you made the charges. Most likely, they can't.

Larry J. Busch, Jr.
[...]
2074980
For the millions of people who have not yet become debt-free, this is a helpful personal finance handbook that shares little-known techniques to diminish the amount you owe.  The Newest Story of O, by Dan Berman, is a terrific and information packed book that will both raise your financial IQ and bank account balance!

The book is well over 200 pages, and each of the ten chapters deliver valuable information that will help you be a better consumer of credit.  Beginning with the first chapter, which lays some foundation for his method of using the credit industry's rules and to your benefit, he debunks credit myths and discusses the basics of credit scores and bureaus.

Most importantly, Berman moves on in subsequent chapters to explain how to repair bad credit, and how to "play the credit card game" so that you secure zero interest cards or low interest loans that allow you the opportunity to pay off those account balances.

Chapter ten offers a list of extra areas of interest to credit consumers as well - including helpful advice and information on bankruptcy, debt settlements, and how to navigate the home mortgage market.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Berman makes his points and shares the information in an easy to read and engaging style, and each chapter ends with a brief review that highlights the most important take-aways for you to understand and take action on.

If you are interested in improving your credit or simply educating yourself about a topic that impacts your family's quality of life, this book is a resource you will appreciate having.
1416943
With the growing number of bankruptcies in industries ranging from financial, manufacturing, to retail, what could be timelier than Corporate Rescue Law - An Anglo-American Perspective? Gerard McCormak's review of practices in the two countries concludes there is more convergence than is generally recognized. The US moving is in a UK direction with regard to disposal of profitable components, rather than carrying on through the bankrupt corporate entity.

Both shareowners and creditors generally come out ahead when debt is restructured privately, rather than through Chapter 11.  Such private restructuring is more likely to succeed when commercial banks or other sophisticated investors are involved and is facilitated when debt is concentrated, as through trading by vulture funds who are advantaged by private settlement, rather than going to court, which tends to be a more costly and time-consuming process.

McCormak provides an overview of recent law and legal thought, explaining the fundamental features in both the US and UK, entry routes to changes in corporate control, moratoriums on creditor enforcement actions, mechanisms to address financing difficulties, the role of employees, and restructuring plans themselves.
The US debtor has more rights to formulate a reorganization plan, has more prescriptive rights with regard to dividing creditors into classes, has cram down capability in exceptional circumstances to force acceptance by creditors, and has traditionally focused on getting the corporate vehicle in working order.

However, McCormak finds that a growing number of bankruptcies, at least among larger companies, have been essentially pre-packaged deals involving going-concern sales of company components blessed by the court to ensure conduct that brings the highest price. In contrast, the UK approach largely leaves matters to creditors, respecting the values of "simplicity and economic self-determination."
2290246
I bought this book post divorce, a mistake equivalent to waiting until after a bad operation to check out your doctor's credentials with the AMA or state medical board.
It hardly needs be said that as far as life altering events go, both marriage and divorce present potential short/long term repercussions.  To move into either of these arenas without having first educated yourself to the negative implications is probably the most common mistake made in our society today.
Still, while the typical no-fault divorce in a joint property jurisdiction is a cut and dry event, there are areas - emotional, intellectual, and financial, that you need to explore in advance and this book can help you to accomplish that.  Even if there are painful or unresolved issues that linger after the decree is final, you can gain insights here as to legal strategies that may help, or other practical guidance if acceptance is the only option.
Unlike some of the other books I've read on this subject, "Your Divorce Advisor" does not appear to have a gender bias or other transparent agendas.  Working together, Mercer and Pruett help you to gain a bit of distance from your own situation, while offering objective advice toward gaining fair and effective closure.
This book does a fine job of capturing the circumstances that I imagine might be faced by 90% of all respondents.  Even if you have a very unusual situation, the general advice available here is valuable.  I had particular concerns when I bought the book, and I found viable answers and explanations contained therein.  They may not have been what I was hoping for, but as the basic theme of this book expounds, getting realistic about divorce and its aftermath is step one in the mutli-part process of a successful separation.
2916955
I do fine handling my own money. It's my grown adult son that I worry about  After a bad breakup he was left with a ton of old girlfriend debt and was in a really bad financial situation. The advice in this book will really help to turn this situation around. I listen to Dave most nights after work (archives) and although he can be quite arrogant at times, he has a lot of good financial information in a down to earth well written book that you don't need a Phd to understand. I have brought it to work to read during my lunch hour and several employees expressed an interest in reading it. I'm glad I bought it and my son is already following the baby steps.
4808456
I am a big fan of books on the subject of debt - mainly because I was in debt for such a long time and managed, through thick and thin, lots of sacrificing AND reading these type of wonderful books to get out of debt.

Now, I read them for two reasons 1) to remember how easily I can get back there and 2) to read up on methods and ideas to stay out of debt, but also to amass more savings.

The Road out of Debt is actually written for the lay person - which is perfect, as I hate, hate reading books on debt that are loaded with boring information, tables and charts that only your accountant can understand.  No problems with that in this book! thankfully.

Secondly, this book tackles a tough subject - bankruptcy and if you should do it. By actually telling you the pros and cons of bankruptcy and by fully explaining that in many cases, YOU DO HAVE OTHER CHOICES.  In fact, this book is actually a lot of fun because it doesn't "preach" by harping on why, why, why you did not save money and why, why, why you got in debt.  It focuses on fixing the problems, but offering you clear and concise information on the ways that you have available.

It is a fairly unbiaised book - which I like.  Basically, the authors have done ton of research on the subject and condensed it in an easy to read and understand book - which answers pretty well any question you may have.

Buy this one.
684598
Good information to have if you want to represent yourself.

TIP: Do not give up if you are turned down on the first try. It is very important that you appeal the denial decision because you could lose out on alot of money in regard to your lump sum benefit or back pay.

If you have any questions or need help and you live in the Detroit Metropolitan area,  contadct me at [...].
Your disability insider, Karen
570067
...read this book! It is a great introduction to the subject of personal bankruptcy. When a consumer gets into debt over their head and is unable to keep up the payments on the bills, sometimes bankruptcy is the best way out. The author explains the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 and why a debtor would choose one or the other. He also explains the means test, which determines whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is available. He explains the purposes of bankruptcy as well as the consequences. He also explains the limitations of bankruptcy. Not all debts may be discharged and some property is excluded from the reach of creditors. The book is written for the average reader and the language is clear and concise. This book does not cover Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is for businesses, or Chapter 12 bankruptcy, which is for farms. It does not provide step-by-step instructions for filing bankruptcy. For that, you will need another book. The book is fairly short and half of its content is made up of a glossary, sample forms, and a table of federal and state exemptions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering personal bankruptcy.
22037
I was raised in a family of bad credit and bankruptcy and as a young adult I had no appreciation for the importance of my own credit.  Needless to say, I found myself in my early thirties and with a credit score of 499 due to divorce and a lack of respect for the importance of credit.  In three months I was able to raise my score and average of 171 points by following this book's guidance.  Best Credit is not going to tell you how to cheat your way to a better score (it took a little bit of cash to fix my past sins), but its going to tell you EVERYTHING you need to do to be efficient in your endeavors!
2279406
I got the audio version of this (although abridged...I think a book like this will separate the grist from the meat and potatoes of the real information...and since most people need to review and hear stuff 3-4 times to get the information...this is a good way to do it). CD 1 is stories of their past and others to explain the lessons that they have learned... fairly entertaining at times... and needs several listenings to get the full impact (especially about their Fool.com and their foolish expansions of what they were not good at.) At one point they explain a chart that they say is worth the cost of the whole course...if only they or the publisher had thought to include a little packet of the graphics they were refering to in the front cover...but enough listenings to it and you get it.
CD 2 are all their suggestions of what to do with your money and to get yourself financially secure... so if you just want the information and none of the filler (like you can with self help books) then skip to the end (or CD 2 in this case). It helps me to focus on what I want to do with my money and why I am out of debt now but not able to save any (another good book for getting out of debt is "GET OUT OF DEBT, STAY OUT OF DEBT AND LIVE PROSPERSOUSLY"... which I consider a very good book and along with the Fool Brothers has helped me to pay off the credit cards and have the potential for saving and living hapilly.
Cool Runnings to you.
4319631
Debt is a terrible thing. The average family in Canada has on average approximately $50 grand in credit card debt that they can't pay back. When you think about it, debt is a crushing force that, at first it gives us what we want, and then later, it comes to collect and takes more than was originally offered. This is why, if you are in debt and are looking for a way out, this book is that way.

This book provides a clear roadmap with a step-by-step plan thats simple for the average person to follow and implement right away. By following the valuable advice in this book, not only will you become financially free but, you will learn how to:

' Pay off your mortgage
' Become credit card debt-free
' Stop buying things with credit such as furniture, TVs, or fancy vacations.
' Stop financing the things you want with debt
' Save money by using public transport
' Stop leasing a car and save more cash
' Know if you can afford to buy a home
' Distinguish the benefits of renting and mortgaging a home

The section on eliminating credit card debt is excellent. As the author Avery states:

If you carry a $10,000 balance on a credit card with an interest rate of 12% you're paying $1200 per year in interest. If the interest rate is 30%, you're paying $3000 per year in interest.
But the best part is The Power Pay Off Plan. By implementing this system youll be debt free and save yourself a lot of money.

The bottom line is, our credit card debt is sucking our cash away. But this book gives you the tactics to put into action and take care of it. By using a method called the Snowball Method youll be able to maximize the amount of money you can contribute towards your debt as well as reduce the amount of debt. This has the effect of creating a debt-free lifestyle within a limited space of time and it won't take a lifetime.

This book has a lot of motivating quotes and advice from the author for people who stink at managing their finances. You might feel like you cant do it, or you feel guilty if you have lots of cash on hand. But you can change this mind-set, and the wisdom and action steps in Your Road to Wealth shows you how to do that.

The bottom line is:
This is one of the best books I have read on the subject of debt elimination. It isn't too technical and provides strategies simple enough that anyone can put them into action immediately. There is hard work involved, especially if your debts are extensive, but at the end of it all you could be enjoying a wealthier lifestyle.
780048
The title mislead me a bit becuase I was hoping for a book that would giveadvice on how to pay down debt or deal with hig interest loans and credit cards.  I realized right away that it's actually a book that gives very specific advice to those who are already faced with tons of harrasing phone calls and letters from debt collection and how to fight that within that system.  This book could be extremely helpful for people who are very far behind on there payments and are looking for the best ways to use the laws concerning debt collection to help them avoid losing their assets and home.  I found it enlightening and informative.  Personally it doesn't apply to the situation I'm in, but I recommend it for those seeking to understand the process of fighting collection agencies.
4956942
Authors who write about debt and getting out of it, overspending and overcoming it, tend to fall into two categories: there is the P.E. coach who is going to whip you into shape, shout to you that you can do one more crunch, and perhaps throttle you if you screw up.

Then there are the understanding therapists who want to help you understand the source of your compulsion and assemble around you a small team of trusted advocates who will stick with you through your relapses and help you to get well.

Olivia Mellan is a therapist.

Her book declares that upfront, so I am hardly outing a softy with this observation. If you want somebody to threaten your feeble, self-loathing little overspending life with an early demise if you don't cut up that last credit card, this book is not for you.  But if you want somebody who understands you or your overspending partner, Mellan's Overcoming Overspending may be the one. You may need to supplment it, however, with something a bit more stern.

Mellan herself is a `recovering overspender', 12-Step language that alerts you to the origin of her interest in this topic and the  remedies she'll propose. Where others will begin with lurid descriptions of the living hell that absorbs the indebted masses--I do not intend to make light of this society-wide but deeply personal ill--Mellan's first chapter is entitled `What is Overspending All About?'

In my judgement, her strong suit is probing gently at the scarcity of soul that generates overspending as a futile attempt to fill the void.

Her second section is perhaps even more collegial: `How Spenders' Partners Can Help', followed by `Tools and Techniques You Both Can Use'. Pay attention to these section titles, since Mellan (or her editor) is what I call an `Honest Titler'. The names of her sections and chapters tell you exactly what to expect. Significantly, it is not until the book's fourth of five chapters that we read `How Overspenders Can Overcome', a remarkable postponement--though not an evasion--of the spender's responsibility.

This is a classic therapeutic approach and may well be what you and your partner need. The final section--`The Long and Winding Road'--suggests that you'll suffer relapses along the way but you'll get to your destination if you and your partner keep at it.

Given the sea of get-out-of-debt literature that is available, what ought we to make of Mellan's opportunity. I consider it a valuable tool for those who love an overspender, less so for the overspender himself or herself. Mellan is particularly good on what `hoarders' bring to the mix and how the overspender's partner is likely to change in order to compensate for the compulsion that comes here under review.

The overspender will benefit from reading Overcoming Overspending, but is likely to need some backbone from a supplementary work.