Book Description
A step-by-step action plan to quick and lasting recovery after personal bankruptcy. Indexed.
Customer Reviews:
The Book Is Actually An Ad For His $497 Course.......2007-09-12
This book is FULL of commercials but void of any specific information you can apply to your life. His advice on everything from getting credit cards, auto loans, installment loans, mortgages, what ever, is to research everything out there and interview every loan officer, credit mangager etc out there, and find the best deal.
This book, his internet site, and his "free" seminar are all in effect teases to get you to buy his "Increase Your Credit Scores - Improve Your Lifestyle" course which costs $497. Presumably, some actually utilizable information is in that.
Bankruptcy.......2007-03-22
There is a moderate amount of useful information about life after bankruptcy. Probably half of the information can be found on the internet. However, the author should not have used the bankruptcy information as a cover for preaching his religious beliefs. I felt mislead.
Bankruptcy.......2007-01-12
This is a good book for someone who filed bankruptcy this book has given me a lot of insight on thing
Waste of money.......2006-12-23
You can find all this information on line. There is nothing new here for a post bankruptcy person. Also, he has a RELIGIOUS BENT so be careful.
light at the end.......2006-11-08
I am seeing light at the end of the bankruptcy tunnel
Book Description
HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS, by Norman H. Perlmutter, CPA, is the book that everyone needs to prevent economic meltdown. It's the essential, up-to-date, comprehensive and gutsy survival guide to meet this ever growing serious problem of financial ruin that faces so many of us.
In a step-by-step format it guides individuals, families and businesses through a process that will end debt and reverse insolvency without filing bankruptcy. Even if you're on the brink of financial ruin, with this book you can regain financial health and get a fresh start without committing "financial suicide".
HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS provides legitimate workable solutions to repair financial chaos. It's written in a conversational style and organized in an outline format that promotes understanding and ease of reading for the average person. You will learn in no uncertain terms how to climb out of the hole you are in and get your financial life under control without causing irreparable damage to your future in the process.
The author is a practicing CPA and Financial Advisor who formerly owned a Debt Collection Agency. He understands the tactics of the conniving moneylenders and their debt collector enforcers and all the other scam artists who are out there waiting to rip you off. He knows how to deal with these people and how to stop them from harassing you and from ruining your credit and your reputation. Furthermore and most important, with this book he will teach you how to take control of your financial life and get out of the mess you are in.
HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS is for all those individuals, families and businesses whose debts grow deeper by the day and whose lives are being adversely affected by them. Here's a summary of how the book will help you deal with your problems with debt:
• It will teach you the basics - what you're up against, who the predators are, how to recognize and avoid their debt traps, the fundamentals of debt, the risks you take when you don't pay, and what they can and cannot do to collect from you.
• It will help you understand your problem - by following the steps outlined you will be able to expose, examine and evaluate your dilemma with debt, how it's affecting your life and the options you have to deal with it.
• You will learn to know your enemy - what makes creditors and bill collectors tick, what motivates them, what their weaknesses are, how you can exploit them and how they are vulnerable to attack.
• It will show you how to keep the wolves at bay - by creating doubt as to the validity and the collectability of your debts and by using "Dirty Tricks" and Counter Attack Techniques to frustrate and discourage creditors and bill collectors.
• It will teach you about your rights and how to take advantage of them - federal and state laws enacted to protect you from abuse and to punish bill collectors who violate them.
• You will learn how to negotiate a debt settlement plan - using basic negotiating skills and built in leverage to set up an advantageous arrangement with your creditors to workout and settle your debts.
• How to use the "Golden Rules of Debtsmenship" - to protect your assets and your privacy and to safeguard credit, and where necessary, how to repair credit and rebuild it.
• How to deal with lawyers - to negotiate debt settlements, contest lawsuits and protect your assets from judgment levies.
• How to settle secured debts and tax debts - by recognizing and seizing upon opportunities to settle or otherwise favorably resolve these debts that creditors have more power to collect.
• How to settle business debts - by understanding the differences that must be considered when negotiating workouts and settlements with business creditors.
• Where to get help if you need it - and how to watch out for all the scam artists who are out there waiting to take advantage of you.
• It's a reference manual as well as a guide - with its outline format and comprehensive index the book can be used to easily and quickly obtain information on any of the many subjects covered relating to debt and debt relief.
HOW TO SETTLE YOUR DEBTS ~ Without Committing Financial Suicide ~ shows you how to end debt and reverse insolvency without resorting to the self-defeating and demeaning ordeal of filing bankruptcy. It provides you with all the knowledge, the techniques and insight required to successfully accomplish this.
Customer Reviews:
Buy it and Save $$$.......2006-11-16
Using the information contained in the book, especially to have Patience and Persistence, I have settled 2 credit card debts, and saved $16,000 from what Credit Card #1 and Credit Card #2 were demanding. They gave in before I wore out. Having gone through this, I now feel extremely confident on settling the remaining debt for less then the current balance. Using the advice contained in Norman's book WILL work as long as don't give in until you feel you have reached a fair settlement.
Great book.......2006-04-17
Gives you the law and practicalities. After reading this book I wrote to one lender and one collection agency and (5 months later) haven't heard from them again.
Excellent! Very Informative .......2006-02-10
This book was great! I began reading the book with much debt and minimal knowledge of how to become victorious in the world of debt and credit. This book was written in lay terms, so it was very easy to understand. Included in the book were sample letters and laws that helped me to know my rights as a consumer.
As I was reading this book, I began to apply much of what was written and I immediately began to gain control over my finances. I was no longer going to fall prey to credit or be victim to the collector. I now have a budget, live beneath my means, have devised a plan to remain out of debt and am on my way to rebuilding my credit. I would recommend this book to any and everyone. It was absolutely outstanding!
Low on Substance.......2006-01-01
I got this book because of the outstanding reviews it already had. In hindsight, I suspect not all of them are legitimate reviews. It's difficult to imagine anyone could read the advice in this book, put it to use, and actually gain significant benefit. Though the book's description sounds very promising, I found that it didn't deliver the information it promised. Many of the scenarios in the book are unrealistic and make unhelpful assumptions. Over and over again the author directs the reader to research topics elsewhere without providing even basic information. For example: "Credit reports are difficult to read and even more difficult to understand. There are some excellent books available to help you with this." While this book is not specifically about dealing with your credit report, it seems that a bit more information about credit reports would have been provided.
Most of the advice is common sense (live within your means) or biased against any course of action other than settling with creditors. The author writes from the viewpoint that bankruptcy is the worst thing you could possibly do, but never backs up that claim with any information. I was left with the impression that the author himself isn't really sure what effect bankruptcy has.
In fact, the author's pervasive use of generalities and unrealistic suggestions made me think he doesn't actually know that much about credit (despite his alleged qualifications). For example, he repeatedly suggests bargaining with your creditors that you will pay part of your debt if they remove negative information they have already reported to the credit bureaus. But the author seems oblivious to the fact that the credit bureaus have specific rules against creditors doing this. Numerous such suggestions ruin the author's credibility.
At best, this book might be helpful as motivation to action for someone who lives behind his or her means. But if your debts are the result of unfortunate and unavoidable events in your life, and you are ready to take decisive action to get your debt under control and your credit back on track, you will find this book preachy and unhelpful.
This is the best resource currenty available ..........2005-11-05
... for learning how to settle unsecured debt such as credit card debt. It is comprehesive and yet concise. There is no BS or fluff and it touches on every area of the landscape you need to be aware of when trying to settle unsecured debt on your own. Even though there is one far more powerful solution to settling credit card debt that is not discussed in this or any other book that I have read on this subject, I still gave the book five stars because all of the information contained in it is essential to know and is very well presented. As such, this book is the ideal starting point for learning about how the business of debt and collection works and how to deal with it. I highly recommended it.
Book Description
For many people, the word bankruptcy carries negative connotations. Yet, if you are one of the millions of Americans who is facing massive credit card debt, stagnant income, or sudden unemployment, bankruptcy may be the best answer to putting your finances on the road to repair.
Often viewed as a disaster, bankruptcy is, in fact, a rescuer. Unlike other books on this topic, which take a dry, mechanical approach, The Bankruptcy Solution helps you get past the shame around debt and make the law your ally when you are faced with financial hardships.
The Bankruptcy Solution shows you how you can: ·Prepare for filing bankruptcy
·Deal with collection agencies
·Understand which debts you should pay off first
·Repair your credit after bankruptcy
·Find the right attorney
You'll also learn about the laws that can affect—and often help—you if you file for bankruptcy:
·Bankruptcy Reform Act
·Fair Credit Reporting Act
·Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Written in an approachable style by expert bankruptcy attorney Peggy Palms, The Bankruptcy Solution gives sound advice on whether or not bankruptcy is the right choice for you—and helps you get through this stressful process with your head held high and your sanity intact.
Customer Reviews:
Good book to read when you are considering your options.......2007-05-17
My husband and I had already filed for bankruptcy when I came across this book, so a lot of the advice given about contemplating bankruptcy didn't apply to us. However, her explanation of the bankruptcy process really helped us understand what we were getting into (and out of). I would definitely recommend this book to a reader who doesn't know what to do with their financial situation.
Great Legal Information.......2004-11-30
There are three great books on the market today and I say don't shop around any more. The two best bankruptcy books on the market have been written by women. I purchased Peggy Palm's book first and found it very informative and insightful. I'm attempting to the stop foreclosure of my home. I then purchased Tiffany Love's book, surviving financial disasters, to get the bankruptcy forms on CD Rom and then learned that she too filed for bankruptcy and included her legal pleadings. If you want to stop foreclosure, get Ms. Love's book for sure as it is "hands on", but I find myself frequently referring back to the information in Peggy's to gain an additional perceptive. Money Troubles is another great book that provides wonderful information and exceeds the scope of Peggy's book, because it covers everything inside and out of bankruptcy, like Tiffany's book. Which some people I think may find too technical, but if you're doing battle like I am with creditors the information is right on target. All three will cost you less than $100 far less than an attorney's consultation fee. My verdict: Peggy's book for the legal advice, Tiffany's book for insight and roadmap, Money Trouble for everything else even after bankruptcy. The others are crap!
Excellent for Debtors.......2004-07-20
This book is for anyone contemplating bankruptcy. Peggy Palms does an excellent job of describing, to the debtor, the ins and outs of filing bankruptcy. This is the first book of its kind that helps debtors (not creditors) understand the bankruptcy process without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. I would recommend this book to ANYONE experiencing financial problems. It releived a tremendous amount of stress from my life and gave me hope. Peggy Palms is wonderful.
The Bankruptcy Solution.......2003-10-25
Sunday I purchased six books on Bankruptcy, read this one first and didn't bother reading the others. It was so real, truthful, and as we say in the Caribbean, down to earth, connotating a Holistic coverage. This book will help me as I work to fight for bankrutpcy reform in my country. I recommend it anyone facing financial problems or wanting to know more about bankruptcy from the perspective of an experienced, practicing attorney who seems to care about people in trouble.
A Real Page-Turner..........2003-09-13
If you or anyone you know is considering filing for bankruptcy, "The Bankruptcy Solution" is a must read! It stands out from the few others I have purchased/read because it answers almost every question one may have regarding Chapters 7 and 13. Also, Ms. Palms addresses bankruptcy matters with a no-nonsense, dignfied attitude. Other books make the reader feel shameful about bankruptcy issues, whereas "The Bankruptcy Solution" gives one hope for life after a BK. After reading this page-turner, you will hold your head high. My only regret is that Ms. Palms is unable to represent me(I live across the country from where she practices)!
Book Description
Reduce your debts, save your property -- and start over!
Are you behind on your mortgage, taxes or other bills? Are creditors threatening foreclosure or repossession? Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which can provide you an affordable repayment plan -- and let you keep your house, car and other property.
You can even avoid attorney fees and do it yourself -- let Chapter 13 Bankruptcy show the way. Find out how to:
determine if you qualify for Chapter 13
estimate monthly payments
devise an acceptable repayment plan
complete and file forms
stop a house foreclosure
make up missed mortgage payments
pay off other debts
represent yourself before a bankruptcy judge or trustee
The 8th edition is completely rewritten to reflect the recent (and massive) changes to federal bankruptcy law, as well as the latest bankruptcy exemption laws of your state. It also includes the most current legal documents and instructions on filling them out.
Whether you work with a lawyer or file on your own, you'll find everything you need to take charge of your debts in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
Please note: This book does not cover business bankruptcies, farm reorganizations or individual repayment plans (Chapter 13). For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, see Nolo's How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Download Description
Scared to answer the phone (or even open the mail) because you're behind on your mortgage, taxes or other bills? Are creditors threatening foreclosure or repossession? Here's the answer! Get Out of Debt Without Losing Your Property Stop mounting fees and interest Design an affordable repayment plan Stop garnishments, attachments and foreclosure Make a new start If you're at risk of losing property, or if you have overwhelming debts that can't be eliminated in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 can offer a solution. It enables you to reorganize your debts into a repayment plan you can afford, without losing any property. In this compassionate and comprehensive guide, personal finance expert Attorney Robin Leonard takes you through the entire Chapter 13 process, step by step, and shows you how to: determine if you qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy calculate the total amount of your debts and income complete the official bankruptcy forms devise a Chapter 13 repayment plan file your forms with the bankruptcy court stop a house foreclosure, make up missed mortgage payments and get back on track pay off your tax debt pay off your student loan, child support or alimony arrears modify your plan when problems come up represent yourself in bankruptcy court deal with unexpected changes such as new debt, missed payments, loss of income Whether you decide to work with a lawyer or file on you own, get the information you need to take charge of your debts and get back on your feet. This book covers bankruptcies that seek repayment of personal debt under Chapter 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code. It does not cover cancellation of debt (Chapter 7) or business or farm bankruptcies. For Individual Chapter 7 bankruptcy, see Nolo's How to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Customer Reviews:
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Repay Your Debts (8th Edition).......2007-09-14
This book was very informative, I own a Bankruptcy Petition Preparer Service. To broaden my expertise in Chapter 13, I purchased this book. With the information in this book alone, I am now able to expand my business by offering Chapter 13 service to Attorneys. Five Stars for this book.
A top reference both for filers and for public library reference sections........2007-03-05
If you're behind on your bills and creditors are threatening, you can consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection - and the 8th updated edition of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy will save you a fortune in attorney fees and confusion. Learn how to determine qualifications, understanding the law's protections, fill out and file forms, pay off debts and represent yourself in court: it's been completely rewritten to reflect the latest changes to federal bankruptcy law and includes all the latest facts, making this a top reference both for filers and for public library reference sections.
Good job.......2004-05-10
The author did a good job organizing the information in this book.
I would also recommend Surviving Financial Disasters by Tiffany R. Love which comes with a CD ROM and actual sample court documents from someone who has been there and done that. Also tells what to expect after you filed your papers.
This is another great one,.......2002-10-17
This book also showed me how to MOtions and I feel like I can now do a motion for anything. Another great one for nolo.
Book Description
Where can I go? Who can help? What should I do? Surviving Financial Disasters provides complete, clear and informative answers to difficult financial questions. This book unveils information attorneys, creditors, lenders, and agents withhold from consumers. Includes more than 100 topics, samples, federal statues, forms, resources and CD ROM .
Customer Reviews:
Where is the Love? - It's In This Book.......2005-04-13
Meeting Ms. Love will have you sold on anything she could write. She is a beautiful, smart, and funny; not to mention a classy woman. Her book is factually correct - it's relevant and plays a valuable role in financial planning. Many books are written from the stand point of expert to desperate reader. This book take is from a person facing financial challenges to finding the answers to relieve their stress. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK. It's original, accurate, and significant. Ms. Love has appeared as the guest of attorneys and lectured alongside a US Federal Bankruptcy Court Judge. They all praised her book (as anyone who has followed her career knows).
When you're looking to find something wrong you will. Clearly you didn't read your review because it's redundant "she self-published herself" and grammatically incorrect, so who are you to criticize. I think this has more to do with gorilla behavior that speaks about on her web site than with the book. Further proving her point about low lives.
You can trust that this author is genuine and the book is great! Well done Tiffany and don't allow these gorilla's to deter you from helping readers who need this information. Fight them back!
This Book Prepares You For Financial Reality.......2005-04-12
THIS BOOK IS OUTSTANDING. You would have to be a board angry lawyer not to like this book. There are plenty of errors in every book you read - if you truly read. What she does is provide the raw facts on what happens during a bankruptcy proceeding. If you read closely the forms she filed in bankruptcy court you see the name of her previous attorney (luckily she lives in the state of California). IT'S THE RAW FACTS. I took control of my bankruptcy case after my lawyer kept charging, charging, charging, and charging. He had a lot of errors too, one that I had the money in bankruptcy to pay him over $4,000 above his base fee. I also purchased this book after reading reviews and meeting this author, who told me exactly what I needed to do and she was absolutely right. She told me how they charge people in bankruptcy, how creditors will try to take your property and how to stop it. This book is a great deal for anyone who has dealt with lawyers who rip people off in order to keep a job. Anyone looking to seriously represent themselves MUST HAVE THIS BOOK.
Gorilla Law isn't Guerilla Law.......2005-03-25
After reading another customer review of this book I was so impressed that I ordered it with next day delivery. It sounded like exactly the kind of book I've been looking for. But I made the mistake of not reading an excerpt first and wound up wasting almost forty dollars.
This book is published by the author herself, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing except for the fact that the text is riddled with elliptical and grammatical errors. Nearly every paragraph has at least one error in it. The printing quality is poor and fuzzy, looking as though it were taken from a bubble jet master copy. The listing of Federal court addresses goes for several pages and is broken into two columns. But apparently the page breaks were set up incorrectly because the listings go down column one all the way to the end of the section and then go to column two at the beginning of the same section.
I could have lived with even these errors since they're just copy editing mistakes, but then I noticed other errors that made me wonder why this woman ever thought she could write any kind of book at all, let alone a technical book on a subject concerning the reader's personal finances. For example, when writing about filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer, the author uses the term Gorilla Law. I think she may have meant Guerilla Law...
Would you take legal advice from a person who wrote like this? I hope not. The lesson I took is that I should never buy a book based solely on customer reviews. If I had taken the time to read an excerpt, I would have avoided a lot of frustration and wasted money.
Must Have For Stopping Foreclosure.......2004-11-30
There are three great books on the market today and I say don't shop around any more. The two best bankruptcy books on the market have been written by women. I purchased Peggy Palm's book first and found it very informative and insightful. I'm attempting to the stop foreclosure of my home. I then purchased Tiffany Love's book, surviving financial disasters, to get the bankruptcy forms on CD Rom and then learned that she too filed for bankruptcy and included her legal pleadings. If you want to stop foreclosure, get Ms. Love's book for sure as it is "hands on", but I find myself frequently referring back to the information in Peggy's to gain an additional perceptive. Money Troubles is another great book that provides wonderful information and exceeds the scope of Peggy's book, because it covers everything inside and out of bankruptcy, like Tiffany's book. Which some people I think may find too technical, but if you're doing battle like I am with creditors the information is right on target. All three will cost you less than $100 far less than an attorney's consultation fee. My verdict: Peggy's book for the legal advice, Tiffany's book for insight and roadmap, Money Trouble for everything else even after bankruptcy. The others are crap!
Every Home Should Have This Book.......2004-11-07
My story is interesting as to how I came about this book. First, this book has more information inside than what the title suggests. You will get your moneies worth and more out of this book. From buying/selling property to reducing mortgage payments to how to stop credit card companies and lenders in their tracks. I saw the author on election day in New York. Although I attended another lecture, I had the opportunity to meet her during the break. She is absolutely lovely and charming. What a perfect name Love. A young woman with no money and in financial straits begged the organizers to for Surviving Financial Disasters. Once they made financial arrangements Ms. Love walked over to the young woman, handed her a copy of the book and signed it. The young lady jumped up and down. She literally cried. I was so impressed that I purchased a copy of this book and WOW! This young woman is certainly taking over our hearts and the world.
Book Description
Everyone wonders at one time or another what goes on behind the glass doors and brass plaques down at the bank. How do they make all those obscene profits? Well, not that a spy was planted or anything, but here in tales of extreme credit ‘silliness’ and personal “Debt Hell,” everyone can relate to the author’s personal voyage into retail temptation, slide into too much debt, then personal bankruptcy. It is here in the process of coming back to financial respectability, that he reveals what he believes are the 7 Secrets that will add more to YOUR, not the banker’s bottom line! Here is a cautionary tale and a good amount of research and experience that will show young & old:
• The tips, tricks, and secrets banks and advertising executives use to get you to (unfairly) part with your hard-earned money!
• How even small numbers of credit lines can grow like ‘crazy’ to become a “Gorilla” on your financial back and what you can do to avoid them!
• What some modern day banking fees and financial corporate debt resellers can do to drain your accounts, tie up your retirement savings plans, children’s college funds, and keep you ‘enslaved’ to your boss!
• What the danger signs of “Bankruptcy Road” are, and the credit repair ‘scams’ you need to avoid
• What is the psychological ‘babble’ that financiers use to make you feel that you need them and not the other way around when you need some money?
• How to use 10 inspiring ways to credit, not debit your accounts!
• Multiple methods to improve your privacy, protect your banking information, and guard against IDENTITY THEFT, the criminal scourge of our times!
• And much, much more! So if you have ever wondered…
“Why can I not GET more, and KEEP more money in my bank accounts?”or…“WHAT is it that Bankers and other financially successful people know that I don’t that keeps me POOR and constantly juggling, while others thrive?” …then this book is for you!
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.
Customer Reviews:
Further Insight Into The Demography of Bankruptcy.......2007-04-22
In some ways, this is the authors' companion book to their excellent book, As We Forgive Our Debtors. The Fragile Middle Class is less academic than As We Forgive Our Debtors and focuses more on the people who fall into bankruptcy and less on the economics and supporting cast of players (creditors and legal system)that comprise the U.S. bankruptcy system. In this book, the authors could provide reasons for why some individuals find themselves at the mercy of the bankruptcy court. For the time-pressed, Chapter One, Americans in Crisis, aptly summarizes the contents of the book.
The book provides the reader with a comprehensive definition of what it means to be 'middle-class'. It also provides the key socio-economic reasons underlying bankruptcy. These are: income disturbances (which includes unemployment and under-employment), credit cards, illness, divorce and housing. One chapter each is devoted to these reasons. Throughout, the stated goal of the authors was to tell the reader what the portrait of the bankrupt can tell us about the rest of society.
The authors re-affirm the old refrain that economic insecurity has greatly increased in American society. Their work strongly indicates that by far the greatest culprit leading to bankruptcy is job loss, followed by divorce and/or illness. In many cases, as the authors demonstrate, more than one culprit may be at work in a particular bankruptcy.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I noted in reading the book was the juicy little tidbit on credit cards on page 128. While the authors readily admit that mere possession of a credit card will not lead to bankruptcy, they do insist that the level of such revolving debt (for which they define the tipping point toward bankruptcy as short-term debt exceeding one and a half times gross annual income) is critical, and take care to point out that the debts can keep on compounding (at twenty-four percent interest, compounded monthly) long after the cardholder has shredded his or her piece of plastic.
In sum, this book was a very readable introduction to bankruptcy among the middle class. The authors have once again cranked out another excellent study.
DROWNING IN DEBT.......2004-03-07
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.......2003-05-26
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.......2003-02-05
Rehashes their earlier book and reiterates the same tautology: too much debt causes bankruptcy.
Owe my Soul.......2002-11-21
Excellent read if you wondering about the number of bankruptcies or have been puzzled about the decline in real wages over the last few decades. It may make you think twice about your own finances!
Book Description
The average credit card debt per household is $7,500, and more than 1.6 million Americans file for bankruptcy each year. The American Bar Association Guide to Credit & Bankruptcy answers the questions people commonly ask lawyers about getting, keeping, and repairing credit.
• Includes major new requirements of the bankruptcy reform bill, in effect October 2005
• Topics include credit card debt, bankruptcy, and other forms of debt such as home mortgages, auto loans, and e-loans.
Customer Reviews:
good concise resource on credit issues.......2007-09-10
This is a succinct summary of a variety of credit related topics. It is easy to understand and suitable for a general overview of the topic. Written by the American Bar Association, an authoritative source.
Book Description
This clear, practical guide helps readers get past the stigma of bankruptcy and on their way to financial recovery.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book.......2004-05-10
I purchased this book and Surviving Financial Disasters by Tiffany R. Love (which came with a CD ROM with BK Forms and sample court motions). Both books are outstanding.
To file or not to file?.......2000-04-23
After keeping the wolves at bay for several years, it was time to make some serious financial decisions. In researching my options, this book was, by far, the most useful. Written with humour and grace, the Cahers understand the emotional toll taken when you are robbing Peter to pay Paul. The pros and cons of bankruptcy are explicitly discussed - leaving the reader to make an informed choice.
If you are reading this review, chances are you are in a very difficult situation. I recommend that you this book before making a decision.
Don't Be Afraid.......2000-03-23
I work in the legal field. I don't do bankruptcy work. But I often get asked questions. So, I was looking for a book that would answer the most basic questions without getting too complicated and to find a book I could refer folks to who wanted to know the basics and who would be able to understand what was being written without having a legal dictionary at their side. This book answered all those needs. It is written in simple English (no legal jargon) and it covers just about everything you'd need to know, from what kinds of bankruptcy there are, to what to do before you file, to what you do to re-establish your credit afterwards. It has charts in the back for easy reference. Even if you aren't contemplating filing bankruptcy, this is good stuff to know. Sooner or later we will probably know someone who is in financial trouble, and having a basic understanding of bankruptcy can be a godsend to talking with our friends about bankruptcy and helping them through these troubled times.
Highly recoment for anyone considering bankruptcy.......1999-08-20
This was a highly informative book and makes the reader feel better about the hard choice of bankrucy. offers good tips and advice on the legal aspect of bankruptcy as well as alternatives and rebuilding credit after bankrupcy.
The most helpful book I've ever read.......1997-08-27
This book was the best preparation we could have had for our appointment with an attorney. It was an easy-to-read guide to a difficult subject, written with compassion and loaded with information for a variety of situations. I would recommend this book without reservation to anyone with financial problems
Customer Reviews:
VIP: IMPORTANT AND VITAL FOR CREDIT.......2000-05-04
The book is a must for anyone who is serious about living without debt, yet with prosperity
Books:
- Credit After Bankruptcy: A Step-By-Step Action Plan to Quick and Lasting Recovery after Personal Bankruptcy
- Credit After Bankruptcy: A Step-By-Step Action Plan to Quick and Lasting Recovery after Personal Bankruptcy
- Debt-Proof Living: The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free (Debt-Proof Living (Paperback))
- Debt-Proof Living: The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free (Debt-Proof Living (Paperback))
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
- Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors
Books Index
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General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Do You Make These 38 Mistakes with Your Credit? How increasing your credit scores will improve your lifestyle
Bounce Back From Bankruptcy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Back on Your Financial Feet, Third Edition
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Surviving Bankruptcy (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Credit Repair: What the Credit Industry Doesn't Want You to Know
The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work for You? (2nd edition)
