Book Description
The national bestseller that can help you create the life of your dreams for only $10 a day, using Jean Chatzky's powerful "debt diet."
Is it really possible to live without credit card debt, bill collectors, whopping interest payments, or anxiety about retirement? Yes it is, and Jean Chatzky, one of America's most beloved money experts, can teach you how to use the debt diet to make that dream a reality.
Millions of Americans watch Chatzky on NBC's Today show, and millions more read her articles in magazines like Money, Time, Life and Travel & Leisure. Unlike some financial gurus, she offers straight talk about the problems real people face in the real world. Chatzky proves that anyone, no matter how debt-ridden or how low on income, can find an extra $10 a day to knock out their debt and build a bright, secure future.
It might be as simple as spending less on your morning coffee or as drastic as trading in your SUV for a more practical car. You'll also learn how to track your spending, consolidate your debts, force credit card companies to give you their best rates, and plan ahead for the inevitable surprise expenses that crop up from time to time.
Customer Reviews:
Financial Relief.......2007-09-10
"Pay it Down: From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day" is an amazing book: easy to read, a workbook to help you sort out your own debt, and a wonderful resource of emails and phone numbers of all the places related to helping you get out of debt--whether you are just trying to get a better car loan rate or are in deep financial trouble. Jean Chatzky regularly appears on the NBC's "Today Show," as well as writing for magazines like "Time" and "Money."
In this book, she provides great advice for following a plan of finding $10 a day to put toward your debt and working your way to a happier life (her plan takes about three years of solid financial discipline to get to most results). She begins with the less painful ways to save and works her way toward much tougher choices. She offers practical advice and even builds in a way to have (planned) splurges. She offers practical advice that anyone can adapt, she realizes the reality of the need for cell phones and (basic) cable, at the same time helping you figure out how to find that extra money to reduce those dreaded credit card totals. She provides excellent advice about credit scores--how they are calculated, how you can improve your own, why you shouldn't cut up all those credit cards, and more.
Whether you just want to save a little more for retirement or need some serious financial help, this book is for you. There isn't anything much on investing money or what to do when you accumulate wealth: that's for another time. This is the nitty-gritty on dealing with debt and getting out from under those oppressive bills. I recommend this book.
Very Happy.......2007-08-23
I had a very pleasant experience purchasing this product. It was delivered in a timely manner, and was in the exact condition that the seller said it was. I will definitely be shopping at Amazon.com again.
Very basic, but there is some good information in it.......2007-08-06
So many negative reviews of this book are based on what the reviewer thinks everyone already knows - however it is they know that. True, this is not an in-depth economic or financial text, but it isn't meant to be. I consider myself an educated, relatively organized professional with workable financial knowledge, but I still picked up a few good tips from this book, and it made me think about a couple topics in a new light. My husband and I did the short exercises and discovered a surprise or two about our spending - nothing that was breaking the bank, but correcting the issues will save us some money that will add up over time.
This book is a very quick read done in a friendly, conversational tone. If you get it from your local library as we did, reading it won't cost anything, won't be much of a time investment, certainly won't hurt anything, and who knows, you may end up learning a thing or two that'll save you a few bucks.
Common Sense for those in debt and feel helpless.......2007-08-06
Get this book from your library (point one in saving $), and then go to your local library and get Oprah's Debt Diet series DVD's. Coupled together, (Jean is in both) you have GOTTA learn something!
Love this book! Way to go Jean!!
book full of nothing.......2007-04-10
If I ran a publishing company, my books would be different.
I would give each nonfiction author who has written a first draft of a book a sheet of paper with the following:
1. have more than 10 other famous authors already written widely available books with identical advice? if so you do not have a worthwhile manuscript. try again.
2. if you are saying "my plan works" where is the data to support your conclusion? basic numbers on compliance with your plan over the first month, first 12 months, two years?
3. if you have no data and you are saying the same thing as everyone else, why publish a book that only has a slight twist that differentiates itself from other books?
those 3 questions would stop books like this, leaving more space for the ones with substance.
the bottom line is that the covers of this book are too far apart. often that is said to disparage the book's content. in this case there is no content to criticize.
waste of paper. waste of time. waste of money and this "author" has damaged her reputation by putting this out, judging from reviews here.
Book Description
Written by two experience credit consultants, The Fix Your Credit Workbook offers a step-by-step way to organize cash flow and repair bad credit. With charts, to-do lists, form letters, and quotes from credit and debt collections laws, it teaches you how to:Prioritize your debts from most to least importantNegotiate payment schedules with creditorsSettle income tax debts with the IRSChoose between bankruptcy and other strategies for overcoming substantial debtUnderstand your rights in disputes with creditors, collectors, and credit reporting agenciesDevelop new practices to ensure a lifetime of great credit
Customer Reviews:
Not straight-forward but informative as heck.......2005-09-21
Too much if and buts and excrutiating detail that didnt apply. But it is a great guide and has pertinent real-world examples. You might wanna check other books on credit before you get this one. Not dissapointed because I am not going to get another book, but maybe if Amazon would give us a little more than the first page and ten pages of the index, I would have a better idea of what I am buying.
Wow, My credit was fixed in 30 days.......2005-05-10
I Followed the advice in this book and was able to get 11 bad things off my credit report. Some were true, some not, but it really worked.
Now I am buying a house for my family. Thank Your Mr. Bierman and Masten.
Disappointing.......2003-02-26
I bought this book because "Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair" was very informative, but I wasted my money. The book is a big ad for the author's new Credit Insider online magazine that costs a mere one hundred and twenty five dollars a year. Since "Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair" was published in 1994, I was hoping for some updated information, but there was nothing new in the book. It wasted a lot of space on forms that you would be sent anyway if you needed to fill them out. Too much space was also wasted on discussing how you could take the credit reporting bureaus to court and it appeared to me that key points may have been left out. Guess you have to buy the magazine to get all the good advice. Spend your money on a better book.
This book taught me Credit Bureau Kung Fu!.......2002-08-15
I know it sounds crazy, but after reading this book I felt like I knew Kung Fu when I was dealing with the Credit Bureaus and my past creditors. I had wonderful success prior to this book with the strategies that I learned from "Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair", but when I started using the strategies from this book, I took it up a notch. In a few instances my creditors read the letters that I developed from reading this book, and simply gave in to my requests. The straetgies require a little time (A few months)a little typing and a little postage, but it yields amazing success. In fact, I have even begun helping others to recover their credit. God Bless Todd Bierman and Nathaniel Wice.
Pretty good -- if you want to know how to sue.......2001-08-23
I bought this book hoping to find out how those credit repair scams work. Todd Bierman doesn't go much into this as I'd like. He simply refers you to his other book, titled "Guerilla Guide to Credit Repair).
The Fix your credit workbook concentrates on how to demand reparations from credit agencies and what to do if they don't respond to your demands. He goes as far as provides stock letters for the credit agencies and a step-by-step guide on how to SUE in federal court by yourself.
I'm not a lawyer, but I think its foolish for any lay person to sue a credit agency in federal court without a lawyer. But Bierman does do a good job in case some bold soul out there wants to know how to file a petition in federal district court.
I just ordered the Guerilla Guide today and am anxiously awaiting it. The Fix your credit workbook is well written and a must have to deal with these pesky credit agencies nowadays.
Book Description
Is “retail therapy” your favorite pastime—even though you really can’t afford it? Do you ignore the balance on your credit card statements, vowing to pay them off at some point down the line? Is your debt preventing you from living your dreams—like buying a home or starting a family? If so, girl, it’s time to get your credit straight!
These days, with easy access to multiple credit cards and glossy advertisements that entice us to spend at every turn, it’s all too easy to start racking up debt—and even little slip-ups can lead to real damage over time. In this highly practical follow-up to her bestsellers Girl, Get Your Money Straight! and Girl, Make Your Money Grow!, financial expert Glinda Bridgforth delivers a power-packed plan for paying down debt, repairing your credit score, and securing your financial freedom—along with a future that makes your heart sing.
Beginning with simple, engaging exercises to help you assess your spending habits and get clear about what you owe, Girl, Get Your Credit Straight! presents a detailed road map for eliminating debt, one step at a time. You will learn how to:
• Devise a system for tracking expenditures, anticipating end-of-month shortfalls, and paying bills on time, every time
• Find ways to supplement your income
• Consolidate loans to pay off debt faster, decrease stress, and save time and money
• Negotiate with your creditors to come up with a payment plan that works for you
• Discover the best loans to use for refinancing debt or making major new purchases
• Understand how credit bureaus work--and take steps to improve your score
Filled with Bridgforth’s warmhearted wisdom and advice, and complete with worksheets, affirmations, and inspiring stories of African American women who’ve restored their credit and built new wealth, Girl, Get Your Credit Straight! is a fresh, empowering guide for any woman who wants to say goodbye to debt—for good.
Customer Reviews:
Girl Get That Credit Right!!!!!.......2007-06-19
Wow! Ive Been Reading This Book & Must Say , That It Has Taught Me About So Many Things I Didnt Know About. This Book Has Educated Me in So Many Areas In Life,Its Taught Me About How We Should Manage Debt. Paying Bills On Time, My Credit Score, & So Much More. This Book Is A Must Read For All Women...
Nothing New.......2007-05-11
This book takes an interesting topic and makes it booooring. The author takes 50 pages worth of information and streeeetches it out to over 300 pages. Way too much verbiage. Basically, a rehash of information that's already been out in the news for years. Nothing new.
One of the main reasons I got this book was because I wanted to read the "101 Ideas to Increase Income." I wonder how many of these ideas the Sisters are going to be able to use:
Get a raise. (None of the Sisters could have thought of that one?)
Be an actress. (Like Hollywood is waiting.)
Own a vending machine.
Own an ATM. (It's getting funny now.)
Be a house sitter.
Be a singer. (Like Fantasia.)
Write plays.
Direct plays.
Be a comic strip artist.
And other equally "helpful ideas."
I'm sure Glinda is a very nice lady, but this book is a total disappointment.
Book Review.......2007-05-06
I would refer this book to anyone that's trying to take control of their credit score.
BLACK MARKETING ANGLE DUMB.......2007-04-10
GOOD BOOK VERY READABLE. GREAT CREDIT/DEBT ADVICE. IGNORE THE "BLACK CRAP" THE "WE ARE SO PUT UPON" STUFF THAT TRIES TO MAKE YOU THINK THAT MONEY CARES WHAT COLOR YOUR SKIN IS. CREDIT REPORTS DO NOT HAVE A RACE BLOCK TO FILL IN. WHITES, BLACKS, EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS. ITS JUST GOOD BUSINESS ADVICE. I ALSO OWN GIRL:MONEY AND GIRL:MONEY GROW. ALL OF THE SET ARE VERY GOOD. BUT, TOO MUCH "BLACK" CRAP, WHY WE LET OUR MEN USE US AND JUNK.
Girl, Get this Book!!!.......2007-02-08
I recently went to her book signing in Atlanta and bought all three of her books. She is an awesome author. I am a forty something woman who makes a good living just made a lot of mistakes. This is an excellent book to help you straighten out a mess that you have made in easy terms to understand. We have all had our share of credit "issues" but this will put you back on track. It is not just for sisters, it is for men and women, black and white or others with credit problems but want a book that is easy to understand for the regular person and it will help you. I can not wait until her next book signing to tell her where I am in "Getting my credit straight"!!!
Amazon.com
There are plenty of heavily pedigreed personal-finance experts dishing out good advice, but not many who know what it's like to have to eat ramen all month to make a car payment. On the other hand, there's Mary Hunt, a recovered credit card addict whose free-spending ways landed her family in the middle of $100,000 of unsecured debt in the early 1980s. Pulling herself out of that morass gave Hunt the courage to strike out on her own as a writer, motivational speaker, and the brains behind The Cheapskate Monthly, a newsletter and Web site (www.cheapsk8.com) dedicated to promoting the art of living within one's means, a message that grows ever more urgent as the average American family struggles each year to pay $1,200 in interest alone on revolving, unsecured debt.
While Hunt's previous books have echoed some consistent themes--debt bad, saving good--they've addressed a hodgepodge of different areas: building financial confidence in women and kids, doing Christmas without a stack of credit cards, tips for gourmet cooking at low cost. In Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living, Hunt finally puts together a financial primer for all--whether retirees trying to decide when to start drawing Social Security or teenagers ready to sign for their first college loans. Security, according to Hunt, is built with simple tools: tithing, saving, paying off debt, creating a contingency fund for emergencies, driving used cars, owning a home, having insurance.
Although Hunt's "been there, spent that" zeal and warmth have turned her into the Ann Landers of personal finance, she's not just an agony aunt for spendthrifts--business experts will find her a savvy marketer who's using her name and story to build, somewhat ironically, a very effective brand. That doesn't negate her sincerity, however, or the fact that her advice is sound, her formulas work, and her Rapid Debt Repayment Plan has kept increasing numbers of families out of bankruptcy. And finally, Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living is just a joy to read--its clarity and lack of condescension make it a perfect gift for anyone just starting to understand the basics of money. --Barrie Trinkle
Book Description
Getting out of debt is only part of the plan. The reader learns how to give, save and build wealth using the Contingency Plan and Freedom Account along with the authors sound and proven principles.
Customer Reviews:
Jesus saves... and pays his credit card bills!.......2007-09-11
There is nothing original in the prescriptions Mary Hunt gives to eliminate debt. On the bright side, it is easy to read and takes almost no effort to understand. On the other hand, I found the references to God and Jesus nauseating. No doubt Ms. Hart loves her religion, but mixing her religious beliefs with the simplistic ideas detailed in this book doesn't add anything. Try "Managing Debt for Dummies".
Debt proof living.......2007-08-24
Everyone should read this book and follow her steps. This is a great way to get out of debt.
Best Budget and Money book out!.......2007-07-16
I first checked this out of the Library but after the third time decieded I needed my own copy. Positive and not degrading like some of the other budget cash only spokes persons.
This book will change your financial life!.......2007-02-24
Pros: Common sense advice that anyone can follow! It WILL help you get your finances in order and help you change your perspective about the monetary side of life. They should make this a mandatory class for high school and/or college students. The website is extremely useful, as well.
Cons: For me, it was disheartening that I could not put the spending plan into immediate action. For someone who is in serious trouble, the advice she suggests may seem too daunting and too difficult to follow. I do not think this is a flaw on Hunt's behalf, but is more an indicator that people with high debt who are spending beyond their means truly need to make more serious and drastic changes to their way of living.
I have posted my personal experience with Hunt's Debt-Proof Living for you if you'd like to read about the positive possibilities that following Hunt's plan offers.
I read Debt-Proof Living two years ago. At that time, we had about $30,000 in credit card debt, we were paying nearly $3000/month on our mortgage, and my husband and I were both driving around in gas-guzzling shiny vehicles. The financial strain was beginning to take it's toll, putting strain on our relationship, our health, and on every aspect of our life. We were living beyond our means, sinking fast, and I reached for this book in desperation.
We were unable to start the spending plan right away because we did not have money to start it with. Every paycheck that came in went right out to keep bills paid just barely on time. As Mary suggested, this was a warning sign that we were living beyond our means and would need to make more drastic changes in order to get to a financially secure place.
First, we traded in my gas-guzzler for about $9000 and I bought a more economical $4000 used car. I still have it, and other than routine maintenance, we have incurred no other cost with it. It also cut our gas expenses significantly. We used the money to make some home improvements so we could put our house on the market. Unfortunately, it took almost a year for our house to sell. All the while we were now falling behind on our mortgage payments and incurring even more credit card debt maxing them all out at $50,000 before it was all said and done.
We finally sold our 3 acre, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom home last August, we sold a lot our stuff, or just got rid of it, and we moved to a much more modest 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home, with a small back yard. (I LOVE it!) That cut our mortgage payment by more than half, not to mention cutting my cleaning time by half, too. I took on a part-time job and my husband picked up some extra hours.
This year, we finally got to the place where we could use our tax return to fuel the spending plan suggested by Hunt. It is working like a dream! No more credit cards. We pay cash. If we can't pay cash for something, then we don't get it. We have a savings cushion for unexpected and expected emergencies. This is how it should be. Everyone in my family is happier!
While we are not out of the woods yet with the debt we have accumulated, we can see the light! Even better, if we stick with the spending plan, we will have our home and all of our debt paid off in just 9 years, saving over $100,000 in interest. It will take discipline, but it will leave us with about $40,000 a YEAR just burning a hole in our savings account!
While a total of eleven years, including the two years it took us to get this far, might seem like a long time to get out of debt, had we taken no action, we would have lost our home, and eventually would die of old age and still have the debt! It makes eleven years seem easy!
By following the plan, I have learned just how materialistic and foolish I had been with money. I learned that my family is just as happy, if not happier, with much less "stuff" and space than we had. I have learned to view society in a whole new light, realizing that we are over indulgent and need so much less than we think we need.
What is most important to remember when reading this book is that it is simple, common sense advice for a long term plan. The results that may or may not be seen instantly depending on your individual situation. But ANYONE can improve their financial outlook by following the suggestions in this book.
Ultimately, this book does not give you a band-aid to fix the boo-boos. It gives you a cure!
Ideas that work for everyone!.......2007-01-07
This was one of the first books I read this year as part of my New Year's Resolution to get out of debt. Of all the financial debt books I've read, this one is fantastic. No matter what stage of debt you're in, Mary Hunt's ideas are workable. One of the reasons I liked this book so much is that it gives a simple, easy to follow plan and then backs it up. There are only so many debt books you can read that say: save for retirement! Don't rack up debt! Well, duh. Here's a way to actually deal with it.
Book Description
The introduction of the euro in 1999 marked the starting point of the development of a very liquid and heterogeneous EUR credit market, which exceeds EUR 350bn with respect to outstanding corporate bonds. As a result, credit risk trading and credit portfolio management gained significantly in importance. The book shows how to optimize, manage, and hedge liquid credit portfolios, i.e. applying innovative derivative instruments. Against the background of the highly complex structure of credit derivatives, the book points out how to implement portfolio optimization concepts using credit-relevant parameters, and basic Markowitz or more sophisticated modified approaches (e.g., Conditional Value at Risk, Omega optimization) to fulfill the special needs of an active credit portfolio management on a single-name and on a portfolio basis (taking default correlation within a credit risk model framework into account). This includes appropriate strategies to analyze the impact from credit-relevant newsflow (macro- and micro-fundamental news, rating actions, etc.). As credits resemble equity-linked instruments, we also highlight how to implement debt-equity strategies, which are based on a modified Merton approach.
The book is obligatory for credit portfolio managers of funds and insurance companies, as well as bank-book managers, credit traders in investment banks, cross-asset players in hedge funds, and risk controllers.
Customer Reviews:
This book has given me financial freedom.......2007-09-07
I was in a big mess. Without going into details - I owed almost $95,000, my yearly income is $45,000 before tax, and I am supporting a family of 3. I live in New York. My apartment rent alone is $1,100. Owed amount was getting bigger and bigger because of the interest. Obviously, I wasn't eligible any kind of loan.
No money to hire an expert. I didn't have money to buy many different books. Luckily the one I picked was the right book. Now, I had the will and I had the right book. I owe only $7,000 now. My total credit limit from different credit cards is now $175,000. My bank is willing to give me loan. Didn't happen overnight or it didn't happen without any work on my part -- but it did work out with the help of this book.
Thank you, Mr. Kelly.
A good book to help YOU get started.......2007-07-12
This book is very helpful. To the reviewers who said there were a bunch of useless forms in the book....yeah if you don't use them. I mean he tells you what to do, gives you a form to go by all you have to do is work towards your goal...getting that credit score up. What do we expect our credit scores to go up just by purchasing/reading the book? You have to do something.
pretty good - I rate it a solid 3.5.......2006-07-09
Pros - easy to read and concise; good tips on how to establish and re-establish credit; good job explaining the credit reporting process and the importance of credit and the three types of lenders (prime, subprime, and secondary).
Cons - does not include info about credit scoring; steps for fixing credit are too cumbersome for the average consumer to follow; tips for how to strengthen credit are ineffective, outdated, misleading - such as having account added to your credit record - the agencies don't do that anymore. incorrect data about the length of time chapter 13 bankruptcies stay on credit reports; sample letters are too vague.
The book could have been more detailed to help readers fully grasp credit. It's a good introdution to credit that wiill leave you seeking more information. recommendation - The Insider's Guide to credit Repair by K.E. Varner and Your Credit Score by Liz Weston.
Sucked........2006-01-09
I'm giving this two stars, because it's better then nothing, but it's just a giant listing of form letters and a boring algorithm to follow. I suppose it might actually work, but it doesn't give you an insight or knowledge you can use to work the system like the Gorilla Guide does. I ordered the two books at once figuring I'd read both, and this one flat out sucked.
Solid info. Easy to read.......2005-08-02
This book is great if you want to challenge inaccurate or "old" credit files reported by the big three agencies. The book provides a plethera of letters & follow-up letters to challenge the false reports. In addition, it offers up ways to negotiate payment plans w/your creditors.
Book Description
The real trick to building personal wealth is learning how to transform 'bad debt' into 'good debt.' This quick-hitting book explains how-without having to cut up credit cards. This is the eighth book in the phenomenally successful Rich Dad series. This book was originally published as an e-book and now joins the Rich Dad series in trade paperback format.
Download Description
Who wants to be a millionaire? #1 bestselling authors Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter know that the answer is: everyone. In their bestselling books Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Cashflow Quadrant, and Rich Dad's Guide to Investing, they outlined what anyone can do to become rich. Now, in their first eBook, Kiyosaki and Lechter distill the wisdom of their Rich Dad books into a motivational guide to making money.As a young man, Kiyosaki had two mentors: his father, a highly educated professional who could not manage his money, and his friend's father, a man with less formal education but serious business acumen. Kiyosaki shows how the lessons he learned from his "rich dad"--some unconventional and unexpected--are the foundations of success. With Rich Dad's Guide to Becoming Rich . . . Without Cutting up Your Credit Cards, Kiyosaki and Lechter explain why simply being cheap is not the answer to financial problems--it only makes you a cheap person. Instead, they show how building assets is the key to a prosperous future.
Customer Reviews:
Another Great Book.......2007-05-27
Another Great book to add to all of his others. I find it a great insperation to those of use on the hard road and looking to turn their lives around. Great lessons on what your bankers see as assests and liabilites. A great idea that comes to mind from his book is when he tells us "to get richer buy a car". Use the things in life that we want to drive us to the goals we need to achieve those things.
Rich Dad's Guide to Becoming Rich...Without Cutting Up Your Credit Cards.......2007-05-14
The book is written very well. It is hard to believe that Robert Kiyosaki almost failed his English class. It is more of an Inspiration rather than a "Guide", however most of the advice is applicable in the real life and I would recommend everyone, who needs a little "push" in life to read it too.
Teaching to be financially smart........2007-01-09
This book teaches you to be financially smart with the use of credit cards and that you don't have to cut up your credit cards, but to be financially smart when using them wisely. Credit card companies are just waiting for you to make a mistake and in the world of investing and your portfolio is your report card. Just like in school you've got to maintain that B average and shoot for that A+ card and keep fixing all the little mistakes until you do achieve it.
Don't waste your time or money on this..........2006-07-06
...unless you've never read any of his other books. Don't get me wrong, I can't say enough good things about Robert Kiyosaki's books. If you haven't read them (Rich Dad Poor Dad, Cashflow Quadrant, etc.), I highly recomemd that you do. But there's nothing new in this book. It just a retread of ideas already presented in his other books, and not as well. If fact, reading it felt like a advertisment for his other books and products.
Great read. Very helpful........2006-06-27
The way the author explains money makes cents! Really. It's simple, and most people should be able to follow his instructions and get out of debt. It will require sacrifice and diligence, but without these you won't get anywhere anyways!
Book Description
A bad credit rating can keep you from buying a house, renting a car, or even sending flowers. yet most people don't know how to find out the status of their credit or how to fix it if it's bad.This book can save you time and money. Written by a journalist and a credit consultant to the mortgage industry, The Guerrilla Guide to Credit Repair tells you how the major credit bureaus compile your credit history, and teaches you how to deal with them if there is a problem. Easy to use, the book shows you:-How to contact three major credit bureaus and get a copy of your credit report.-How to decipher and understand the report's complex codes, numbers, and implications.-Step-by-step, how to correct errors and clean up your credit history.-How to use your legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Billing Act, and the Truth in Lending Act to protect yourself against credit abuse.Sample credit reports, form letters, and proven techniques for credit repair makes this an invaluable guide for all consumers.
Customer Reviews:
Stuff and fluff.......2007-08-22
Save your money. Stuffed with appendices of legislation pertaining to credit industry. Poorly written and worse editing with mispellings and repetition.
Falls short and instills fear of credit bureaus.......2006-07-09
The main idea of this book is that credit reporting is an unfair process to consumers and more legislation is needed to regulate the industry. The authors paint a grim picture of credit agencies and leads you to believe you should be afraid of them. First of all the book is severely outdated. The book falls short due to the amount of mis-information. For example, it convinces readers that anyone that requests their credit report can obtain one; it advises that credit reports are reviewed when a person applies to college and convinces readers that credit reports are so personal that they contain information about a person's grooming habits. LOL - come one, get serious! The book is outdated and at least half of it focuses on trying to teach readers how to manipulate the credit-reporting system to have correct data removed from a credit report. In addition, the book is full of contradictions. It claims that credit reporting is done to punish, even torment consumers and that it's unfair, but a few pages later, the authors state that the intricate system ultimately benefits consumers. Which is it?! It also suggest readers partake in illegal activity in order to obtain a credit report like the ones creditors receive. It tells them to pose as a landlord or employer. This is illegal! Unless you're a deadbeat with low morals, this book is not for you. I'd recommend The Insider's Guide to Credit Repair by K.E. Varner for more useful, practical advice.
This book should be $5.00 - its like a good pamphlet.......2006-02-05
This book was disappointing. Buying a book without being able to browse it beforehand makes it difficult to know if its what you want. If I would have been able to skim through this book prior to buying, I would not have bought it. It's not that it's bad, it's just that its not what I needed or the title implied. It is not a comprehensive book at all. The title "guerrilla" makes you think it will offer unique, aggressive, insightful, strategic, or uncommonly known tactics to attack your credit repair. It absolutely fell short of that. But what it does deliver is very detailed, easy to follow understanding of BASIC information (what credit is, how to contact the bureaus, what type of letters to send, etc.) It gives you a decent strategy on how to dispute items on your CR. A huge shortcoming for this book is that 100 pages of the 200 page book was given to printing the FCRA (fair credit reporting act). Helpful but a waste. Instead of giving us some "guerrilla tactics" for 100 pages, they print the act instead. If you are really trying to repair your credit and you need real life information and real "guerrilla" tactics then you MUST prepare yourself mentally (it can get legal, psychological and emotional) and use the vast amounts of FREE information and FREE resources available online. Try joining FREE online communities/forums. Avoid people capitalizing on your despair with over-priced credit repair books, credit repair kits, pay-for services (i.e. now bankrupt AmeriDebt) or other books where gazillionaires bloviate about how rich and debt-free THEY are. Good for you. People with poor financial situations and poor credit do need inspiration but people also need practical aggressive ways to get their backs from against the wall. In conclusion, you'd be better off researching online for a few weeks, seeking FREE professional opinions, or checking out books like this one from the library.
Sound Advice that Works but...........2005-04-25
Updating would be a good thing with recent changes in the FCRA. I read the reviews by others before I read the material myself. Seeing that other reviewers had looked into Bill Bauer who claimed to be an expert on the topic and gave a very negative review and I saw the book was sound raised my curiousity level and I Googled him as well. I think a new book about him would make fascinating reading. Please do not take the negative reviews seriously. They have an agenda.
what it boils down to.......2005-02-22
I am writing in response to someone who gave this book a bad rec. do to the book not telling him what the cb's use to calc your individual score. The fact is nobody knows. All 3 use their own system and they aint tellin. Besides many creditor will use other data on cb report, not just the score. best you can do is make sure cb info is correct and make all pmts by due dates.
Product Description
Credit Scores & Credit Reports provides the first thorough examination of the all-important, but little understood, Credit Scoring and Credit Reporting systems. The Second Edition of this highly-acclaimed book enables consumers to understand how both of these systems actually work, and what they can do to improve their FICO scores, and to ensure their credit reports are accurate. Importantly, the book also describes how the system sometimes doesn't work, and how hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of consumers have been frustrated in their efforts to correct errors in their credit reports. Moreover, it explains: *Link between credit reports and the burgeoning problem of identity theft *How credit card companies use credit scoring to raise your interest rates *The role of credit scores in auto and homeowners insurance *The difference between mortgage rates for consumers with excellent, good, fair and poor credit scores *The damages to consumers and their creditworthiness flowing from credit report inaccuracy and identity theft *Credit reports and debt collection *The debate over credit scoring and discrimination *The politics of credit reporting The current credit reporting system keep detailed financial histories on more than 200 million Americans. That is why virtually everyone has a stake in the system, and why Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America said, "There are few books I think all consumers should read. This is one of them. It is a well-informed, informative, and a well-written guide to a subject of great and growing importance to consumers."
Customer Reviews:
Bravo for Evan Hendricks! He hits the nail on the head! .......2007-08-27
He not only explains the costly effects of our severely flawed credit reporting system, but he paints a remarkable picture of the incredible maze most have to travel when simply trying to maintain an accurate credit identity. It appears that Mr. Hendricks has ruffled a few feathers in the credit industry -and for that, we should all be thankful! Give Me Back My Credit!
A must read for every American consumer out there.......2007-02-04
Very well thought out book. Well structured and a must read if you are a consumer in America - otherwise the system could be hurting you...
Plenty of eye openers in the book...Well worth the price...
My only negative comment is it can be pretty technical and have a lot of legal verbiage, but with the subject's context, it has to be...
I disagree with the one comment saying it was repetitive...the only insight we have to the intrical parts of the credit system is through legal cases...so the history is very important...if anything, I'm anxious for developments to take place to fix the system...
It's another one of those topics where just because you're born, you have to be aware of it and understand how it works...
A Necessary Read... but Very Repetetive-.......2006-11-21
As a mortgage lender I knew this book would be a necessary read. The first half of the book talks about the in's and out's of the FICO scoring model. The information is extremely useful for both consumers and those in the lending industry. However, the second half of the book just repeats over and over the same things. 'id theft causes emotional trauma' is talked about at least 15 times in different examples and it starts to get useless. Additionally the author goes through dozens of court cases, papers written, and quotes different people on things regarding the credit industry. Again its just turns into a repetetive and useless history lesson. I rated it 4 stars though just because there aren't many good books on the subject, and this one did contain some great gems of information.
Mis-leading title and expected more about scoring.......2006-07-02
This book doesn't follow through on analyzing the credit scoring process a the title suggests. It focuses mostly on court cases involving consumers and credit reporting companies instead of getting to the meat and potatoes of credit scoring. In short, it has some pretty enlightening information but not about credit scoring. I'd recommend Liz Weston's Your Credit Score and KE Varner's The Insider's Guide to Credit Repair for additional information.
Great.......2006-01-06
A great book with important and useful information!
Book Description
Inside Secrets from a Credit Industry Professional
There are a plethora of books out there promising to show consumers how to repair their credit. There is only one that explains how to establish credit, how to maintain and manage it, and, yes, how to fix it when it's broken— The Insider's Guide to Credit Repair.
This much-needed book is current, cohesive, and thorough. It begins with the basics-defining credit, explaining its value to consumers and businesses, and introducing the key parties that keep the process successfully operating—but then covers more complex topics, including credit laws, credit scoring, credit repair and identity theft. Most noteworthy and helpful are the short quizzes after each chapter, a comprehensive glossary, and a wide variety of sample letters.
The Insider's Guide to Credit Repair is an engaging and thought-provoking discussion of consumer credit from an insider's perspective—the author is a former instructor for one of the national credit-reporting agencies. The scope of the material is as vast as the author's industry experience, accommodating the beginner trying to establish credit for the first time and more experienced consumers seeking greater knowledge of all aspects of credit.
K.E. Varner is a former instructor of customer-service personnel for Equifax, one of the three major credit-reporting agencies. During his tenure, he functioned as a subject matter expert in a number of high-level business projects, appeared in Federal court to help resolve consumer/credit-reporting agency conflict, and facilitated credit industry information to organizations such as the Atlanta Housing Authority.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book.......2007-02-12
I found this book very helpful and honest. It builds upon knowledge that you may already have on credit repair, and is a great resource for someone just tackling their credit.
Very well written and informative.......2006-07-09
I've read many books on credit and this is one of the better ones. I like the fact that you can read what applies to you if you choose. You don't have to read the entire book from front to back but i'd recommend it for complete understanding.
It's very easy to follow, up-to-date, comprehensive. Highlights- a great chapter on credit scoring and improving your score; a good section on finding a good credit counselor; establishing and re-establishing credit, negotiating with collectors and I liked the tests after each chapter. The only thing I would have like more of is some negotiating tips but overall it's good.
I'd recommend Liz Weston's Your Credit Score as well.
Complete Understanding.......2006-05-19
This book is definately informative. It not only helps you understand ways to repair your credit, but gives you knowledge of how to make responsible decisions in using credit. It covers every aspect of credit from the major players, credit scores, and how to reestablish and establish credit.
Great Book-very informative.......2005-10-06
This book is a must read!! If you know anyone that has credit or financial issues, teenagers about to graduate from HS and college age kids-this would be a great gift for any occasion. Kids need to be informed now before they go out and start opening credit accounts they will later regret. They need to be educated on how to establish and maintain a great credit rating. Parents can use this as a guide. Buy it and read it for yourself. I am happy I have this book and look forward to sharing it and all that I have learned from it.
This Is The Only Credit Guide You Need.......2005-08-13
I read this book and was amazed by the amount of information it gave. This author hits every area of credit that people need help with. Everything from credit scores to id theft is covered here and in great detail. It even gives little quizes at the end of each chapter to help you retain the info. The best part is that the chapters are so well segmented that you can just flip to the area you need help with and go from there.
This book by far is the best credit guide out there today. The ones I've read in the past just touch on certain things here and there, but this author really gives you what you need. I'm buying copies for each of my college children. It is highly recommended!
Books:
- Rich Dad's Advisors: How to Attract Other People's Money for Your Investments--The Ultimate Leverage
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
- Seeds Of Greatness
- Smart Couples Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Creating a Rich Future for You and Your Partner
- Smart Couples Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Creating a Rich Future for You and Your Partner
- The Act of Marriage
- The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) from the Inside Out
- The Birthday Party: A Memoir of Survival
- The Complete Credit Repair Kit (+CD-ROM) (Complete Credit Repair Kit)
- The Complete Guide to Your Real Estate Closing: Answers to All Your Questions - From Opening Escrow, to Negotiating Fees, to Signing the Closing Papers
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