Reviews (24)

Great book - plus a recommendation
This was a helpful book as I am striving to find a beneficial perspective on finances.It is motivating, filled with good advice, and helpful when you're looking for steps to take in your financial portfolio. I also found another book, more from a philosophical perspective, very enlightening as well - The Financial Pilgrimage, by Sean Mitchell. Together, both have given me just what I need to feel good about God, life, and money.

Get it, know it, breathe it, believe it
I'm not a big fan of those self-help books that litter today's bookshelves, but I wanted to get something that would help us with our finances, preferably something that wouldn't put me to sleep. Mr. Ramsey will keep you awake, especially if you get this in the audio book format. The guy runs his own radio show so you know he'll keep it interesting. His smart, witty, and humorous tone makes for a great listen.
Don't waste your money
This book, the author and his company is a joke. Don't waste your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Debt    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Money Management    7. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (162)

Shady Advertising
Had I known about the holy roller content throughout this book (especially in one chapter, but sprinkled throughout), I wouldn't have bought it. I wouldn't have a problem with it at all...except for the fact that such religiously-based content was concealed in the title, description (on the back), & introduction (in the front & back flaps). There was no mention of God, Jesus, Bible, etc. in any of these places. If this author is so keen on using his religious beliefs (inner-mingled with an extremely secular, materialistic topic) to turn a profit...fine. But at least be honest about it. Isn't that one of the tenets of Christianity? If the author is so devoted to his faith, perhaps he shouldn't be shy (shamed?) about shouting from the rooftops that his book is about money and Jesus.
Repair
I bought this book in 1998 after my Chapter 7 bankruptcy.I give this book the credit for me now having a credit score of over 700.I was told by Mr. Synder of a great secured credit card at that time "FCNB" (not available anymore) that was one of the best to help repair credit.I have always paid low interest rates on cars (1.9% thru Honda) and purchased a brand new (just built) home in 2002.I have purchased boats and four wheelers all financed thru reputable lenders.I loved this book!!!I really liked the part where it explained how you need to get a copy of your credit report after discharge and make sure all the outstanding balances are changed to zero.I believe that was the best tip ever.I had a finance manager at a auto dealer tell me I had the best looking bankruptcy credit report ever.

Excellent Resource
This step by step resource has proven to worth it's weight in Gold! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bankruptcy    2. Bankruptcy & Insolvency    3. Banks & Banking    4. Business & Economics    5. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    6. Business/Economics    7. Consumer Finance    8. Consumer credit    9. Finance    10. Finance, Personal    11. Personal Finance - Money Management    12. United States    13. Credit    14. Debt    15. Debtor and creditor    16. Personal Finance - General    17. Personal finance   

Editorial Review

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 Read more

Reviews (112)

really really helpful!
as a recovering shopaholic, mary hunt's book is a lifesaver! she reall knows what youve been thru and her debt was 10 times worse then mine! and she now lives debt free, and debt proof... which is an amazing inspiration. she really details exactly how to get out of debt, and then prevent from slipping back into debt once your paid up - which she describes as only the starting point! amazing new ways of looking at money management, and really sensible - i dont agree with all her ideas, but most of them are really helpful, and if you are in debt or just got out of debt this book is a must read!!!! she is an amazing woman - with a great humourous and fun to read writing style... i flew thru this rather large book in a matter of weeks... defiantly worth it!!

Debt-Proof
I was already out of debt when I read Mary Hunt's book. I found it to be a good book and things that had already been covered in other books. Some of the same material was covered in Debt-Free Living by Burkett. It was an easy to read book.
A practical guide that I am still using 5 years later
In 2000, I left Graduate School with over $20,000 in debt froma student loan, car loan, and credit card bills used to pay for groceries during my graduate studies. ($800/month is not a lot to live on!)
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer credit    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - General    7. Personal Finance - Money Management   

Reviews (14)

Repetitious, and Not What Most People Need
I bought this book after reading all the other great reviews, and almost returned it. If we remove the concepts of "have a secured credit card", "Pay bills on time" and "keep your balances low", this book could be two pages long.
Bad info - look to other books for real help.
This book only restates what the creedit industry wants you to know. It does NOT give you the truth about many aspects of the credit industry that you need to know.
GREAT BOOK
THIS BOOK WAS HONEST AND HELPFUL.I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO IS TRYING TO IMPROVE THEIR CREDIT SCORE SHOULD ORDER THIS BOOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - General    6. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (164)

NOT TO SURE~!
This book was good but not terrific. after reading best sellers like Why we want you to be rich by Donald TRump and God Doesn't run a $2 Shop by Sage Saint Francis i found that this book just was not in the same leauge.
Is Debt Your Problem?
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
Overly simplistic and often misleading.
I have to agree with all the reviewers who've given this book 1 or 2 stars.I you need a basic financial guide,do yourself a huge favor and get "Rich Dad Poor Dad" or "The Courage to be Rich" instead.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Debt    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Money Management    7. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management   

Reviews (9)

Excellent Resource
Ms. Goodman's book is a much needed resource on CDOs.If you are just learning about the CDO market, Ms. Goodman clearly defines key terms and explains the structures from beginning to end.Those with extensive Wall Street experience will enjoy having one of the few well-written references available in the market.It is also a good marketing tool to give to potential investors.This is a good comprehensive reference guide.

Ridiculous and outrageous accusation by an idiot reviewer
The reviewer below suggests that Moorad Choudhry has posted a negative review of this book. To him/her I say this: Moorad Choudhry did not write it. I did. Mr Choudhry actually has a very high opinion of this book, and recommended to me I buy it when I attended a Bloomberg seminar he lectured at a few months ago. "Buy the new Goodman/Fabozzi book on CDOs, its excellent" he told me. Great book on CDOs - personally recommended
I have no hesitation in recommonding this as a great book on CDOs. I have bought a copy myself and it is very impressive. Moorad Choudhry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asset-backed financing    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Debt    6. Finance    7. Financial Economics (General)    8. Structural Adjustment    9. Business & Economics / Finance    10. Investment & securities   

Reviews (2)

Most Appropriate for Basel II
If you are Banker/Banking Consultant then this book is the closest you will get to understanding Credit Risk from a Basel II perspective. Its clear & lucid style helped me understand the gamut of techniques used in Credit Risk Measurement. Unfortunately the Book does not get into the details of bulinding models so if your looking for a model building cookbook, look elsewhere.

a complete, robust and comprehensive valuable resource!
In Measuring and Managing Credit Risk, the authors provided a robust, complete and comprehensive treatment of several aspects of modern credit risk measurement and management. Written by two high talented practitioners, this book will become certainly a reference both for academics and practitioners thanks to its careful treatment of several not so known empirical issues which practitioners have to face everyday. At the same time, do not consider the book as a new recipes book for managing credit risk. Both authors already proved their deep knowledges of financial theory and establish once again, through this book, how advanced knowledges of theory combined with significant practical experience make leading researches. As a PhD candidate in Finance, actually writing on credit risk, I definitively adopted this book and higly recommend it for anyone dealing with credit risk issues either through a practical experience or through a theoritical work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Applied    3. Banks & Banking    4. Business & Economics    5. Business / Economics / Finance    6. Business/Economics    7. Credit    8. Credit ratings    9. Finance    10. Management    11. Mathematical Models    12. Money & Monetary Policy    13. Risk management    14. Business & Economics / Corporate Finance    15. Credit & credit institutions   

Editorial Review

Many Americans have resisted the notion that their country is an imperial power. The idea seems to contradict the values of the Republic and its Founding Fathers. But in Read more

Reviews (86)

Strong message, poor editing
This book is the equivalent of shouting "FIRE!" in a crowded theater.However, in this case, there really is a fire.
Financial Crisis
I never thought I would say this about a book that deals with finances but I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Written with wit and wisdom it makes good sense of a subject that it more usually shrouded in language that only has a vague resemblance to English.
Relative to what?
The writing was eloquent with a entertaining mix of sarcasim. The history lessons were appreciated.Most readers that chose to purchase this book know that the overuse of debt by the US is a long term problem/concern for the world.Buying gold to address these concerns is not constructive nor sensitve to the dynamics of world economics.I read this recommendation in 1980 by other sensational writers and would have endured miserable inflation adjusted performance if I had bought gold.Even at $1000/oz.in 2006, I would not have realized the performance of the S&P or the Euro equivalent.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Debt    5. Economic Conditions    6. Financial crises    7. General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / General    11. Economics    12. USA   

Reviews (2)

Now I can sleep at night?
I have always had problems anticipating economic change -- predicting it, and getting ready for it -- from 1965, when I took the final exam in macroeconomics and the question was something like "Here is the current economic situation, now what do you do?" until 2002, when the internet bubble burst and I found myself seriously over-invested in high tech stocks.With America's Bubble Economy,I know what the bubbles are, when they will burst, and how to position myself for them.Thank you to the authors -- now I can sleep at night!
quick, interesting read
It's a quick read -- big type, cartoons and relatively simple concepts cut it down to one or two evenings -- and not too brain-bending ones at that. The authors feel quite confident about their points, and present them swiftly, without delving deeply into statistics or high-level economics (most points take a common-sense, "when x people do y with z, z goes up or down" approach...often with heavily simplified charts and graphs to illustrate).
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Consumer Finance    3. Debt    4. Finance, Personal    5. Financial crises    6. Investments & Securities - General    7. Personal Finance - Investing    8. Political Ideologies - General    9. Political Science    10. Politics/International Relations    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    13. Investment & securities   

Reviews (4)

An Excellent Consumer Resource
This book does a great job of covering several areas of debt that all consumers will find helpful.It is written in an easy to understand language, yet rich with detail and a variety areas covered.The chapter on debt collections touched on the topic of statute of limitations, which is very important to many consumers, including me.I found that two other books that I read on consumer debt did not deal at all with this important topic.I thank Garrett Sutton (and contributor Gerri Detweiler) for a very valuable book.

Good book with lots of different information.
I read this book to get a little more famaliar with budgets, and was very impressed with how many things this book touched on.
Great Consumer Credit/Debt Resource!
The ABC's of Getting Out of Debt:Trade Your Bad Debt for Good Debt and Your Bad Credit for Good Credit really stands out among the many credit and debt related books available to consumers for many reasons. For starters, the book covers the topic of credit and debt in a very thorough and objective manner. Such critical, but often overlooked, topics as the health effects of debt are addressed. In addition, the book provides very simple and practical steps to help consumers that are struggling with credit and/or debt problems.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Consumer credit    4. Credit    5. Debt    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Money Management    9. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    11. Business ethics   

Reviews (27)

Eh
You're better off getting Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.A much better book.Starts slowly, but if you actually listen to his strategy, it works.

Not for me
This book is for you if you have credit card debt. That is pretty much the the theme throughout. Also a lot of what she writes is common sense stuff. If your thinking of buying this, either buy it used (cheap) or get it from your library.

Too Basic
There is nothing wrong with this book... but there's not a whole lot substantial either.Look at your budget and see what you can cut for the long term goal of debt reduction.
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Consumer Credit    3. Consumer Finance    4. Consumer Guides    5. Debt    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Budgeting    9. Personal Finance - Money Management    10. Reference    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (18)

A top recommendation for every consumer; not just those starting out in the credit world
The second revised and updated edition of Best Credit: How To Win The Credit Game comes from a collection agency insider and is packed with all kinds of credit and debt insights for consumers, from re-establishing good credit after bankruptcy to preventing identity theft, stopping bill collectors, and negotiating on unsecured debts. Best Credit is so filled with important facts that it's a top recommendation for every consumer; not just those starting out in the credit world.
Best Credit; The title says it all
Fantastic, the best book I've ever read on credit repair. It's the ONLY book that's helped me improve my credit situation. The book has comprehensive coverage of the types of problems you'll have & how to deal w/ them. It's also a fun and easy to understand book, w/ numerous examples. I cannot recommend this book enough.

best credit should be called "save you thousands in interest".
Best Credit is the full on, how to, step by step detailed road map to credit rehabilitation. I have personally used the knowledge in Best Credit to raise my fiance's credit score over 120 points in less time than I ever thought was possible. Dana Neal does a great job of showing the art and science behind credit rehabilitation andmaintaininga low interest rate worthy credit score. I was able to contact the author on two matters that were beyond my ability and he was personally able to help me fix the negative marks. Thanks Best Credit. I have told a bunch of my friends about your book and will continue to do so. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer credit    5. Credit cards    6. Finance    7. Finance, Personal    8. Personal Finance - General    9. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    10. Personal finance   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (11)

Terrific Reading
Mary Hunt know what she is talking about when she talks about Living Financially Free. She talks about how the credit card companys are in it for the money,not to make your life easier and how to use credit cards wisely.She goes over credit reports and scores and how to pay them off early.There is a chapter on Student Loans and Student Debt that every college student should read.She has a chapter on Investing and which route to go there. She has a Rapid Debt Repayment Plan Schedule and how to start a Emergency and Contingency Fund.A must read book.Every parent should read this with their children before sending them out into the world.

Should be a high school class
This is an amazing book written from the perspective of someone whose really "been there and done that".The lessons are profound if you are really interested in changing your life and getting out of debt.It has changed my life for the better!

Best get out of debt book out there!
I really enjoyed reading Debt-Proof.It's one of those books that you can't put down once you start it.I know many books claim to change you life, but this one will.She shows you how to live a frugal life and pay down your debts.You will realize how much money you have waisted before you read this book.The only thing i disagreed with is the idea of giving 10% of your money to charity. Last time i checked i was in debt and trying become debt free.I think it nearly impossible to use all of her rules, i used this book as more of a guideline. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Finance    5. General    6. Personal Finance - Money Management    7. Business & Economics / General    8. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management    9. Consumer credit    10. Finance, Personal   

Reviews (7)

Great book
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! VeryInformative
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.
Low on Substance
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.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management    2. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    3. Self-Help    4. Bankruptcy    5. Business & Economics    6. Consumer Credit    7. Credit cards    8. Debt    9. Debtor and creditor    10. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    11. Personal Finance - Money Management   

Reviews (9)

Not straight-forward but informative as heck
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
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.
Don't Do It
This book didn't help me one bit.Don't throw away your money! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Consumer credit    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - General    7. Personal Finance - Money Management    8. United States    9. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (12)

Wonderful Book
This book is simply amazing!I had previously used some of the techniques Scott teaches, but other things he tells you to do blew my mind!The things Scott talks about are easy to do AND can save you a TON of money!I would highly recommend the book to anyone with ANY amount of credit card debt, or even if you have NO credit card debt.

Real advice that works!
I am in the same field as Scott, and have recommended his book countless times to consumers. With credit card companies raising rates, fees, etc. his advice could not be more timely.
A valuable book from day one
I was shopping for a book that would help me with the credit card debt I have accumulated. I chose this book. It has proven to be very bemeficial to me. It contains a large amount of information your banks don't want you to know. My first night of reading the book, I got up to about page 70 and made my first phone call, with the intent of gaining information about the account and possibly getting a fee reversed. I ended up getting a $50 credit to the account, relatively easily. I cannot praise this book enough! If you need to reduce your credit card debt, this book may very well be your solution. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Retirement Planning    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Consumer credit    5. Credit cards    6. Finance, Personal    7. General    8. Personal Finance    9. Personal Finance - Budgeting    10. Personal Finance - Money Management    11. United States    12. Debt    13. Personal Finance - Financial Planning   

Reviews (9)

A Personal Financial Plan That Really Works!
I get tired of reading the same old lines about how to become financially independent.While many publications offer some good advice, but mostly platitudes, I find this debt-free plan to be one of the best.It worked for me, as well as members of my family, and business associates.I am a retired financial planner, and I have promoted this plan to many of my clients.
Surprisingly Good
I was skeptical about a book that would obviously point out the perils of credit cards, aka "consumer cocaine."However, I find this book to be very well written and inspiring.Cummata's psychological games of "attacking" debt work for me.
I'm eager to review my notes of John Cummuta's course here.
I almost didn't consider a review, but in my online research for info about Mr. John Cummuta, I found this link & recalled I could submit reviews & felt the obligation; I ordered his "course," so I'm guessing his book here is in the course -or is very similar to it, so my review of his course will give you an idea of how the book is. (I did online research to see what was up with his course and if I should return it & get my money back or keep it.)
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Personal Finance    4. Consumer Finance    5. Debt    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - General    9. Personal Finance - Money Management    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management   

Editorial Review

If getting and spending define our lives, then Juliet Schor now has us covered. Six years ago, her book Read more

Reviews (62)

Explores the psychology of spending
To change behavior, it helps to understand behavior. This book does a great job exploring the psychology behind why people spend so much money.
Good Pop-Econ
Great primer on consumer behavior and its potential causes, however it appears much less solid in terms of quantitative data than its' predecessor, The Overworked American.While most will find data analysis unappealing as this is a popular economics book rather than something fit for the Journal of Political Economy, most of the conclusions drawn in this book seem unfounded and without empirical backing.
A great introduction to the need for a simpler life
Schor does some fascinating research here.The writing is good and involving.I loved the ads she used for some of the chapter headings.If this book does nothing else but teach you to recognize when an advertiser is telling you you'll be happier if you buy more stuff, it would be worth the price.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Behavior - General    4. Consumer behavior    5. Consumption (Economics)    6. Credit    7. Debt    8. Personal Finance - General    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. United States    13. Consumer issues    14. Social Science / Sociology / General    15. USA   

Reviews (16)

Excellent book
This book is well put together and contains much important and mostly unknown information to help increase your credit scores.These mistakes are often made and the book is written in a simple to understand manner.Well worth the money.

Shame on you
This book is a scam. Not even a good essay or article, the information provided by Snyder could have been written on one page...

Good Reminders - Not Mindblowing!
I went to Stephen Snyder's Credit After Bankruptcy seminar and learned a boatload of stuff I didn't know about credit and FICO scores.This book is an excellent set of reminders of what NOT to do after being discharged from bankruptcy or if you have credit problems in general.Is it epic?No, not really.But I consider it like having my own "38 commandments of credit" and a worthwhile crib sheet of the do's and don't's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Consumer Finance    4. Consumer credit    5. Economics - General    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance - General    8. United States   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Econometrics    5. Finance    6. Management - General    7. Basel II    8. Basle II    9. Business & Economics / Finance    10. Credit Portfolio Models    11. Default Probability Estimations    12. Probability & statistics    13. Rating Systems    14. Risk Management    15. Risk Parameters    16. Stress Testing    17. Validation