Other Resources

Other resources

When you take that step of becoming a debtor, you are moving into a world that is well-beyond the knowledge of most people.

As “The Honorable Judge Roy Bean” points out on his blog, all the use of credit really does is accelerate when you get something. It’s our impatience that dooms many people.

We’re not going to say the use of credit isn’t appropriate in every case; there are sound reasons for doing so if the borrower is sufficiently knowledgeable and is dealing with a company that is honorable and trustworthy.

Because not all players in the financial services industry can be trusted, we recommend consumers educate themselves in a number of areas beyond mortgages, automobiles and credit data.

Our research indicates many of the abuses of consumers occurred when the borrower was already in some kind of difficulty. In other words, the predators spent more time and effort on the weakest of the prey.

To make it harder for the unscrupulous players in the market, we strongly recommend our readers and visitors learn from these resources, many of which are available in bookstores as well as various web sites. Click on the images to learn more.

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“What is "The Dave Ramsey Show"?
Dave Ramsey offers life-changing financial advice as host of the nationally syndicated radio program, "The Dave Ramsey Show," which is heard by more than 2 million listeners each week, on more than 250 radio stations throughout the United States. The three-hour live radio talk show focuses on life, love, and relationships, and how they happen to revolve around money.”

“Your pocket protector is not just another pretty face on the radio. He is an Atlanta native who has always been very involved in improving his community and has started several civic programs. In 1993 he opened the Consumer Action Center, an advice center dedicated to helping consumers that is staffed by over 140 volunteers.”

“Jean Chatzky, award-winning journalist, best-selling author and motivational speaker, has created a global platform that is making significant strides to help millions of men and women battle an epidemic with a devastating impact--debt. Jean is the financial editor for NBC's Today Show, a contributing editor for Money, Time and Travel & Leisure magazines, a columnist for The New York Daily News, and is a featured money coach on Oprah's "Debt Diet" series, which became one of the most highly watched series on Oprah this season. She hosts a daily show on the Oprah & Friends channel, exclusively on XM Satellite Radio. She is the author of four books, including the best-seller Pay It Down. Her latest book, MAKE MONEY, NOT EXCUSES: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears Forever, released in September 2006.”

“Robert D. Manning is Research Professor and Director of the Center for Consumer Financial Services and past Caroline Werner Gannett Chair of the Humanities, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York. Author of the widely acclaimed CREDIT CARD NATION (Basic Books, 2000), which received the 2001 Robert Ezra Park Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sociological Practice, Dr. Manning is a specialist in consumer finance, social inequality, and retail banking deregulation. His recent collaboration with Michael Hudson, "Banking on Misery," received the prestigious 2004 George K. Polk Award for investigative journalism.”

Jerrold Mundis’ now-classic (27 printings, the latest in 2003) is a must-have for anyone who is either living beyond their means or wants to learn how not to.

“Based on the proven techniques of the national Debtors Anonymous program, here is the first complete, step-by-step guide to getting out of debt once and for all.”

Charles J. Phelan has been helping people become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former executive in the debt settlement industry, he teaches the do-it-yourself method of debt negotiation.

Click ^ for info about free 32p report

“Considering debt settlement? The simple truth is that it's best to handle your own debt settlement program, rather than pay someone else to deal with your creditors. By negotiating your own settlements, you'll save a ton of money in fees, decrease the risk of creditor backlash, and feel better about the process when you're done.

The content on this site is aimed at helping consumers tackle their debt problems head-on. With some real-world information and a little expert coaching, you can avoid bankruptcy, bypass the expensive third-party companies, take control of your debts, and resolve your financial situation in a straightforward and rational manner.”

“The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) is a nationwide organization of more than 1000 attorneys who represent and have represented hundreds of thousands of consumers victimized by fraudulent, abusive and predatory business practices. As an organization fully committed to promoting justice for consumers, NACA's members and their clients are actively engaged in promoting a fair and open marketplace that forcefully protects the rights of consumers, particularly those of modest means.”