Archive for the Category ◊ Book Reviews ◊

Author: Gary. B
• Thursday, November 06th, 2008

Welcome back to GuideMeToDebtFree.com! Your source for unbiased reviews of the latest credit repair and debt elimination products & services.

Click here to get The Credit Secrets Bible

Credit Secrets Bible, by Consumer Publishing Group is a down-loadable ebook packed with ways to fix credit problems.

In reviewing this product, I have found quite a bit of very use full information. I would dare say that this is not a great product for anyone with a lot of knowledge about consumer credit, but if this is new and you’re looking for a good place to start, you might just want to check it out.

I say this because a lot people are quick to discredit certain resources just because it is not a good fit for themselves. For a beginner or intermediate that needs help on how to better your credit score yourself, it will surely be beneficial.

The book explains the ins & outs of reading your credit report, which items on your credit report, hurt your credit, and how to dispute different problem credit scenarios.

For example, a letter you would write to dispute an account that is not yours, would be different from the one you would write to the credit bureau to dispute a judgment. You will find methods, including letter templates, that can be use right away to send to the credit bureaus to dispute any item included in your report.

Obviously, you need to know how to go about responding to each case the correct way. The great thing about this resource is, that you have all the information you need in one place.

“THE ONLY NEGATIVE INFORMATION that CAN REMAIN On Your Credit Report Is NOT What is Accurate…But What The Credit Bureaus CAN PROVE TO BE ACCURATE.” Credit Secrets Bible

I would highly recommend this product to anyone just starting along the road to rebuilding their credit. If you want easy pre-made credit solutions this book will certainly help.

~Gary

Click here to get The Credit Secrets Bible

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Author: Gary. B
• Thursday, November 06th, 2008

Kevin Trudeau, the author of Debt Cure$ “They” Don’t Want You to Know About, has been called everything from “snake oil salesman” to “Satan,” and from what I have seen, he’s not very well liked in the forums & blogs.

One thing is true though… he has sold a lot of books! Over 15 million according to the New York Times.

First off, let me clarify that this is strictly a review of the material in the book, not of the author, or his infomercial programs. I feel that every book deserves an unbiased review, no matter what the consensus says. So here goes.

The first thing I noticed when opening the book is that there is no forward, only a one page disclaimer. Personally I can’t recall the last time I read read a book which began with a disclaimer. However , he does use it effectively, to separate himself from the book. I guess he felt he needed to.

Debt Cure$ “They” Don’t Want You to Know is a book focused on giving the reader secret information to get out of debt and clean up their credit. Secret, according to Trudeau, information that “They”, the banking and credit card industry, mortgage lenders, and even the federal government, have been keeping from the American public for years. Sounds more like a Tom Clancy novel to me! Government cover ups, shadow banking, perhaps throw in a little espionage just for kicks, but what the heck people love conspiracy theory right?

In light of this, Trudeau does seem very good at backing up his theories, with very detailed facts and statistics.

Trudeau writes, “We as a nation are carrying a balance of consumer debt to the tune of 2.4 trillion dollars…. Based on the latest census data that equates to $8,000 of debt for every man, woman, and child living here in the United States.”…..”The system is geared to keep you in debt.”

In fact the first three chapters are devoted to highlighting some of the erroneous Hanky Panky that is going on behind the seens in banking industry an Washington, DC.

One of the things that I do really like about this book is the level of deatil, the author uses. Many similar books give very general recommendations when it comes to debt releif and credit repair. Trudeau, on the other hand gets very specific with details that are sure to help those reading the eliminate at least part of their debt. For example, he points out that if you live in certain states, your credit card debt is “untouchable” after just 3 years, based upon the statute of limitations laws.

Despite the rumers and reputation of Kevin Treadeau , this book holds a tremendus amount of very useful information. The next several chapters focus on enlightening the reader with detailed information subjects like:

  • Ways to legally eliminate your debt, through careful negotiation, and knowledge of the laws designed to protect you from creditors.
  • Knowing your credit score, what a credit report consists of, and how it changes.
  • Identity theft.
  • Fighting back against creditors.

“Are we a nation of wealth, or have we become a nation of citizens who are oppressed by the banks, the mortgage companies, the credit card companies, the department stores - the entire lending industry?” Kevin Treadeau, Debt Cure$

The last few chapters of Debt Cure$ are a wealth of information and tips for finding extra cash and savings, from some of the most unlikely sources that none of us would ever dream of.

In reading this book Kevin Trudeau has shown me that Debt Cure$ really do exist. We just need to look past the snake oil salesmen and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

Just an note: As mentioned this review is based solely on the information in the book. I have no knowledge or experience with Trudeau’s other programs and can’t attest to their worth. Having said that, I give this book an A+. It is truly a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Please, if you comment on this post, do so only in regards to the book itself. Trudeau’s infomercials will be discussed in other posts.

Thanks,

~Gary

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Author: Gary. B
• Thursday, November 06th, 2008

With over 3 millions listeners tuning in on over 300 stations every week to the Dave Ramsey radio show, it’s no wonder this book is a New York Times , Bestseller.

Dave Ramsey, author of Financial Peace has certainly lived up to his reputation, with The Total Money Makeover.

Ramsey has a wonderful, straightforward approach to not only get out of debt but to build longterm wealth. He claims the books motto,“If you will live like no one else, Later you can live like no one else”, reminds everyone that a little sacrifice now will pay huge rewards later on down the road.

As with many other books of this type, it is filled cover to cover, with amazing and truly inspiring, tales of real, ordinary people, from financial analysts to kindergarten teachers, who have succeeded with their goals of getting out from the burdens of debt.

Ramsey comes across as very humble, quick to point out that most of the strategies he suggests in the book are not new, complicated or sophisticated. Anyone can apply the principles outlined here and attain the desired results as long as they are willing to work hard and sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Dave goes on to let his readers know, that they are in control of their own situation. Many debt problems can be resolved without the need to use debt settlement companies, whom often destroy a persons credit in the process.

One of the key points he makes is that everyone has to come to their own decision, whether to continue on a path of self destruction and denial, or to face their fear of change and move forward.

Ramsey says, “Don’t even consider keeping up with the Jonses…They’re Broke!”

Throughout the book Ramsey leads the reader on an captivating journey, dispelling myths about debt, credit, and financial planning, with truths and enlightenment.

Myth: Playing the Lotto and other forms of gambling will make you rich. Truth: Lotto and Power Ball are a tax on the poor and people who can’t do the math”

He claims it is very important that people learn to walk before you run, and promotes a system of Babysteps to to help people set realistic goals when rebuilding credit and their lives after becoming debt free.

“The bottom line?” asks Ramsey. “It’s easy to become wealthy if you don’t have any payments.”

All in all, I think this book is a great read for anyone trying to come to terms with their debt. Whether you have already made the decision to be debt free, or are just now considering it, this book is a wonderful inspiration.

“Hope is what I want you to walk away with form this book. Hope that you can be like the people whose stories I told in the book. Hope that you can turn your money troubles into money triumphs.” Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover

This book receives an A rating from Guidemetodebtfree.com, I highly recommend it!

~Gary

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Author: Gary. B
• Wednesday, November 05th, 2008

Being a big fan of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad I decided that I would start off this category with a book by Garrett Sutton, ESQ. entitled The ABC’s of Getting Out of Debt. This book is part of the Rich Dad Advisors series by the famous author Robert Kiyosaki, who wrote the forward to this book as well.

The ABC's of Getting Out of Debt, by Garrett Sutton, ESQ.

This book is slightly different than the average “get out of debt ” book”. Robert Kiyosaki has a unique way of explaining why the rich are rich and the poor are poor. The book teaches the difference between good debt and bad debt, which is a striking difference to the usual All debt is bad debt theory.

The book is divided in two sections: getting out of debt and credit repair, which we will be discussing in the next post.

Garrett uses a mix of personal experiences as illustrations, backed up by legal knowledge, to make his points throughout the book. He empowers the reader to stand up against debt collectors, by knowing their rights and not being intimidated by their often ruthless, and illegal practices.

Garrett writes, ” You can be sure that the credit card company really doesn’t care about you as an individual, or about your unique concerns and issues. you are a billing unit, one of millions of indistinguishable billing units. You merely exist to provide profit.” Now thats putting things into perspective!

As mentioned the book is quick to point out that all debt is not bad. Although, Garrett points out that bad debt needs to be dealt with quickly so that people can get on with their lives.

What I like best about this book is chapter VII, “Emergency Measures for Special Debt Situations”, in which he lays out common scenarios like foreclosure or late car payments, with very specific actions based upon how far along someone is in the collection process. He is very quick to recommend speaking to a debt professional, when the situation calls for it.

I would highly recommend this book to people who have read some of the other Rich Dad books, as you will find this book fits well in the series, and will probably better understand where the author is coming from.

However, if not, or if you are of the mindset, that all debt is bad, and you are focussed on getting completely out of debt, then you might want to pass on it. There are many other books out there that cover this in greater detail.

Overall I give the book a “B”.

Stay tuned for tomorrows follow up, the credit repair section of, The ABC’s of Getting Out of Debt.

~Gary

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Author: Gary. B
• Wednesday, November 05th, 2008

In this category  we  will feature  books  on the subjects of debt relief, getting out of debt and ways to rebuild or repair bad credit. Many of these books  are very reasonably priced and a great alternative to to credit counseling companies if you don’t mind the do it yourself route. Some are probably even available for free at your local library.

We have some great book reviews coming up,  with authors  like  Robert Kiyosaki,  Dave Ramsey , and  Kevin Trudeau.

Be sure to read up on the best books before you buy.

~Gary

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