My book “Back to the Black: how to become debt-free and stay that way” is based on my own experience of a debt crisis. I faced the very real possibility of bankruptcy but I found another solution.
The latest edition (January 2015) is available from all large online retailers and to order from most bookshops. The digital version is available for kindle, kobo and nook readers.
Praise for Back to the Black
Karen Watkins UK bloggerThis is a well-researched and practical guide to help you solve any debt problems that you may have. Although the book has been written in the UK, the principles apply to wherever you are in the world and the author does include some indication of the sums in dollars or euros.
The author is able to write at first hand experience about this problem as he was himself in debt some years ago, so he fully understands the stress and difficulties involved. In fact, some of the first advice in the book deals with how to deal with that stress before you start to tackle the issues of what to do about the debts. He offers a number of options to help you decide what course to take – eg. to go bankrupt or not to go bankrupt, or how to negotiate a deal for yourself. He includes a number of case studies to help illustrate the situations and sums up each chapter with a brief resume of the points covered. At the end of the book he has provided a list of useful resources that people may wish to call on for help – government bodies, websites, organisations and charities.
Alan Yau, UK“Comprehensive and Practical This is a great book, well-written and enjoyable to read. Full of practical ways to get yourself out of debt – and then stay in the black. I loved the case studies – helps to know that people have managed to deal with worse situations! The author urges us to get clear about where we are financially, and to start doing something about it.
There is a comprehensive resource section at the back, and the sample letters at the back was a nice surprise – so often we don’t tackle problems because we don’t know where to start, having these templates makes it much easier. If you have issues with debt, aget this book and sort it out now.”
Erle Bryn, Norway Management consultant, Oslo, NorwayThis book is impressive – the writing is so good.
It is very touching – Michael has been through a very tough situation, and he is open about it.
It is informative – it shows concrete ways to get out of a debt situation, in addition to the pitfalls one could easily run into.
And it is optimistic – Michael managed to free himself from debt. This shows that it is possible!
Tobias Roote, CorfuA useful handbook for living within your means.
This is a been there, done that, got the T shirt book. In other words it’s written by someone who knows the issues and learned to deal with them. Worth the small change it costs to put it in your library and read it in a spare moment when you cannot afford to go down the pub.
Jackie Luxton, North SomersetThis book details the author’s personal experience of managing escalating debt. Whilst telling his personal story he has woven a plan of action for those finding themselves in similar situations. A lot of excellent advice to avoid the pitfalls whilst in negotiation with creditors along with reference to self esteem and handling stress. Well worth a read.