… and another thing … here’s the best sentence yet from your book ….
| “You and no-one else, can decide how much of your discretionary income you’ll spend on non-essentials and how much is available to pay down debt.”
A lightbulb has gone on. For me this is the CRUX of it all. It’s up to me… ***
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| I’ve started reading it Michael and it is GREAT! I’ve been meaning to tackle my debt for many, many years and now it is time.I got paid this week and received a nice bonus. I also paid in a cheque that I was owed for some freelance work. Despite the monthly salary and some extra I am STILL in the red. This has got to change. Time to stop living beyond my means.I loved your case studies. They made me think, “there but for the grace of God go I”. My situation is not as bad as most of your examples. I have a steady (and fairly stable) job however, there are several reasons why I am getting deeper in debt every month and I am going to address them once and for all.
I am setting a goal of being debt free by the time I am 50. Although that sounds pretty crazy I think it is do-able. You are absolutely right that the first step is actually sitting down and getting all the information together about how much is owed and thinking about how to tackle it. I have never thought about my bank being a creditor before but of course in a way they are. When I actually looked at the figures yesterday I realised that I was close to reaching my limit on both bank account and credit card. I have to manage my OWN money. I’m working my way through your book and will let you know how I got on but just wanted to let you know that 24 hours in I am already feeling EMPOWERED to do it. To get myself back to the black. Have you thought about setting up a “Back to the Black Club”?!!!!! |
Your book is immensely readable, even though I’ve never been in that position, and as much a blueprint for a successful life as a manual for debt management. A fine achievement.
“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.”
Let’s hope you never need the advice in this book. However, whether you’re already there or not, it is well worth while gaining the knowledge to be found here to help you.”
“Enjoyable and useful. If you struggle with debt, it seems hopeless. This book offers you a solution.
“A useful handbook for living within your means.
This is a been there, done that, got the T shirt book. In other words its written by someone who knows the issues and learned to deal with them.
“This book is written using the very useful resource of first hand experience which makes it very poignant and useful. The three approaches to escaping the downward spiral of the effects of debt are practical and easy to follow. It is written with humour and gives the reader the comfort that they are not alone in experiencing the misery that financial problems can bring.”
“In this day with the economic situation still putting people on edge, this book gives a lot of information. The sections cover causes, approaches, and even how to reduce stress caused by debt. It is not a hopeless situation as you learn to face the facts of current situation and then three plans on how to deal with it. It even has a last section on how to stay out of debt and resources.”
“This 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.”