Part 1: Money and Debt

Not all Debt Is Bad Debt

Learn the difference between good debt and bad debt.

Early Warning Signs of Trouble

Money troubles are hard to ignore, but you can employ certain strategies to ease the tension.

Take That Paper Bag Off Your Head When You Drive

From late payments to poor planning to minimum payments to overspending, learn the most common mistakes people make that get them into debt.

Part 2: Changing Your Relationship with Money

A Frank Talk with Dollar Bill

How you think about money has as much to do with your financial health as anything else.

Money Affirmations

These simple techniques will help you to think about money the way people with no debt problems do.

Money Is a Family Matter

You learned more about money from your family than anywhere else. Make sure you are teaching your kids healthier money attitudes.

The ``B'' Word

Budget is not a bad word.

How and Where to Cut Back

Yes, you can cut back your expenses without radically affecting you lifestyle.

Call Your Creditor and Say ``Hi'' (The Plan)

Creating a solid plan of action will get you out of debt.

Part 3: When Cutting Back Is not Enough

Refinancing Your Home

Under the right circumstances, refinancing your home can reduce your indebtedness.

Taming the Credit Card Goliath

Learn how to avoid the credit cart trap and what to do if credit cards are your problem.

Taking to the Lion: Dealing With Creditors

Learn the inside secrets of credit collectors and find out how to get them off your back.

IRS Folks Are People, Too

Find out how the IRS works and learn how to get rid of basic tax problems.

Beat the IRS!

Learn how to settle your tax debts for pennies on the dollar.

Handling Business Debts

Raise prices? Cut overhead? Figure out the best way to handle business debts.

Debtors Anonymous

Debtors Anonymous can be a lifesaver for those whose overspending is out of control.

Part 4: A Last Option: Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Basics

Learn what bankruptcy is, how it works, and what to expect.

Chapter 7 Pre-Filing Considerations

A Chapter 7 may be right for you, if you have the right sorts of debts and don't own too much property.

How a Chapter 7 Case Proceeds

Discover how much the case will cost, what you hearing will be like, and more.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

In the right circumstances, a Chapter 13 repayment plan can get you out of debt.

What Can Go Wrong?

Although problems rarely crop up in a bankruptcy, you need to know how to avoid them and what to do when they occur.

Part 5: Getting Ahead of the Game

Getting Credit Again

Getting credit after a financial crisis doesn't have to be so hard.

What the Rich Know That You Don't

The rich know a few things about money that a lot of people don't. Read this chapter to learn the secrets of the very rich.

Real Estate Investing

Investing in real estate is a great way to get ahead financially.

Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds

Learn the basics of investing in equities, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Starting Your Own Business

Working for yourself can be one of the most satisfying things you may ever do and can go a long way toward creating financial security.

Life After Debt

Get some tips on living a debt-free life and find out what resources are available beyond this book.

Appendixes

A Bankruptcy Petition and Schedules

See what your bankruptcy paperwork may look like.

B Sample Chapter 13 Plan

See what a Chapter 13 plan looks like.

C Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: Relevant Sections

The salient portions of this important consumer protection law are in this appendix.

D Fair Credit Reporting Act: Relevant Sections

Learn what credit agencies can and cannot legally do.

E Recommended Resources

Financial books and Web sites can provide help beyond this book.

F Glossary

A listing of some of the more important terms that you may not already know.

Index