debt-diet

Get smart about debt

Debt is a burden for many Americans. The worry of it affects relationships, work
productivity, health and of course, the bottom line of one's finances. If your debt is
from credit cards, it can be particularly scary, with interest rates at 20% or more.
(Dare to watch the Scary Facts page.)

If you're uncomfortable with your level of borrowing, do yourself a favor and check
out these great resources to whittle down those piles of debt. Also, see the
bottom of this page for a personal story of debt paydown, and a fun game to play
that makes you smarter about credit cards and banking.

Six steps to eliminating your debt
Here are some debt paydown stategies that really work. (link to Bankrate.com)

Clean up your credit score and save $100,000, (link to Yahoo.com Finance)

Two minute videos with Jean Chatzky. Under the drop down menu
topics, search for "debt" and "budgeting". (link to Jean Chatsky)

Pay it Down-- book
See Jean Chatzky's book Pay It Down--from Debt to Wealth on $10 per day. She
writes with a conversational style and provides easy to understand solutions to
the debt burdens faced by many Americans. She shows plans for a "Debt Diet."
Highly recommended!

Smart Cookies Guide to Making More Dough-- book
A group of young, hip Canadian women inspire us with personal stories of how
they ditched their debt and took control of their finances. Written with Jennifer
Barrett.

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke
Suze Orman brings her energy to the problem of debt burdens on young adults.
Good solutions and action plans.

(Ask for these books at your library, bookstore, or Amazon.com.)

Need a better credit card? If your credit score is good, but
your credit card company is hitting you with high interest rates,
try calling your card issuer and asking for a lower rate. If that
fails, shop for a new card with better terms. (link to Bankrate.com)