The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Out of Debt [Paperback]

Ken Clark (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 3, 2009 | Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide

Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul?

The American economy is dragging, with unemployment rates rising and consumer debt hitting $2.5 trillion. Many people are in deep and need help. Here, a Certified Financial Planner explains the mathematics of debt; strategies to deal with credit card, mortgage, student, and other loans; why debt consolidation and taking loans from a 401(k) can lead to problems; truths about bankruptcy; and how to use debt while eliminating it.

*Includes essential resources and websites, sample letters and forms, loan forgiveness programs, bankruptcy resources
*Author a Certified Financial Planner
*Covers every kind of debt, mortgages to credit cards to student loans
*National credit card debt is growing exponentially

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ken Clark, CFP, graduated from Pepperdine University, then worked for PaineWebber (now UBS), co-managing over $100,000,000 in assets. He started his own investment management firm and a subsidiary and now divides his time between running his financial planning practice, pastoral counseling, and pro bono work for military families. He has recently been hired as the college savings guide at About.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: ALPHA; Original edition (February 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592578470
• ISBN-13: 978-1592578474
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #206,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Business & Investing > Personal Finance > Credit Ratings & Repair

More About the Author

Ken Clark is a Certified Financial Planner, author, and speaker with close to fifteen years of experience helping individuals make sense of their personal finances.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a relief! June 10, 2009

By Lindsey J. Norman

Format:Paperback

Debt is a touchy subject. People have it, but they don't necessarily want to talk about it and if they do talk about it, very few are honest with the amount they carry. Ken Clark on the other hand urges readers to take a look at their situation in full, assess the damage on paper, and set goals for the short and long term; "Denial, Acceptance, Action." Once a foundation is laid, he takes you on a journey to eliminate and reduce every possible debt. It is true that much of the information could be found in the library, on the Internet, and within magazine and newspaper articles. But, what would be missing are the clear and concise instructions, the timeline and approach, the contact numbers, the sample letters, and the humor. Not far into the book I realized that Ken Clark writes as both a CFP and as a man who has endured the very struggles of debt management. He knows the strategies involved in tackling, overcoming, and eliminating debt. He does not talk down but to the reader and creates a sense of ease and practicality. What a relief! This a practical guide and must read for anyone looking to get out and stay out of debt.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Author has/uses real experience June 9, 2009

By C. Alessi

Format:Paperback

I felt like the author really understands the struggle with debt and finances. He doesn't come across as a snob or know-it-all. Most importantly, it has helped my my husband and I finally get on the same page financially. He read this book with enthusiasm, cover to cover. We can now talk openly, with ease, about our financial goals.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars By far best advice to get yourself out of debt! June 8, 2009

By KFlynn

Format:Paperback

This book will help you beyond belief. You would think that reading a book about debt would put you right to sleep but this book is filled with nothing of the sort. I laughed the whole time! Ken Clark mixes his life experience, good humor and incredible knowledge about financing to create an easy read. His book aids you in managing your money instead of throwing it away so you can finally relax! If you feel like your bad habits are destined for life, you've thought wrong. Read it!