46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Beware of Self-Published "How To Books" - and this is one of them!, February 17, 2007
This review is from: I'm in Debt, Over 40, with No Retirement Savings. HELP! (Paperback)
As a freelance writer myself, the first thought that occurred to me before I was halfway through this book was, how in the world did this guy find a publisher? At the very least, any "how-to" book worth half its salt should provide specific, detailed instructions on how to go about accomplishing the task set forth in its title. Instead, this book strays off topic. Instead of explaining how to get out of debt, most of its pages discuss how to buy a used car, an existing home, used furniture, and cut down on simple expenses such as candy bars and cable tv. Nevertheless, I perservered through it before making a final judgement.
After finishing it in less than an hour, I am thoroughly disgusted. This book offers so little in the way of practical solutions, I feel entitled to a refund. A quick search online reveals that the publisher, Everlove and Bohannon is owned by the author, John White, and apparently has produced only one title - this one. What does this tell you? If anyone can write a truly valuable book on the topic of digging out of a middle-aged financial crisis, they will be able to sell their proposal to the highest bidding publisher, rather than self-publish.
The only saving grace of this book is that it doesn't offer any really bad advice. It offers a lot of good sentiment about the mindset of frugality, and the appendix lists some very good books on money management.
For anyone who is in serious financial trouble with a steep ratio of unsecured, high interest credit card debt and little in the way of assets (i.e.; home equity), however, I strongly urge you: DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY buying this book!! If you can avoid this and 9 other books like this one, written by self-proclaimed and self-published experts, you will have saved yourself $150.
Note to the author: Mr. White, as a writer myself, I normally adhere to my grandmother's sage advice - say something nice or nothing at all. You have written on a subject that is too important, however, and it affects millions of people - debt management is far too complex and life-changing to be to be skimmed over and treated with platitudes. If you ever want to rewrite and revise, I strongly suggest that you offer the reader a basic threshold diagram explaining debt to income ratio, and the tipping point at which bankruptcy (Chapter 7) must be carefully weighed and considered, as opposed to seeking help through Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Otherwise, your book is akin to a first aid manual that makes no mention of CPR.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Written by a real life survivor who climbed out of debt, December 13, 2003
This review is from: I'm in Debt, Over 40, with No Retirement Savings. HELP! (Paperback)
Written by a real life survivor who climbed out of debt to credit card companies to re-establish positive net worth, John L. White's I'm In Debt, Over 40, With No Retirement Savings. Help! is a very practical survival guide to improving an otherwise bleak financial situation. From breaking bad spending habits; to keeping expensive teenagers in check; to saving money on the family car; to buying an affordable mortgage; developing a mind set conducive to savings; and so much more, I'm In Debt, Over 40, With No Retirement Savings. Help! is an easy-to-understand, "must-read", for anyone approaching middle age or older who finds themselves ill prepared for a financially comfortable retirement.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ignore the Other Reviews - Do Not Buy This Book!!, June 29, 2005
This review is from: I'm in Debt, Over 40, with No Retirement Savings. HELP! (Paperback)
This book was the worst. Calling it a book is laughable, since it's the size of a pamphlet - 120 pages! Two-thirds of the book was autobiographical and had no useful information at all. The rest of the book had all of the same tips that you usually find in these type of books, (e.g. save money, only buy items used or in bulk, contribute to your company's 401k, etc.) And there were actually two chapters devoted to buying a car!
If you are looking for a good book on getting out of debt, buy any or all of the Jerrold Mundis books.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
