Customer Reviews

How to Settle Your Debts

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got this book because of the outstanding reviews it already had. In hindsight, I suspect not all of them are legitimate reviews. It's difficult to imagine anyone could read the advice in this book, put it to use, and actually gain significant benefit. Though the book's description sounds very promising, I found that it didn't deliver the information it promised. Many of the scenarios in the book are unrealistic and make unhelpful assumptions. Over and over again the author directs the reader to research topics elsewhere without providing even basic information. For example: "Credit reports are difficult to read and even more difficult to understand. There are some excellent books available to help you with this." While this book is not specifically about dealing with your credit report, it seems that a bit more information about credit reports would have been provided.

Most of the advice is common sense (live within your means) or biased against any course of action other than settling with creditors. The author writes from the viewpoint that bankruptcy is the worst thing you could possibly do, but never backs up that claim with any information. I was left with the impression that the author himself isn't really sure what effect bankruptcy has.

In fact, the author's pervasive use of generalities and unrealistic suggestions made me think he doesn't actually know that much about credit (despite his alleged qualifications). For example, he repeatedly suggests bargaining with your creditors that you will pay part of your debt if they remove negative information they have already reported to the credit bureaus. But the author seems oblivious to the fact that the credit bureaus have specific rules against creditors doing this. Numerous such suggestions ruin the author's credibility.

At best, this book might be helpful as motivation to action for someone who lives beyond his or her means. But if your debts are the result of unfortunate and unavoidable events in your life, and you are ready to take decisive action to get your debt under control and your credit back on track, you will find this book preachy and unhelpful.

Using the information contained in the book, especially to have Patience and Persistence, I have settled 2 credit card debts, and saved $16,000 from what Credit Card #1 and Credit Card #2 were demanding. They gave in before I wore out. Having gone through this, I now feel extremely confident on settling the remaining debt for less then the current balance. Using the advice contained in Norman's book WILL work as long as don't give in until you feel you have reached a fair settlement.

My debts are running my life and I was going to file for bankruptcy until I found this book. You can tell this guy knows what he is talking about. I especially liked the references to real life situations and all the helpful hints he provides. After reading the book, I'm sure I can get creditors to work with me because it's better for them. I also like the idea of doing the dirty work myself rather than using a debt counselor. This way I know my best interests will come first and I don't think I'll ever let myself get into this kind of debt problem again. Now, I'm going to read it again and start doing what has to be done. This is a terrific book. The best $18 I've ever spent.

... for learning how to settle unsecured debt such as credit card debt. It is comprehesive and yet concise. There is no BS or fluff and it touches on every area of the landscape you need to be aware of when trying to settle unsecured debt on your own. Even though there is one far more powerful solution to settling credit card debt that is not discussed in this or any other book that I have read on this subject, I still gave the book five stars because all of the information contained in it is essential to know and is very well presented. As such, this book is the ideal starting point for learning about how the business of debt and collection works and how to deal with it. I highly recommended it.

I purchased this book to learn how to help my mother who is having financial problems. The advice in this book is priceless. The knowledge I learned from this book gave me the ability to make sound, educated decisions. The author doesnt pull any punches and tells it like it is. If you know anyone who is thinking about bankruptcy, buy them this book first!

While most of the information in this book is common sense, it's all worthwhile and sometimes common sense is what people need to hear from time to time. Perlmutter's book is clever at times and thoughtful consistently and offers an insiders look into the word of debt--mainly from a CPA's viewpoint. The reader is treated to a wealth of insider information including terms and techniques the banks and credit companies are using to capitalize on us.

This book is a great addition to my more consumer-oriented "How to Take Advantage...". Buy it and enjoy your new debt-free life!

Gives you the law and practicalities. After reading this book I wrote to one lender and one collection agency and (5 months later) haven't heard from them again.

This book was great! I began reading the book with much debt and minimal knowledge of how to become victorious in the world of debt and credit. This book was written in lay terms, so it was very easy to understand. Included in the book were sample letters and laws that helped me to know my rights as a consumer.

As I was reading this book, I began to apply much of what was written and I immediately began to gain control over my finances. I was no longer going to fall prey to credit or be victim to the collector. I now have a budget, live beneath my means, have devised a plan to remain out of debt and am on my way to rebuilding my credit. I would recommend this book to any and everyone. It was absolutely outstanding!

This guy not only is a CPA but he also ran a collection agency. He knows the process from both sides and can guide you through really tough situations. Get this book today and get a new start on your life.