Credit Card & Debt Management: A Step-By-Step How-To Guide for Organizing Debt & Saving Money on Interest Payments (Paperback)

~ (Author) "In my early twenties, I realized I needed to begin establishing a positive credit history..." (more)
Key Phrases: Store Card, Loan Calculation Worksheet, Payment Factor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

If you ask single Americans in their 20s or early 30s what their biggest financial worry is, most will probably answer credit card debt. Bilker shows them the formulas for digging out of the credit-card hole--methodically, systematically, and with a minimum of confusion. Surprises abound, including Bilker's advice against cutting up one's credit cards--after all, one may need that credit line in case of emergency. He also advises against paying off one's credit debt with savings, opting instead to use budgeting from salary and letting that savings grow untouched. If used correctly, this book could be a big help to those experiencing a rather common burden. Joe Collins

Review

"...the chapter that I found most interesting was...'Bad Advice,' in which Mr. Bilker questions all that conventional wisdom about debt we read day after day in the financial media." --Larry Roth, LIVING CHEAP NEWS -- Larry Roth, LIVING CHEAP NEWS

"An excellent and informative work. It was a great help to me in teaching others. It provides an easy-to-follow plan to use as resource material and also as a textbook in a small group teaching environment. It's concise, easy to understand and easily applied. The chapter presenting the debt-management model and time remaining tables allowed me to present this concept (payoff times) to a debt-free living class without having to confuse them with complicated math. The abundance of useful information make it (Credit Card and Debt Management) well worth the investment." --Alan E. Cooke, Manager and Debt-Free Living instructor -- Alan E. Cooke, Manager and Debt-Free Living instructor

"From reorganizing personal debt and saving money on interest payments to understanding savvy credit usage and money management skills, Bilker provides many excellent tips on credit cards. This is the perfect book to give to a young adult or to someone in their 20s just beginning to understand how debt works." --REVIEWER'S BOOKWATCH -- REVIEWER'S BOOKWATCH

"Have you ever noticed that every time you get motivated and pay off your credit cards that, before you know it, you've begun using them again and you're back where you started? Credit cards have their advantages, but some people can't seem to handle them without getting in over their heads. Bilker's book is geared to help people understand how to handle their debts and keep their spending under control. Bilker, an engineer, not a financier, gives a concise, perceptive spin on a problem that affects many of us." --Faye M. Dasen, THE PILOT -- Faye M. Dasen, THE PILOT

"I've located a dandy system for calculating the time remaining on a loan (complete with all of the hard stuff already worked out in user-friendly tables) in a book: Credit Card and Debt Management by Scott Bilker. Check with your library and if they haven't already ordered it, suggest they need this resource. I must admit that math is just about my least favorite subject (second only to root canal surgery without the benefit of anesthesia) and even thinking about equations and formulas makes me break out in a rash. So you can be sure that if I recommend it, this book contains easy-to-understand and has fairly painless instructions for everything having to do with credit-card debt--including how to figure the time remaining on a loan." --Mary Hunt, National columnist and author of Cheapskate Monthly -- Mary Hunt, National columnist and author of Cheapskate Monthly

"Lots of helpful hints!" --Debbie Cohen -- Debbie Cohen

"Millions of Americans have, or have had, difficulties with credit cards. Here is a book for anyone who has had such difficulties or who wants to avoid them. Scott Bilker's Credit Card and Debt Management is an informative and easy-to-read guide to keeping credit cards and debt under control. Bilker's book takes the reader through an understanding of credit problems and practical systematic approaches to their resolution. Text is supported by graphics, tables, and blank worksheets. The author is not an accountant but an engineer, and he uses more of an engineer's problem-to-solution approach than an accountant's bookkeeping one. And, unlike many engineers, Bilker writes as if he is writing for the layperson (which he is doing) rather than for engineers, scientists, and technicians. Bilker introduces the reader to "Credit Card Graveyard" (p 21), "APR" (annual percentage rate) (p 42), and other relevant nomenclature. He offers mathematical approaches that should be familiar to anyone with a background in arithmetic and introductory algebra--no need for calculus here. In short, he offers what I would consider to be an excellent book to help people meet a very important need in their lives and at a reasonably modest price: Credit Card and Debt Management. It may be the best thing to come out of Barnegat since Perrine's sneakbox boat." --Harry Hyde Jr., Managing Editor, VALLEY VOICE. -- Harry Hyde Jr., Managing Editor, VALLEY VOICE

"This is the most helpful and useful book I have ever come across. It's the only book that actually gives you answers. It has helped me to control my spending and to consolidate and pay off my debt. It helped me by setting up a plan. I feel that every one should read it before acquiring any credit debt. Every newly-wed couple should get one (book) as a gift. It's definitely worth the $19.95!" --Dori Maccagnano, Teacher -- DoriMaccagnano,

"Very useful to me (Credit Card and Debt Management)...it is simple to understand!" --William Sabin, Credit Counselor -- William Sabin, Credit Counselor (retired)

From reorganizing personal debt and saving money on interest payments to understanding savvy credit usage and money management skills, Bilker provides many excellent tips on credit cards. This is the perfect book to give to a young adult or to someone in their 20s just beginning to understand how debt works. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Press One Pub. (February 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964840197
• ISBN-13: 978-0964840195
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #932,136 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saved $35 the day I read this book., February 8, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Marlton, NJ) - See all my reviews

I now know how to deal with banks, and their annual fees. I never knew there is no need to pay the annual fee for a credit card. When I read how I need not pay fees, I used it that very day, and saved $35. Now I save the annual fee on all my cards. This alone makes the book worth reading.

There are many other money saving techniques in this book. Ways to save on interest payments; ways to reduce your debt; ways to have a "nest egg" available whenever you need it. This book is a great investment. The first day I read this book, I received a 175% return on my investment.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome tools for financial self sufficiency!, October 7, 2002

By	"susieinwa" (Kalama, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

Scott Bilker is a financial expert that turns the tables around to save money with credit. It is hands down advice on taking a radical approach as a consumer that is in charge of your money, not credit in charge of your money. Scott's book goes beyond traditional ideas in fianance and offers functional finance ideas that will move you ahead in your goal to be financially independent. It is a step in the right direction no matter where you are in your budgeting skills. Scott Bilker also provides an exciting free DebtFree email newsletter that is full of information that is understandable and realistic in pracitically to obtain fianancial freedom! Thank you Scott!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best debt management tool on the market!, June 2, 2002

By	Jeff Gordon (Honolulu, Hawaii) - See all my reviews

"Credit Card and Debt Management" is without a doubt the TOP OF THE LINE in its class. After having read through several debt management books, this one assisted me the most in debt reduction and managing personal finances. It's clear, concise and practical, with real world examples to learn from. As a member of the U.S. military who has had to relocate every few years, the use of credit cards has been essential in maintaining an enjoyable quality of life. This book has greatly assisted in balancing it all. Investing in "Credit Card and Debt Management" is money well spent!