A guide to creating a personalized debt reduction plan offers daily spending strategies, expense-tracking tools, and budgeting guidance, while offering advice on discussing debt problems with family and downsizing expenses.

"From buying a candy bar with a credit card to signing a mortgage on a house, at some point everyone will need to deal with credit and debt. Learning how to make smart choices now can help people save lots of money down the road. Credit Cards and Loans explains how these financial tools work and how to use them responsibly"--

Foreclosures are hitting record highs; Americans are declaring bankruptcy at rates ten times that during the Great Depression; more college students drop out because of debts than poor grades; reports of debtor suicides proliferate. In other words, it's a great time to be in the banking business. Documentary filmmaker Scurlock takes us on a road trip around a country populated by debt pirates, corporate predators, human credit card billboards, debt...

"The most comprehensive insider's look at what every consumer needs to know about their credit score--and most importantly, how to fix it. If you, like so many millions of Americans, are terrified by the daily headlines regarding Equifax and identity theft, and how all of this can directly affect your basic credit score, then this book should be considered as mandatory reading. Like it or not, a healthy credit score is essential if you want to participate...

Offers advice on understanding and improving credit and credit ratings, dealing with debt, and fixing a bad credit report.