Getting Out of Debt

by Mintzer, Richard

• ISBN13: 9781580625098
• ISBN10: 1580625096
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Adams Media Corp

Summary

An affordable series that provides a quick-fix for immediate questions, fastread "RM" is the solution for those of us who don't have all day. With its straightforward, get-to-the-point style and accessible layout and organization, readers get the facts they need to know -- in no time flat!

fastread "RM" knows today's consumer -- whether looking for investing basics, how to get online, or how to buy a car -- doesn't want to wade through tons of content.

Table of Contents

introduction	ix
Knowing Your Financial Situation	1	(12)
The Importance of Budgets	1	(1)
Just Do It	2	(4)
Sample Budget	6	(3)
Budgets for Different Times in Life	9	(1)
Budgeting for Milestones	10	(1)
Budgeting for Vacations	10	(1)
Need Help?	11	(2)
Finding Alternative Sources of Income	13	(4)
The Part-Time Job	13	(1)
Rental Income	14	(1)
Out With the Old, In With the Cash	15	(1)
Refinancing Mortgages vs. Home Equity Loans	15	(2)
Credit Cards	17	(8)
Break the Cycle of Credit Debt	18	(2)
The Dreaded Interest	20	(1)
Credit Card Blocking	20	(1)
Secured Cards	21	(1)
Keep One in Your Maiden Name	22	(1)
Students and Credit	22	(3)
Credit Reports and You	25	(8)
How to Obtain Your Credit Report	27	(1)
Reading and Understanding Your Credit Report	28	(2)
Fixing Errors	30	(1)
Reporting Credit Card Scams	31	(2)
Collection Agencies	33	(8)
An Outline of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)	35	(3)
Debt Consolidation	38	(1)
Where to Go	38	(3)
Personal Bankruptcy: The Final Option	41	(4)
The Three Forms of Bankruptcy	42	(3)
How to Avoid Getting Into Debt Again	45	(16)
The Road to Tomorrow: The Importance of Saving	47	(1)
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)	48	(1)
Retirement Plans	49	(1)
401 (k) Plans	50	(2)
Roll Over	52	(1)
IRAs	53	(1)
Withdrawing Money from a Traditional IRA	53	(2)
Roth IRAs	55	(1)
SEP and Simple IRAs	56	(1)
IRA Inertia	56	(1)
Keogh Plans	57	(1)
Other Types of Plans	58	(1)
Equity	59	(2)
Handling Money During Retirement	61	(4)
Five Retirement Options to Consider	62	(3)
A Few Words on Personal Borrowing and Lending	65	(4)
Lending Money	66	(3)
Learning to Shop Smart for Big Purchases	69	(14)
Car Buying	69	(2)
Financing a New Car	71	(1)
Buying a Used Car	72	(1)
Home Buying	73	(1)
The First Steps	74	(1)
The Process	75	(1)
Mortgages	76	(1)
Choices, Choices, and More Choices	77	(1)
Mortgage Loans in a Nutshell	77	(2)
You and Your Credit Scores	79	(1)
Refinancing	79	(1)
Home Equity Loans	80	(1)
Reading Mortgage Rate Sheets	81	(1)
Tips for Home Buyers	82	(1)
Teach Your Children Well	83	(6)
The High Cost of Education: A Parent's Perspective	89	(10)
Projecting College Costs	90	(3)
Financial Aid for College	93	(1)
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans	94	(2)
Questions to Ask When Taking Out a Loan	96	(1)
Consolidating Education Loans	96	(1)
The Payback: A Student's Perspective	97	(1)
A Little Help From the Student	98	(1)
A Word About Taxes...Reduction and Avoidance	99	(4)
Tax-Free Investments	100	(1)
Budgeting to Pay Your Tax Bill	100	(1)
Some Tax Resources	101	(2)
conclusion	103	(2)
appendix a	105	(4)
appendix b	109	(2)
index	111