The Debt Escape Plan: How to Free Yourself From Credit Card Balances, Boost Your Credit Score, and Live Debt-Free

I pre-ordered this book after seeing reviews of her previous work from 2 years ago ("Confessions of a Credit....") and upon getting a recommendation from another financial expert whom I trust dearly and has helped changed my financial and personal life tremendously. Well I got the book this past Saturday and Sunday night I caught insomnia so picked the book up about 330 am Monday Morning. Now usually reading puts me to sleep at that hour but after a few pages I realized I was in for a ride and needed to buckle up and take notes. Not only is the information and advice she provides practical, its rife with uber current information and content. She had information regarding accessing your FICO scores which I just read a week or so ago in the headlines. Mrs Harzog helps you identify what type of money manager you are (rather pleased with what type I was and hadnt realized) and has a short survey to determine how you generally process information you receive. This is so key as we are all so different and most books have a one size fits all program and instructions of which may or may not resonate with you. This book is great whether you are currently in debt, currently in a GREAT amount of debt, emerging from debt or competely debt free. She candidly shares her experiences and does not make you feel as if she's ever wagging her finger at you in chastisement and has a great tone of humor in it as well. Her advice on improving your credit score, sure you've seen some of this info before but its fresh and more detailed with her. Her charts on her webpage and in the book had me scouring my home at 5 in the morning looking for my old dry erase boards from college so I could map out my very own debt escape plan...however small it may be at the time. There may be a time or two when you feel she's lost you but just reread the previous paragraph or continue reading and it will become clear as a bell to you ( That may have been just me forcing myself awake at that ungodly hour) if not clearer. Her tips on saving and making more money to pull you out of your conundrum are terrific also. There's so much meat in this book but its such an easy read. I completed the book around 7am the same morning and immediately after began updating my Mint account, using her online excel charts and re-adjusting my budget for the month of March. Very empowering and feel good. And after feeling so ashamed and low with debt weighing on you, its refreshing to hear from someone that says "Hey, I did it too. Lets own up to it, stop hiding from it, we'll tackle this together...Lets begin here!"

Is there a better way to learn how to get out of debt than from the wisdom of someone who has done it? I don't think there is. This book talks to us very matter-of-factly without sugar coating the subject, yet encourages us that that there is hope. The tone is very friendly with light humor. Harzog sounds like someone I'd want to have lunch with, as she writes a very conversational book. It's an entertaining read on a subject that can be dry and boring. I recently finished the book and can't wait to see where I am six months from now. I think I will see a difference and be on the right path to getting a handle on our family debt. Thank you!

I like the straightforward way that this book is laid out,and the useful high level goals. I especially love the downloadable spreadsheets that help you figure out current debt etc. It's not a be all end all plan, but helps you on your way with valid tips and tricks.

useful info I'm out of debt now! Here's a concept think befor you buy! Life like a chess game,every move can make you or take you.

Reading this book has made me motivated to finally dig myself out from under the debt, and it has given me the confidence to feel that I can.

If you are in serious credit card debt . . . "The Debt Escape Plan" by Beverly Harzog is a good start and an easy read along with very helpful tips on getting out of debt.

Very informative! So far i've started a budget plan and I am already seeing areas that can be reduced. Next move is to eliminate my credit debt.

We are getting ready to send our son to college and this book has helped us make smart decisions. I think these kind of books should be required reading for people when they are young ... Terrific book by a talented and very practical writer.