However, if you do decide to hire a professional, it is important to choose the right company to work with. Fortunately, most debt consolidation companies do offer FREE CONSULTATIONS so you can speak with them first to decide if you trust them. Sign up with several different companies and speak with their representatives so that you can decide which company can help you the most. There is No Obligation, so you can also decide not to work with any company.

I recommend signing up for the following Debt Relief Companies (Do it NOW, it only takes 30 seconds):

• Debtco
• Debt Match
• Elite Debt Cleaner
• The Debt Genie

When you speak with these companies or any others, you should consider the following issues:

1. Can they provide reliable referrence?
2. Do you like them and want to work with them?
3. How long have they been in business?
4. Do they know what their talking about?

Take control of your debt and do whatever it takes to clear your credit. The economy is only getting worse, so the less debt you have, the better position you’ll be in. There are many Debt Cures, find the one that works best for you!

Chapter 1: A License to Steal
Chapter 2: The Credit Shakedown
Chapter 3: Hanky Panky
Chapter 4: Eliminate Your Debt
Chapter 5: Negotiate!
Chapter 6: Cut Your Rate!
Chapter 7: Fight Back
Chapters 8: Highest Points Wins
Chapters 9: The Report
Chapter 10: Knowing the Score
Chapters 11: Show Me the Money
Chapters 12: Two Magic Words
Chapters 13: Home is Where the Start Is
Chapters 14: No Bankruptcy
Chapter 15: Big Business
Chapter 16: Stealing Candy from Babies
Chapter 17: Three Ring Circus
Chapter 18: Slaying the Dragon
Chapter 19: Stop Debt Collectors Cold
Chapter 20: Achieving Wealth
Chapter 21: Rebuilding Credit
Chapter 22: Building More Wealth
Chapter 23: FREE MONEY!
hapter 24: IT”S A WRAP!

Kevin Trudeau, author of Debt Cures says that everyone should do their best to improve their credit score. Because banks and other lenders charge higher interest rates to people with low credit scores, it can cost you thousands of dollars to receive the credit card offers. How can that be? Because each time a credit card company tries to “pre-screen” you for a new card it counts against you and your credit score goes down. Trudeau says this is another example of how lenders are ripping off the American consumer. They drive down your credit score so they can charge you more.

Fortunately there is a way to change this. Trudeau says you have the right to opt out of these mailings. Simply go to the website www.optoutprescreen.com. In a few minutes you will be able to complete an online form to stop the mailings. You have the option of opting out for 5 years, or for life if you choose to. You can also choose to opt back in at a later date if it becomes advantageous to do so. If you don’t have access to the internet you can also telephone 1-888-5OPTOUT.

Trudeau says you should not be pushed around by the credit card company giants. Take a step of action and help prefer your credit score. In addition to his book, Trudeau offers a newsletter with other helpful information to help you stay out of debt.

When you head out to the grocery store, make sure you have a shopping list. Once at the store, stick with the list. While it is tempting to purchase a few extra items, they can quickly add up. And if you make the purchase with the credit card, it will add to your debt not help you. It is best to use cash when possible, but Trudeau says you should limit your trips to the ATM. Try going only once a week, when you run out of cash you are out for the week. It will help you plan better and should cut back your spending on unnecessary items.

Each time you make a purchase; ask yourself if you really need the item. Is this something that is going to add to my debt? Or will this purchase help me create wealth? Don’t always base you decision on price. If shoes with a slightly higher price tag are more durable, then purchase them and not the cheap pair. Cereal in large boxes may cost more, but you will eat more breakfast meals.

Brown bag your lunch. It is far less expensive to make a couple of sandwiches or a salad and take it to work than to head to the nearest Burger King or Arby’s each day. And when you do go out, use a doggie bag to bring home what you don’t eat, so you can save on a future meal.

With the cost of cigarettes, it is time to give up smoking. You can easily save $20 to $30 a week, so this is a great way to get both your wallet and yourself in better health.

Try car pooling to work. Gas at $3.00 a gallon or more takes a big chunk out of your budget. And if you pay at the pump, that puts a greater strain on your credit card. Remember the credit card companies have high interest rates ready for you if you cannot pay off your statement each month. Make sure you plan to run all your weekly errands at the same time. That’s another great way to save on gas and will help you budget both your time and finances. If it’s time to get a new car, look at getting a low mileage used car instead of getting the latest from Detroit. Make sure you can afford the payments and can make them on time.

Finally, you are entitled to a little entertainment. But instead of going out to the movies, rent one instead. It is much cheaper, especially or your local library has a selection. And think of the money you can save by throwing a bag of popcorn into the microwave instead of buying a bucket of popcorn at the theater.

Saving money takes discipline. If you can save $50 to a $100 a month, that money can be used to pay down your debt, in addition to what you are currently paying. And if you can reduce the principal on your loan faster, then the long term savings on interest can multiply.

In the book, Trudeau writes that you need to fight back when you are in debt. You need to contact your debtors and the collection agencies to explain your financial situation to them. Be persistent and remain in contact with them until your debt is resolved, or at least until you have reached a payment plan that is acceptable. With the debt kit you have an added weapon.

Included in the debt kit are numerous letters you can send to collection agencies. They include: Offers to settle debt, a request to reduce the monthly payment, a letter to report harassing calls along with a sample complaint letter to a state attorney general’s office. If a creditor is after you, Kevin Trudeau shows you how to write a letter to request a lower interest rate, a request to suspend payments, letters to request the removal of a fee, as well as a letter to reduce payments.

Throughout Debt Cures, Trudeau repeats that it is important to clean up your credit report and to improve your credit score. His sample letter kit helps in that regard. He includes the addresses, phone numbers and websites of each of the three main credit reporting agencies. Then he provides samples letters to send to them, including the correction of information letter, a follow-up letter to make sure the work is being done, a letter of notification of identity theft. As you have the right to explain any and everything on your credit report, Trudeau provides a sample letter for adding a personal statement to your credit report. He also shows how to request a free copy of your credit report. Because it is not unusual for there to be incorrect information on your credit report there are letters available to help you correct or remove this type of misinformation.

As the Federal government has done little to help consumers, there is a sample letter that you can write your congressman. You may not give as much to their campaigns as the banks do, but you are the one who has the right to vote during each election, and it never hurts to remind your congressman of that fact.

Debt Cures provides plenty of information you can use to get out of debt and to improve your credit score. The book itself states things in general terms, the sample letter kit is by far the most practical advice that Trudeau provides. In one document is most of the help that you will need to begin digging yourself out of debt. Keep fighting the fight, stay the course and you will be able to stay out of debt.

Have you tried using any of the letters in the Debt Kit? If so, please share your experiences below.

However, I did notice that the book is now being sold NEW on at Amazon.com for only $17.13 (as of June 16, 2008). Not only does the book have a lower sale price and a cheaper shipping price, but if you spend over $25 on qualifying purchases at Amazon it qualifies for FREE SHIPPING. Why anybody would still buy it directly from the Debt Cures website, I have no idea.

Amazon also won’t try to convince you to pay for more products that you don’t need like the Debt Cures sales people will. What have your experiences been when purchasing the book?
]]> http://kevinscures.com/buy-debt-cures-now-for-only-17/feed/ 2 http://kevinscures.com/summary-debt-cures-by-kevin-trudeau/ http://kevinscures.com/summary-debt-cures-by-kevin-trudeau/#comments Tue, 27 May 2008 18:29:06 +0000 admin http://kevinscures.com/complete-summary-of-debt-cures-by-kevin-trudeau/ Now that we have completed all of our in depth summaries and reviews of each chapter of Kevin Trudeau’s book, Debt Cures They Don’t Want You to Know About, I wanted to give a final summary of the entire book. In the past, Trudeau has taken on the pharmaceutical companies and the weight loss business; in Debt Cures he exposes what he calls the corrupt practices of the lending. Trudeau claims to be fighting for the American consumer against banks, credit card companies and other lenders.

Debt Cures is an easy book to read. You don’t need a degree from Harvard in order to understand what Trudeau is writing. He does tend to repeat himself though. The 24 chapter book could have been considerably shorter, but in Trudeau’s defense many of his ideas are worth repeating. Some, however, could have been treated more thoroughly. For instance, Trudeau writes constantly about creating wealth and getting free money. He does provide some examples, but don’t purchase this book if your only goal is to get rich quickly.

The great value of the book is the tips that Trudeau provides for getting out of debt. There are no quick ways to get out of debt, but if you work hard at Trudeau’s techniques, in time, you should be able to get out of debt and, most importantly, stay out of debt. Trudeau arms you with information about the credit industry and about how the goals of credit card companies are to attract new customers who will be late on payments and who cannot pay back what they are charged each month. According to Trudeau, the plan of credit card companies is to hit you with fees and penalties, and then, as if they are not earning enough already, they want to get further into your wallet with high interest rates. They lure you in with low introductory rates, just waiting for you to be late with a payment so they can raise your rates to 20%, 24% and even 28%.

Trudeau is not opposed to credit. In fact, he is opposed to cutting up your credit cards if you are in debt. He believes you can use credit to your benefit. First, you need to know how the credit industry works so that you can use it for your advantage. Perhaps the best information from the book involves getting your credit report. Trudeau advocates getting your credit report and cleaning it up immediately. By law, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year. Trudeau tells you how to get it and what to do to fix it. Often times your credit report contains wrong information which drives down your credit score. Trudeau tells how you can get this information corrected. Remember that your credit score is vitally important. It determines the interest rate that banks charge on loans. If you follow Trudeau’s advice, you will over time improve your credit score. Once it has improved, you can go to the bank to refinance your mortgage, which could result in saving hundreds a month on your mortgage payment. That’s money you can spend to pay down other debts, or money you can use to spend on the things you want.

In addition to improving your credit report, Trudeau advises that you develop financial statements on your financial health. Create a balance sheet and an income statement. The average American has credit card debts of $8000. Trudeau tells you how to use financial statements to negotiate with the credit card companies to reduce the amount you owe and to work out a realistic payment plan. He provides sample statements, so you don’t have to be an accountant to create them. All the steps Trudeau provides are things the average person can do themselves. While it would be good to have a professional review them, it is not necessary.

When we are in a great deal of debt, the fear of receiving collection calls can be crippling. We fear answering the phone or hearing the doorbell ring because of the pressure the collection agents use against us. Trudeau provides relief for that as well. He reviews the laws collection companies must follow. Not surprisingly, collection employees skirt around the law and sometimes break them. Trudeau provides plenty of information on how to fight back against collectors. For example, by law, collection companies are not allowed to telephone you if you tell them to only correspond through the mail. Plus they are not allowed to contact you at work. You will also learn about the statute of limitations for your debt. It is possible that you no longer owe any money on an old debt.

The book is full of contact information and places to turn to for help. Trudeau talks about agencies which help you pay your monthly mortgage, how to reduce your monthly bills, and information on consumer advocacy groups in each state. The federal government provides little protection for the consumer from the credit industry, but more than 30 states have brought lawsuits against credit card companies and banks. If you have been ripped off, Debt Cures may be able to help you find someone to fight on your behalf.

Throughout Debt Cures, Kevin Trudeau places the blame for America’s debt problems on creditors. The thirst for profits has turned creditors into predators. They lie in wait for Americans to lose their jobs, or to get sick and incur high medical bills. That way, they can hit them with high fees and high interest rates. It is not your fault if you owe thousands to your credit card companies. If you are charging your visits to McDonald’s it is not your fault if you can’t pay the bill at the end of the month according to Trudeau. He never suggests that we are in debt because of our spending habits. It is only the lust for higher profits that leads to our debt problems. Trudeau says not to worry, because if you follow his steps he can get you out of debt, and you can begin to use “good” credit to begin building wealth for yourself.

While he is not always clear on how you can make money, if you have patience and follow his steps then you can at least stay out of debt and that’s good for everyone.

Trudeau says the ability to borrow is power. It used to be the banks had all the power, but you have been able to turn that around and now that power is yours. Also, learn to invest wisely. Not necessarily in stocks and real estate, but Trudeau says to invest wisely in common things. Choose your shoes and clothes wisely, invest in items that will last.

A tactic to protect your wealth is to create your own corporation. It sounds difficult but it is not according to Trudeau. He explains in Debt Cures how to create a corporation. In most states all you have to do is invest your time in filling out documents. The tax savings and legal protection may be more than you first think.

Be creative and imaginative when creating a corporation. Wouldn’t this be the best time to start your own business? You are out of debt, you have good credit, you want to live your lifestyle not someone else’s so why not become your own boss? If you have a hobby or a skill that you enjoy and are good at, why not see if you can make money at it? If you make crafts on the side, why not look into making and selling them part-time? Make sure you are filling a demand not just doing something you like. Don’t buy items cheaply that you think you can sell on EBay, without checking it out first and making sure you can sell them at a profit. Always do some research first to make sure you are doing the right thing.

One advantage to opening your own business and corporation is that it opens your world to cheaper and better credit. Trudeau says that business credit cards almost always have better terms than personal cards. Also you will start out with a good credit score as a business. Any problems with past credit won’t be looked at on your business account. It is like working with a clean slate.

When you are ready to begin your business don’t be afraid to borrow. By now you know what you need to do to stay out of debt, use them but make sure you get the money you need to be successful. If you own your own home you can secure a home equity home. You may have to find someone with good credit to co-sign a loan. Trudeau shows how you can get $10,000 or more as quickly as a day’s time. Use money to create more money.

Trudeau says successful people see a need, jump at the opportunity and fill the need, and make money doing it. You can do the same, if you have conquered your debt then you have what it takes to start and run your own business. You are a winner, step out and do it.

Remember that the Debt Cures techniques are a two step process. You get out of bad debt first, after reading the book you now know how to beat the big banks and credit card companies. You know their system and you now know how to beat it. Once it is beaten, you are now ready for the second step of building your wealth.

You are out of debt and you are learning to stay out of debt. But that doesn’t mean you do not need credit. You still need it and in fact you will use good credit to build wealth. That’s why you need to stay on top of your credit at all times. Don’t just eliminate your debt, but continue to follow Trudeau’s steps. Keep your financial statements up to date, don’t close out you credit cards – keep them to show that you can pay creditors over a long period of time. Continue to pay on time and to pay your minimum payment or more. Good credit now can mean more good credit in the future, along with the benefits that good credit will bring.

You want to stay away from high interest rates and penalties but good credit will help you obtain the funds you need for the lifestyle you want to live. Trudeau gives more tips in Chapter 21 to improving your credit score, including getting a co-signer for a loan and piggybacking with someone else for credit. He provides greater detail in the book, but remember when you were a teenager and wanted a car? You might have had your parents co-sign the loan in order for you to get the car. If you have someone with good credit co-sign a loan for you, that will improve your credit score. With piggybacking, you have someone with good credit add you to their credit card. You don’t use the card but you benefit from their better credit score. Make sure you know the rules before doing so, and make sure you make any payments you are obligated to because you do not want to ruin any friendships. But you improve your credit score by working with others.

Also, consider an installment loan to help pay down bills. Go to your bank or credit union and get a small loan with a one or two year repayment period. Make all your payments, this will show up on your credit report as a positive and improve your score. A secured credit card is also a good idea, especially if you have children going to college. With a secured credit card, the user cannot spend over a set amount. It is another way to create a new good mark on your credit. Debt Cures encourages you to keep up the good work you have been doing and take the steps on the way to wealth.