Robin Leonard

This is another NOLO "classic" with the original edition published in 1996 - this review is for the 10th edition (2011). This book is excellent. It is well organized, clearly written, and full of lots of practical advice. I would direct the potential buyer to peruse the table of contents (online at Amazon) to see the breadth of its coverage. I found it to be useful as a work to understand credit in all its forms (loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc.). The book also does a good job of show more explaining what goes on behind the scenes when your credit situation turns south. I found Chapter 9, "Negotiating with Creditors and Collection Agencies" of particular general interest. In this chapter, I'd like to point out two examples of the kind of practical advice this book supplies.

Page 163-164: "Pay off more recent delinquencies before older ones." Why? Due to the statute of limitations, older debts may be discharged and drop off of your credit record. Making ANY payment restarts the statute of limitations clock. I did not know that.

Page 191: "Pay by cashier's check of money order. Paying by personal check is less desirable, because the debt collector will know your account number."

There are reasons to do otherwise than those two examples, and this book explains the ramifications. As with a lot of NOLO's books, they offer more specific works should you have more specific problems (NOLO has specific books on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy).

I don't hesitate to state this would be another MUST BUY for any public library reference collection. show less

I found this book to be very informative. Even if you do not need Credit Repair, it would be a good book for your library, because you never know when you may need it.

Not only does it cover how to get your credit report, it shows you how to read and understand it, how to fix errors and dispute problems. The book talks about all of the other reports out there, that most people probably don't even know exist like your Medical History Report, Tenant History Report, Check Writing History Report show more and others.

The book teaches you about bankruptcy, what the different chapters of bankruptcy are and where to go on the internet to find out more information. It also teaches you about credit counseling, debt management programs and about the scams that are run with these options. It tells you were to go on the internet to find the ones that are legit and the questions you should always ask if you try one of these options.

This is a "must add" to your personal library. The chapters are easily broken down so you can search for something that you have a question about. You are given information, such as being entitled to a FREE credit report annually, how to actually repair credit errors rather than being ripped off, and various options you have when you are trying to organize yourself into getting back on track.
There are forms, very clear directions AND helps you figure out how NOT to get into credit trouble again.
If you are old enough for credit, I'd recommend this book to anyone...very, very well done, and it will be a permanent addition to my library show less

The book Credit Repair was a terrific book! I learned a great deal of ways to both help myself and stop making repeated mistakes with my credit. This is a book for both veterans and newbies for taking care of their finances. There is plenty of useful information that you can immediately put to use.

Nolo Press is already a trusted name in my household- they publish great "do it yourself" guides to many of life's issues. "Solve Your Money Troubles: Debt, Credit & Bankruptcy" is a great practical guide to understanding your credit, debt, and helps you plan how to dig yourself out of a hole. If you are stuck in the credit rut, read this book before spending hundreds or thousands on a bankruptcy attorney- you need to know your options and the consequences of your decision. I would recommend show more this guide to anyone who wants to gain understanding of their financial picture and learn how to manage their money more effectively. You can create a financial plan for yourself and your family, and get rid of the fear and torment of money problems. show less