Credit 911: Secrets and Strategies to Saving Your Financial Life

Praise for Credit 911: Secrets and Strategies to Saving Your Financial Life " Credit 911 offers insightful and practical information that can and should be heeded by individuals of all ages and at all stages in their lives. If Anderson′s exceptional and articulate advice was standard curriculum in our high schools and universities, we would be a much more financially responsible culture." —LoriAnn Lowery–Biggers, President, Field Operations, Navigators Management Company, Inc. "With Credit 911 , Rodney Anderson has provided a clear road map to financial success. He has touched on all of the important yet seldom spoken about issues that affect every consumer′s credit and ultimately their life. It is a must–read for anyone wanting to take control of their financial life." —Drew Campbell, President, Capitol Insight " Credit 911 isn′t just a ′must–read′ . . . it′s a ′want–to–read.′ I′ve read scores of books on credit and financial topics—but in terms of practical advice and action steps, combined with real–life stories, examples, and even a dash of humor—this is the only one I just couldn′t put down!" —Sue Woodard, President of Content and Publishing, Mortgage Success Source " Credit 911 combines the unique ability to delve into complex financial scenarios in a way that makes the solutions attainable for the common man and credit expert alike. It is a must–read for anyone that wants to understand and ultimately improve their financial position in the world." —Scott Everett, President, Supreme Lending

Foreword ix Acknowledgments xiii Introduction: Living on the Edge 1 Chapter 1 America′s #2 Addiction 21 Chapter 2 Plastic Dynamite 41 Chapter 3 Affairs of the Wallet: Marriage 57 Chapter 4 Affairs of the Wallet: Divorce 79 Chapter 5 Collections: Deal with It 95 Chapter 6 The Credit System and How It Works 113 Chapter 7 Buying Real Estate Is Not a Joke 129 Chapter 8 What If I Lose My Castle? 147 Chapter 9 Damage Control 159 Chapter 10 Bankruptcy: Losing the Battle to Win the War 175 Chapter 11 Saving Your Financial Life 189 About the Author 201 Index 203

RODNEY ANDERSON is the Executive Director of Supreme Lending, as well as the host of CBS Radio′s Saving Your Financial Life with Rodney Anderson . A recognized authority on financial issues including consumer credit, financial markets, home ownership, and the overall U.S. economy, he is a frequent guest on MSNBC, Fox Business, Fox News, and ABC′s Good Morning Texas . A consumer advocate and active member of YPO International, Anderson is also the creator of the Medical Debt Relief Act of 2009, HR 3421, a bill designed to protect consumers from long–term credit ramifications resulting from medical collections.