The fifth book I have read this year, I decided to read on a whim (yes, my books are varied. Gotta keep it interesting!). Debt-Free by 30: Practical Advice for the Young, Broke, and Upwardly Mobile" by Jason Anthony and Karl Cluck is a great starting point for twenty-somethings who don't know what they are doing or where to start when pulling themselves out of debt.
This book was an interesting read. I admit, pretty much everything I've pieced together to get out of debt myself is in this book. It was great to see that affirmation, even on the small things, like rewarding yourself after making a goal (though, I don't see how sleeping with your best friend just because you're curious as a reward). I was most interested in the chapters on wiping out credit card debt because that is what I'm working on.
Developing a spending plan is a great section as well. It gives a lot of advice on what areas you can cut expenses on, what is really necessary (yes, in this day and age, internet and cable TV were on their lists of necessities), and how to save money in the long run (like taking care of your car). I have to admit, this is not high on my list since I live at home with my parents, so I've focused my attention on paying off my credit card bills. However, I have made a list of my expenses, I jut don't plan on doing anything about them this month since all my extra cash is going toward paying my truck off.
It also gives you tips on how to save money on taxes, whether doing it yourself or finding hidden returns, how to shop for insurance, and what the difference in bank accounts are (I had no idea). There is even an end chapter to give you encouragement on staying out of debt. Even though I knew a lot of what they were saying, I enjoyed reading it because 1)it told me what I was doing was right and 2)it gave anecdotes of others who were in the same situation who pulled themselves out, not just the authors.
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