Debt Proof Living – The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free

One of the most highly rated self-help books on getting out of debt is Debt-Proof Living: The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free by Mary Hunt. Reader reviews of this book have consistently been very positive. If you are looking for an understandable, doable game plan for getting your debt under control and putting your financial house in order, then you might want to check out this book.

Ms. Hunt speaks with a voice of authority because she has personally experienced being deeply in debt. She reveals how, back in the 1980s, her out of control spending and overuse of credit cards burdened her and her family with over $100,000 in unsecured debt. She tells readers about her family’s struggle to overcome this mountain of debt and to regain control of their financial lives. She knows that people can dig themselves out from under massive debt because she has done it herself. She also knows from personal experience about the self-discipline and many sacrifices that are required.

Most reviewers agree that this book is easy to read and understand. The author displays the ability to explain money management concepts in clear, understandable language. Rather than feeling confused and intimidated by the author’s ideas and suggestions, readers are more likely to feel like, “Hey, I get it. I can do this!” Her Rapid Debt Repayment Plan, for example, is easy to understand, has been proven to work, and can really help people who are struggling to overcome a heavy debt load.

Not only will this book give you a clear, workable plan for getting yourself out of debt, it will also show you how to stay out of debt in the future. The author encourages readers to change their mental mindsets about spending and debt. Otherwise, you are likely to end up in debt trouble again. This book can change the way that you think about money and about debt, and that, in turn, can change your life.

Debt-Proof Living presents a wealth of very good information. In the first half of the book, she addresses topics like the philosophy of debt-proof living, recognizing debt danger signals, good money management, how to repay debts more quickly, the importance of having an emergency fund, and how to change your attitude toward money and debt. In the second half of the book she addresses a variety of other financial issues, including buying or leasing a car, paying for college, mortgages, home equity loans, various types of insurance, investing, and retirement. In fact, there is so much information in this book that some readers report finding it somewhat overwhelming. However, there is no reason why you have to try to read, digest, and use everything all at once. What you can do is take what you need most from the book right away, and then go back to some of the other chapters later on when that information might be more relevant.

Other criticisms of the book are that some of what Ms. Hunt proposes could become a little complicated in actual practice. Also, a few of her record keeping suggestions, though excellent, may become tedious and more than some people will be willing to do. These criticisms may be true, but I think most people will be able to make commonsense adjustments to the author’s suggestions to make them more amenable to their own individual preferences without significantly diminishing the effectiveness of the techniques. Additionally, some of her suggestions, such as giving up your use of credit cards, will be difficult for some people to swallow, but the reality is that, in order to get out of debt, you must be willing to make some sacrifices. Finally, it should also be noted that the author’s Christian perspective may not sit well with some readers, even though it doesn’t actually diminish the power or the usefulness of the author’s methods in any way.

In conclusion, Mary Hunt’s Debt Proof Living is highly recommended if you are looking for a good book on debt management. You may be able to get your hands on a copy of this book at your local library. Or, if you prefer, you can purchase a new or used copy for under twenty bucks.

Copyright © 2010 Art Garmon, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.