I don’t know which is harder, losing weight or getting out of debt, but most of us do better with the help of others. Debt is often a private matter, and a bit uncomfortable to discuss with just anyone. Working confidentially with a professional could be the missing piece to help put your financial picture back together.

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1. How to Pay Off Student Loans While Building Wealth (2007-05-07)
   The average college student graduates with almost $20,000 in student loans. But, some students may be better off not taking their parents' advice on how to get out of debt. Unlike most types of debt, student loans are usually best when paid as slowly as possible.
   
   
2. Subprime Lending (2008-05-05)
   The subprime mortgage meltdown has cost the world 15% of its market capitalization, about $9 trillion. The primary culprit who caused all of this financial loss, pain and suffering is not the mortgage companies. Neither is it the overextended borrowers. It is our own federal regulations interfering with the free market.
   
   
3. Invest in Women (2008-01-21)
   Those countries with the greatest economic freedom and the highest level of gender equality also tend to exhibit superior performance in the stock market.
   
   
4. Seven Financial Rules for Marital Bliss (2006-06-12)
   An overwhelming number of failed marriages cite financial troubles as a major factor in their breakup. This is no surprise because the way we use our time and money reflects our values. Without a strong set of shared values, marriages drift apart. But, dealing with finances together can bring a couple closer. Here are seven principles of how you can build wealth and your marriage.
   
   
5. University Students: Getting Sucked Dry by Credit Cards (2007-09-03)
   Last week we listed the ways university student are enticed into using credit cards. This week we will examine the economical impact of those initially small and convenient monthly payments.
   
   
6. Bankruptcy Is Sometimes the Best Option (2007-06-25)
   Most people want to honor their debt. But many families have allowed their debt to spiral out of control, and they feel helpless, ashamed, and at a loss to know what to do. While bankruptcy isn't anyone's first choice, sometimes it is an important choice to consider.
   
   
7. University Students: Getting Suckered in with Credit Cards (2007-08-27)
   Every University student knows they should have a credit card. You have to have a second form of ID on many financial transactions. You have to have one to establish good credit. And, the more you use them, the more you will accrue bonus points toward cash, mileage credits and various "free gifts". P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute." But it doesn't have to be you.
   
   
8. Reverse Mortgages Are A Last Resort (2006-08-21)
   A reverse mortgage should be considered only as a last resort. With early retirement planning, such ‘last resort’ options can be easily avoided.
   
   
9. Eight Steps to Fix Your Broken Credit (2006-01-23)
   Debt problems destroy your credit history and isolate you from a host of economic privileges and opportunities. If your credit report was a wake up call to get out of debt, you may be wondering what to do next. The first step to stop the hemorrhaging is simply to not borrow another penny until you are completely out of debt. The rest of this article will only benefit those in debt willing to make this commitment.
   
   
10. Personal Debt - The Borrower Becomes The Lender’s Slave (2004-12-27)
    They say that as long as Americans keep spending, the economy will be strong and unemployment will remain low. "Spend now and pay later" is poor personal policy.
    
    
11. How to get out of debt (Part 1) (2003-11-03)
    Triage
    
    
12. Sifting Through Your Own Credit Dirt (2006-01-09)
    Credit bureaus track your financial moves closely. They are in business to find the financial dirt many living on the edge of credit worthiness would rather keep buried. Better credit has a financial value and companies are not likely to take your word for it. But since mistakes are made, you have a stake in reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies or strange activities that could mean you have been the victim of identity theft.
    
    
13. Learn What Credit Stalkers Know About You (2006-01-02)
    With Christmas come and gone, you may be dreading the sight of credit card bills. Regardless of your credit card debt, the new year is a good time to check your credit history. What you don’t know about your own credit history may kill your opportunities for future borrowing.
    
    
14. ARM Yourself for Mortgage Rate Increases (2006-07-31)
    The party is over for home owners with adjustable rate mortgages (ARMS). Lured by tantalizing rates as low as 3.5 percent in the early 2000s, home buyers jumped at the chance to buy bigger and better. However, in today’s environment, borrowers may not be prepared for their inevitable rate adjustment. The bad news is rates are being readjusted in one direction: up.
    
    
15. Using a mortgage wisely (2003-12-15)
    While most debt is bad, a home mortgage can be used to your advantage if you follow all seven of these rules when financing or refinancing your home.
    
    
16. How to get out of debt (Part 3) (2003-11-17)
    Stop the bleeding
    
    
17. Don't eat yourself out of financial security (2003-10-27)
    The worst financial problems stem from trying to live a champagne and caviar lifestyle on a beer and chips budget.
    
    
18. Wealth is what you save, not what you spend (2004-02-02)
    Many people mistakenly believe that their financial well-being is outside of their control. It isn't. Repair, make do or do without! Your financial future is made is every day's decisions to spend money or save and invest.
    
    
19. How to get out of debt (Part 2) (2003-11-10)
    Stop the worst bleeding
    
    
20. How to get out of debt (Part 5) (2003-12-01)
    Reconstructive surgery
    
    
21. How to get out of debt (Part 4) (2003-11-24)
    Emergency medicine
    
    

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