Credit/Debt Recovery

Who are "they" exactly?

Going in an opposite direction from my last couple of posts, I notice Kevin Trudeau of "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You To Know About" is now selling "Debt Cures 'They' Don't Want You To Know About."

If his debt book is anything like his 'medical' advice, I'd avoid it. But this is not a review. Once again, I'm interested in the style of the presentation.

Trudeau isn't saying "you're stupid!" and accusing you of paying an "idiot tax." He's doing something that might be a bit more insidious. If "They" don't want you to know how to get out of debt, then "They" must be responsible for it. It's not your fault! 

I don't think this is a healthy approach to debt relief. If you borrowed money, it is your responsibility to repay it. I know creditors are EVIL and engage in deceitful practices; I know creditors have rigged the system to keep you in debt forever. It's good to know that before getting involved with them, but it doesn't make it their fault if you get in over your head. 

Whatever the quality of Trudeau's advice, he's a master salesman. Rather than treat you like a dummy with no one to blame but yourself, you're the victim. "They" are the villain, and Trudeau's the hero who has come to help you. 

I doubt very much he'll help you do more than shed $20 that could be better spent elsewhere, but I expect he will sell many, many copies of his book.

So what's the takeaway from all this? I don't like it when debt advice writers call you stupid, and I don't like it when they absolve you of all personal responsibility. The truth is, you have to take responsibility for your own actions, but finding yourself in too much debt doesn't make you an idiot no matter what anyone says. 

Ultimately, what matters is the quality of the advice you get; I don't see how recriminations of any kind are helpful. 

People Are Idiots and Larry Winget Can Prove It

In fairness to Larry Winget, I want to clarify that my last post was not intended to be a review of his latest book, "People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It!" I was commenting on the style of discourse in our field. I still say I don't like that title, even though Larry assures us it's his most positive book yet. 

I could go on and prolong this debate-in fact I'd like to, because I think there are important points to be made about the style and presentation that don't have anything to do with the content of the book itself. But I don't want to do that right now because I don't want anyone to think I'm judging the book by it's cover. I know what it's like to have someone review my work when they obviously haven't read it. I'm not going to do that. 

If you're interested, take some time to read about the book at Larry's site, and check out his blog while you're there. Get the full story and decide if you want to read it. 

Larry Winget goes over to the dark side

I reviewed Larry Winget's last book here on the blog, and liked it. It was a short, simple motivational book that contained some straight talk. 

As of December 30th, Larry's newest book is out, and I'm not going to bother reading it. With a title like "People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It!", why would I want to?

This is the trend in financial books that I missed completely (much to my detriment as an author). Since when did readers get so masochistic? Why does everyone want to pay Larry Winget and Dave Ramsey to call them "stupid" and "idiots"? This isn't the playful "complete idiots guide to..." or "...for dummies" style of discourse, either. It's abusive.

I'm afraid I don't really have that in me. I have too much empathy for people who are suffering from financial setbacks to pile on and call them stupid. And I don't really have the ego it takes to declare that I know what makes everyone else an idiot. And unlike many other financial authors, I've never personally declared bankruptcy. Maybe that experience leaves you with a mean streak. 

What I know is this; it is possible to fight your way back from what seems like insurmountable debt. I've seen thousands of people do it. I've done what I can to help by offering encouragement, advice and education. I've talked to people who were contemplating suicide because they never thought they'd be able to knock out their debt. I managed to convince them that there was hope, that others had been in their situation and prevailed. I can't imagine how I could have mustered the nerve to call them idiots.