Most people will carry debt for much of their lives…that's just reality. But most books on debt focus mainly on how to pay it all off, and live forever without it. Too often, following that advice leads only to failure. People either give up or pay off the wrong kinds of debt. They strand themselves with too little flexibility to survive a financial crisis and land in bankruptcy court. They neglect saving for retirement, homes, or college, and end up poorer than they should have been.

For most people, it's more realistic—and smarter— to manage debt effectively, rather than eliminate it completely. In Deal with Your Debt, award-winning personal finance columnist Liz Weston shows you how. Weston explodes the myths surrounding debt and reveals which debts can actually contribute to your wealth and flexibility. At the same time, she identifies your truly “toxic” debts, helping you pay those off as rapidly as possible.

Deal with Your Debt offers realistic (and often surprising) guidance on everything from home equity loans and 401K borrowing to small business loans. Follow Weston's guidance and you can make debt work for you, not against you!

Debt free…is it really the way to be? Not always, and here's why

Build your personal three-step debt management plan
Know what you owe, how it fits into your overall portfolio, and what to do next

Questions to ask before you tap your home equity
Avoid the hidden pitfalls of home equity borrowing

The truth about student loans, car loans, and retirement loans
Know the small print, and save thousands

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In the past five years, a simple three-digit number has become critical to your financial life.

This number, known as a credit score, is designed to predict the possibility that you won't pay your bills. Credit scores are a handy tool for lenders, but can have enormous repercussions for your wallet, your future and your peace of mind.

That would be scary enough if we were just talking about loans. But your credit score affects far more than that. Insurance companies, landlords and even employers use credit to evaluate applicants. A good score can win you cheaper premiums, better apartments and improved job prospects; a bad score can cost you all three.

In Your Credit Score, MSN/L.A. Times personal finance journalist Liz Weston comes to the rescue with specific, up-to-date answers you can trust. Weston explains how to bounce back from bad credit or bankruptcy—and tells you exactly how credit counseling, debt negotiation, and other credit “solutions” can affect your score. Along the way, Weston exposes the myths about credit scoring that can cost you real money if you fall for them.

Your Credit Score gives you what you need most: an action plan for building your credit, fixing it, and maintaining it—starting today!

How many credit cards should you have...
...and what should you know about carrying balances?

Which credit inquiries hurt your score?
...and which don't?

Will closing accounts really help your credit score?
You may be surprised at the answer.

How credit counseling does—and doesn't—affect your score
Crucial new information, straight from the source.

The fastest way to improve your credit score
Who can actually help-and who'll rip you off?

What you should do before you apply for a mortgage
An action plan that could save you thousands of dollars.

» Buy It Now at Amazon.com