Debt-Proof Living
By Mary Hunt, $14.99
Broadman & Holman
©Money Magic, Inc. 2/19/00
Saturday Daybreak KATV, Chn. 7
Mary Ann Campbell, CFP

The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free

Mary Hunt racked up $100,000 in unsecured debt, most of it on credit cards, and then spent almost 13 years paying it back. Today, she's an opponent of the industry -- an advocate of truth in lending, or more appropriately, truth in repayment.

In Debt-Proof Living, Mary shares how to win over debt for a lifetime by:

• Spending less than you earn

• Saving, giving and investing confidently and consistently

• Making purposeful financial decisions

• Turning away from impulsive spending habits and behavior

• Borrowing cautiously

• Anticipating the unexpected

• Scrutinizing purchases

• Developing a specific plan to reach your goals

Mary boasts the title of "America's Favorite Cheapskate," lovingly bestowed on her by readers who know there's no greater freedom than being debt-free. Here are her reflections on:

Money:
The problem is not that we don't have enough of it. The problem is we don't know how to manage it. There are only five things you can do with money: give it, save it, invest it, lend and spend it. Spending should never be the first thing you do with your money. If we short-circuit the system by spending first, we create fiscal disorder and financial chaos.

Stupid Debt:
Turning restaurant meals, travel, groceries and utility bills, movie tickets, vacation, gifts, gasoline, etc., into debt and then choosing to pay for them with minimum monthly payments over many years and at rates that are effectively double the original costs. Spending money you don't have yet to pay for things you don't have anymore is anything but intelligent.

Broadman & Holman is sponsoring "Mary Hunt's Pay-Off Your Debt Sweepstakes." Entry ballots are available at participating retailers or write to B&H at 127 Ninth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37234. First prizewinner will receive a check a check for $3000.00, and autographed copy of Mary's latest book and a subscription to Cheapstake Monthly! Ten second prizewinners will receive an assortment of Mary Hunt's books and her newsletter. Twenty-five third place winners will receive a copy of Debt-Proof Living.