Hi,

Thank you all for filling out the survey in the text version of the email newsletter last week! Your responses will help me get the email newsletter to you as promptly as possible!

If the email newsletter is showing up in your SPAM or BULK mail file, then set your email filters to allow all email from "debtsmart.com" to go through to your inbox. (You may have noticed that this email newsletter does not contain pictures. That's because this format is a test to see if deliverability is improved without images. Also, the font has been changed back to "default.")

Anyway, on to some more issues...

Here's a really funny Saturday Night Live skit with Steve Martin! It is now at MySpace. It's the real solution to debt reduction. Watch it here.

Speaking of debt reduction solutions, here is another company that may be able to assist you in doing just that. Of course, like any credit option, you must research thoroughly. Check out what their deal is, and compare it to your other options. More about WipeOutDebt here.

Now this is neat. You know that I'm always talking about using credit cards to purchase cars--only if it's your BEST credit option of course. If you have great credit, you can get a low rate. But what if you have bad or even average credit? Enter FundingWay, a company that will match a dealer to your credit specifications. They can do this no matter your credit history, good or bad--even subprime. As always, compare all your options before going with any financing! Pick the least expensive loan--lowest rates, best terms, etc.

Lastly, did you hear this one--Citibank says they're going to be dropping Universal Default. That's when your rates are raised if your credit score drops. Please! I'll believe it when I see it. I'm sure they will simply find another reason to increase the APR. What is for sure is that they have eliminated the ceiling for cash advance fees. I've been receiving Change of Terms notices that make the cash advance fee 3% of the amount transferred. Here's the bottom line, they are going to get the money some other way. However, use this news to your advantage anyway. If you have to call them to negotiate a lower rate because they raised your rate, remind them that they eliminated Universal Default increase so they MUST lower your rate. It's worth a try.

Best,
Scott

Dear Scott,

I can relate to Nancy's feelings that debt is deadly! I do not know what to do or where to turn. I only know that debt has ruined my self-esteem and caused my family great hardship.

I come from a very dysfunctional family (my mother is schizophrenic, my father alcoholic). The only thing I was ever taught about finances is (1) there is never enough and (2) no one in the family can handle money. If my mother did not have a case-manager that handled her finances, she would have nothing. I am going down the same path, and it scares me to death.

You see, Scott, my husband makes $75,000 a year, and I have managed to keep us so far in debt we cannot even refinance our home (we did that twice hoping I would learn how to responsibly handle a credit card). The worse part about it is I have nothing to show for the thousands of dollars of debt.

Currently, we are two truck payments behind and two mortgage payments. My husband suffered a back injury and is currently looking at surgery. He has no feeling in his leg. Although he is somehow managing to work 30 hours a week, it tears me apart knowing that he has to keep going because of my irresponsibility.

If one is an alcoholic there are so many places to turn for help. If there were a hospital for debtors I would check myself in immediately. I tried going to Spenders and Debtors support groups. However, I was very discouraged by the fact that many people who were there had multiple addictions (mainly drug and alcohol). It didn't seem like an environment that would benefit me. Please help!

Sincerely,
Michelle

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"I just recently started receiving your newsletter, and it has already made an impact on my life. I owe about $6,000 between Discover and Visa card, I was getting nowhere even paying extra. After your newsletter came, I went right down to the credit union and transferred my balances and got MUCH lower rates on my credit card. Duh! Don't know why I didn't realize I could do this before. Thanks."

Bobbie

Read about special offer for all three of Scott Bilker's best-selling books

Have you ever wondered what companies send you when they claim you can erase your bad credit overnight? How about those ads that say you can get any major credit card 100% Guaranteed regardless of your credit?

Ads abound almost everywhere (online and off) selling books, systems and secrets to help you fix your credit in a hurry. Many of these programs have claims, which read like the covers of supermarket tabloids "In 3 hours my credit score jumped from 580 to 676!"..."Erase bad credit and smash your debts with just 2 Magic Letters!"..."Create a completely new credit file in 24 hours!" Are these types of claims ALWAYS too good to be true? The answer is "Yes and...no."

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Summer is here, and you've got the pool going. After reviewing your records from last year, you figure that it cost $25 per week for chemicals, $80 per month for electricity, and $70 in replacement parts to operate the pool for the entire season. The swimming season lasts about 100 days. The good news is that the pool gets plenty of use, mostly from your three children, but now there's another option. A swimming club has just opened right around the corner and the cost is $50 per month per person. Considering the known costs, is it less expensive to sign the kids up for the swimming club or use the pool?

Answer this problem

Stop Debt Collectors Cold! Plus, for a limited time, 4 bonus reports:(1) How to Get Collection Accounts Off Your Credit Report; (2) How to Avoid Losing Your Home In A Foreclosure; (3) What to Do if You Are Behind on Your Car Payments; and (4) Confidential Interview With A Former Debt Collector

Read about stopping debt collectors

Those who keep a watchful eye on where their money is spent, have long conquered the kitchen woes. No last minute panic trips to the market. No longer needing the "give-the-kids-$20-for-fast-food" solution. This is no longer a problem or even a concern for the "Kitchen Master."

You too can be a 'Master Of Your Kitchen'. All it takes is a little time and planning!

Now you might be saying "I don't have time to plan meals, let alone control my kitchen!" That's fine. Wait until you do have some time.

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More credit, more options!

Credit options are your weapon against the banks! The key to success is using your credit lines to save money--not to go crazy spending!

See the ALL recommended cards

The Credit Secrets Bible contains more step-by-step, easy-to-learn, easy-to-use insider consumer credit secrets than any other home study course on the market. In fact, the information in the Credit Secrets Bible is so powerful, we have to disclose to you upfront that it is sold for informational purposes only.

If you don't already know, I'll be the first to tell you... banks, finance companies, bill collectors and credit card companies are some of the BIGGEST crooks in the world. If you don't know the secrets contained in the Credit Secrets Bible, you will pay tens of thousands of hard-earned dollars in extra bills, interest and fees, etc. Your money will be wasted (down the drain) for no reason other than you don't own the Credit Secrets Bible home study course.

Banks and other institutions who take your money, ruin your credit or deny you the money you need are very powerful. They make a business out of hurting people like you to make more money for themselves. And, the more they hurt you financially, the more powerful they become. But they won't be able to hurt you anymore! With the Credit Secrets Bible, I'll show you how to stop them dead in their tracks!

Read more about The Credit Secrets Bible

The author(s), Press One Publishing, and DebtSmart.com shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly by the information contained in this email newsletter and/or at the DebtSmart.com web site. The information, methods and techniques described may not work for you and no recommendation is made to follow the same course of action. Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of all content contained herein. However, there may be mistakes; typographical, mathematical, or in content. This email newsletter and the DebtSmart.com web site have been created for your entertainment only. You must always seek the proper professional advice before taking any financial or legal action. You have been warned.

Copyright ©2007 Press One Publishing. All rights reserved. Please do not reprint, or host on your web site, without explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it to a business associate or a friend. Thank you.