Suze Orman's new book: A waste or a must read?
Suze Orman has always been a favorite of mine. I love her enthusiasm and ability to give financial advice at a practical level and in simple terms. However, her advice doesn’t hold my attention much anymore. I guess I have developed a need to understand the financial world at more complex levels. But from time to time, I catch myself watching her show, especially when she decides whether or not someone can afford something. It’s more entertainment and voyeurism than education.
While on the Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday, Orman promoted her new book, 2009 Action Plan, a free PDF that anyone can download. I hadn’t planned on checking it out until my father, a self-proclaimed credit guru, sent me the PDF today. I immediately skimmed the pocket-sized financial vade mecum, but focused on the section that gives advice on credit. I found some good solid information, but was hoping for more.
She opens the chapter on credit stating, “The banking industry is running scared.” She continues saying, “Your FICO score may drop--not because you changed your financial behavior, but because the credit card companies changed the rules on you.” That was music to my ears, especially since the title of this much needed blog is New Credit Rules: New Rules for a New Economy. Overall, this book will help educate millions of consumers on sound financial habits and some of the new tactics of terrified banks.
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Greetings! I’m Kevin D. Johnson, a small business owner who has recently assumed the role of consumer advocate and internet activist. Atlanta, Georgia is my home.
Upon returning from my wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica last October, I received what I thought was an ordinary American Express bill, but to my surprise it was a disappointing letter informing me that my credit line was reduced by about 65% for a highly suspicious and discriminatory reason. Considering my excellent credit score and pristine payment history, it just didn’t make sense. However, what does make sense are the unfair and insidious policies that I have uncovered when asking why. It is time to change them.
I created this web site to document and share my challenging journey to change what is wrong, unfair, and unjust in the credit card industry. The ultimate goal of this web site is to inform consumers of ways to stand up for themselves against treacherous business practices and to educate consumers about how to improve their credit. Finally, I hope to encourage a more open dialogue with credit card companies about their policies–good and bad.
