I am a bill collector. What a lot of people forget is that what we do is our job. We do not come to your office and cuss you out because you wanted an 8:00 meeting. Under the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) we are legally allowed to call from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm your local time.

Hi Scott, I recently heard you on NPR radio 90.9 FM WBUR from Boston. I was interested in how you borrowed from your credit card at a low interest rate and then invested it in a CD and earned about $1800. Which of your books covers that interesting topic? I'd like to know more! Thanks, Leo

Scott, I'm so lost! I'm about to obtain my first credit card, and I do not know where to start or even how many to take out. What deal is the best? Do I look at the APR or the nice rewards they have? I'm just trying to establish a good credit history, because I am aware that you need one if you want to eventually buy a house/car. Thanks so much for your help. Meri

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There is always much advice as to how to handle your debt. As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to each strategy. Picking the right path depends on your personal situation and of course, careful consideration of the costs. My feeling is that the best choice is the smartest financial choice. That means the least expensive strategy. That said, let's take a look at a few approaches to dealing with debt.

Heidi wrote to me about her problems with a bank that was charging her a ridiculous interest rate of 33%. She had called the bank and was not able to do anything. I suggested that she transfer her balance and she called back and threatened them with calling the Better Business Bureau.

My question is: Is this a charge that I might successfully have waived? Or, shall I resign myself to paying? If it is fightable, any tips on what I might say to them?

This article is aimed at Capital One because I have a great inside source who has been working as a customer representative for a while now. He recently sent me an email outlining many tactics that Capital One is using when you call in. However, this has come to the forefront because many banks have been closing accounts and reducing credit limits of even their best customers. I've had maybe a dozen accounts closed so far myself, including a Capital One account.

The pressure from all this is really dragging him down, and he keeps plugging away at his new job (he's been there almost a year now, and he's well-loved there) but really does feel as though he's just treading water, not really advancing. Plus he literally has no "spending money" beyond the basics, which also wears on him.

I want everyone reading my books and articles to save money. I want you to save money. I want you to make more money! That’s what it’s all about. Being in control of your finances. Being in control of the banks. Creating your own financial destiny. That’s what being DebtSmart is all about. The term may literally mean being smart with your debt, but being smart with all your financial decisions is how to be smart with your debt.