"This text is a valuable new resource that we recommend for all of our professionals and are proud to incorporate as part of our AFC® certification program. With expertise representing the breadth and depth of the financial counseling profession, the content in this text provides you with a rigorous foundation of knowledge, considers critical theoretical models, and explores foundational skills of communication, self-awareness, and bias. This type of comprehensive approach aligns with our mission and vision—providing you with the foundational knowledge to meet clients where they are across the financial life-cycle and impact long-term financial capability." -Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director, AFCPE® (Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education®) This timely volume presents a comprehensive overview of financial counseling skills in accessible, practical detail for readers throughout the career span. Expert financial counselors, educators, and researchers refer to classic and current theories for up-to-date instruction on building long-term client competence, working with clients of diverse backgrounds, addressing problem financial behavior, and approaching sensitive topics. From these core components, readers have a choice of integrated frameworks for guiding clients in critical areas of financial decision-making. This essential work: · Offers an introduction to financial counseling as a practice and profession · Discusses the challenges of working in financial counseling · Explores the elements of the client/counselor relationship · Compares delivery systems and practice models · Features effective tools and resources used in financial counseling · Encourages counselor ethics, preparedness, and self-awareness A standout in professional development references, Financial Counseling equips students and new professionals to better understand this demanding field, and offers seasoned veterans a robust refresher course in current best practices.

In response to growing interest in household finance, this collection of essays with a foreword by John Y. Campbell, studies household and consumer use of credit instruments. It shows how individual consumers and households utilize various credit alternatives in managing their consumption and savings and suggests areas for future research.

Debt is like cholesterol: some kinds are good and some are bad. So says this lighthearted guide to the pros and cons of different types of debt.

Strategies and tools to live debt free The world of borrowing and debt management has changed dramatically, leaving people confused about how best to secure their financial future. This book is the only guide with detailed advice to help you become debt free or master the debt you have, based on the latest laws and new government programs and policies implemented under the Obama administration. Is the information and advice on debt management different than in years past? Definitely. In this savvy, engaging guide, bestselling financial expert Jordan Goodman will tell you how to Win the mortgage game: avoid foreclosure, obtain the best refi, and modify your mortgage even if it is "under water" Clean up your credit report and dramatically boost your credit score Negotiate new terms and payments for burdensome medical bills, student loans, and credit cards Protect yourself from the devastation of identity theft Master the new credit card rules, and avoid the rate and fee traps Learn a revolutionary strategy that will help you become mortgage free in 5 to 7 years, change the way you pay all your bills, and save hundreds of thousands of dollars Master Your Debt recommends many pioneering strategies as it lays out an innovative plan for achieving the elusive goal of financial success. The book is filled with helpful web sites, toll free numbers, associations and government agencies, and vetted companies and services to help you implement this advice. In today's volatile economy, getting out of debt is the key to surviving and thriving, and author Jordan Goodman provides you with the strategies and tools to live debt free.