Excerpt from the Foreword:
Why did we publish What Every High Schooler Should Know about Credit and Finance? Because, the reality is that many of the areas covered in this book are simply not taught to young people.

Thus many people, including adults, don’t know the important and, in some cases, hidden and nearly secret information about the way financial things really work in American society.

For those preparing for responsible positions in society and otherwise venturing out into the world, this knowledge can make the difference between sweet success on one hand and a lot of heartache on the other.

We spend a significant part of this book dealing with credit related subjects. We also talk about some of the common contracts that we face when we move out of our parents homes, such as leasing an apartment, getting a cell phone contract and even buying a home.

What Every High Schooler Should Know about Credit and Finance also focuses on how to get out of trouble if you find yourself facing an uncertain financial future. But the main point of the book is to help keep you out of trouble in the first place.

Many parents know very well what they have had to go through to get to where they are. Many probably would admit they would be better off if they had known what you are about to find out in this book.

Excerpt from the Foreword:

The reality is that many lifelong Americans don’t know how to make and save money in America. Seems strange and yet we all recognize that the forces that seem to prevent us from making and saving have gotten stronger. We have more people working (husbands
AND wives), but the family seems to be no better off.

In fact, the opposite seems true, as compared to life in the 1950’s when Pop worked and Mom was able to devote herself to her offspring with her whole heart. Like it or not, things have gotten tougher in America and it appears for all intents and purposes to be getting worse.

Clearly, our standards of living are lower than those experienced by our parents. This is certainly and especially true if you are accustomed to a middle class lifestyle. The middle class, as a group, is stressed out.

Someone might argue, but aren’t our wages higher than they were back in the ‘50’s? Yes, but not if you consider inflation. Since you picked up a copy of this book, it should be safe for me to assume you are not happy with the status quo. You are not satisfied with your current situation and are looking for answers.

Why has this erosion of our standard of living occurred? Outsourcing to Asia is one reason given for the whittling away of our standard of living, at least for Middle America.

And the extremely wealthy appear to be insulated from the effects of outsourcing. The Federal Reserve System is another often given reason, and I agree, as inflation is a “hidden” tax. Surely, there are other reasons, but I am not looking for someone to blame, ultimately I am just trying to provide some help for you.

How to Fix the Hardest Credit Problems doesn't cut straight to the chase to teach you how to solve those problems. Why? Because, if some fundamental credit related issues are not understood, you might be able to fix a couple difficult problems, but then you'll be right back where you started. Therefore, How to Fix the Hardest Credit Problems also goes over fundamental issues about how credit works and how you can make better choices to keep from destroying your credit.

America, America is not going to tell you how to fix or repair your credit overnight. In fact, America, America is primarily focused on teaching you how things work in America. That way, you can focus on handling your finances/credit in such a way to avoid problems.

What topics are covered? Credit Cards. Checking Accounts. Cell Phone Contracts. Apartment/Home Rental/Leasing Contracts. Insurance. Debt. Credit History. The Law and Auto Insurance. Buying a Home.

Because of the financial mess the author himself got in, he ends with a chapter that can help you dig out of the deepest of credit holes.

The final chapter of America, America is power packed and can give you leverage over nasty or abusive collection agencies and finally once again get back on top of your credit and finances.

There is hope for your credit situation. Get your copy of America, America and you'll learn what you need to know, change any mistaken understanding about credit in America and see specifically what you need to do.