The Debt-Free Spending Plan: An Amazingly Simple Way to Take Control of Your Finances Once and for All

Drawing on personal experience with debt, Nagler offers practical strategies for people who find their debts troubling or overwhelming, but who continue to buy on credit. Her “foolproof tools” are designed for those trying to take control of their money and lives, without donning a hair shirt of penurious sacrifice. Commonsensical rules such as drawing up lists of monthly bills and daily needs yield to surprises such as: “Don’t skip the Entertainment category in your Daily Needs list.” Nagler persuasively hammers home the larger objective of these exercises: “What do we love? That’s where our extra cash should be going.” The first step to financial independence is the simple principle of not spending money we don’t have. Total spending must be constrained, but the elements must also be in proportion and money must be allocated for flat tires, doctor visits, and other inevitable setbacks. Those concerned with tackling debt in the immediate present would do well to work toward Nagler’s goals. Agent: Herb Schaffner, Schaffner Media Partners. (Oct.)