Debt Free or Die Trying: How I Buried Myself in Over $30,000 in Debt and Dug My Way Out by Marcus Garrett
Summary: Debt Free or Die Trying is the story of how and why I lived check-to-check and often paid credit cards with other credit cards. If the lifestyle I’ve described sounds like how you’re living now, have lived in the past or want to avoid living in the future this book will help you or that friend you know that is living the lifestyle of the fast and the financially frivolous relate to my story and develop a sustainable plan based on proven tools of success that allowed me to become debt free.
A Novice Perspective
I have never read any book from a financial guru, so my naivety may shine through while discussing Debt Free or Die Trying. However, I think this book is great for people like me who are new to reading finance books. I don’t want to be hit over the head with personal finance jargon that is way over my head. Also, I don’t want to be lectured to death on what I need to do with my money. What worked for the author may not work for me. Personal finance books seem to be heavy with lectures and scare tactics.
Short and Sweet
One of the best things about Debt Free or Die Trying is it’s less than 100 pages. You can easily finish it within a day, which I did. You could probably read it multiple times in a day to make sure the wealth of information in Debt Free or Die Trying really sinks into your brain. This book is definitely in the re-read category for me. It will be a valuable resource as I continue my personal finance journey toward living the good (financial freedom) life.
Teach Don’t Preach
Another great aspect of Debt Free or Die Trying is Garrett writes like he is talking to a friend. He doesn’t talk down to the reader. Better yet, Garrett doesn’t make us feel bad or stupid for getting into the debt life. Telling his own debt story helped me see the similarities in my life that contributed to me being buried in debt. Now, I felt less alone about my financial situation.
Even the debt payment plan presented towards the end of the book is loaded with options for the reader based on the amount of disposable income they’re putting toward debt. Garrett provides different payment options along with the options he used during his debt-free journey. However, he leaves the final decision for the reader to make based on their situation.
Overall Opinion
Debt Free or Die Trying is a good reference for someone who is new to seriously paying off debt. You will immediately learn how easy it is to get into debt. You will also learn how it’s possible to dig your way out with a plan and dedication to the plan. Debt Free or Die Trying is entertaining. It also has useful nuggets of information that can benefit the reader no matter their age or debt level. Rating: Page Turner