Get Out of Debt Now: The Easy Way

by Allen Carr

Allen Carr's Get Out of Debt Now applies Allen Carr's Easyway method to the problem of debt and the addiction to spending. It starts by addressing the various psychological attitudes to money and spending that lead to debt.

By unravelling the brainwashing instilled by the banking and credit industries, it adjusts our mindset to show what really gives us pleasure in life. It also helps us see the futility in spending money we don't have on things that don't make us happy.

The message throughout is that it is easy to get out of debt if you follow the instructions. Having dealt with the mindset, it moves on to practical methods for removing the problem, measuring your spending and income, making a plan to balance the books, reducing your spending, paying off your debts and increasing your income.

Genres: Self Help, Finance

232 pages, ebook

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

Allen Carr was a British author and the founder of the global Allen Carr’s Easyway method, renowned for helping millions overcome smoking and other addictions. Born in Putney, London in 1934, Carr began smoking at 18 during National Service and struggled with the habit for over three decades. A qualified accountant, he finally quit in 1983 following a revelatory visit to a hypnotherapist. The experience didn’t directly cause him to quit, but it led to two key insights: that smoking was simply a form of nicotine addiction, and that withdrawal symptoms were minor and psychological in nature. These revelations inspired Carr to develop a revolutionary approach to quitting, one that did not rely on willpower, scare tactics, or substitution therapies.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.

Reviews

[Natascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to think about this book. I really liked the psychological aspect that was mentioned mostly until the middle of the book. It gave you a way of looking at the subject from another point of view. And it that respect, the words can really open your eyes... But in my case they already were! As to the solution, I am not convinced! Perhaps, because I am not really indebted, but I will try his financial plan and we'll see... The thing is, I already have a monthly financial plan, which I keep up to date daily, and it never helped me not to junk-spend (as he calls it). I know very well how much money I have and what I can "afford" to spend. So, again, not very convincing, ... I already knew that I have a problem, and I do understand the psychological reasons for it, but when I want something, nothing is going to stop me! It is that "need" and "urge" to buy things that I do not really need which I would like to get rid off, but I do not see how this book will help me with that!

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love everything the Easy Way...

[Tanya Hakala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guess what? You are an addict! What Allen Carr doesn’t tell you is that his highly revolutionary system sounds just like Debtor’s Anonymous. He may have come up with it all by himself. I’m not saying he cribbed it and made a giant cheerleading book for the program. I’m just saying that if you are struggling with compulsive spending and debating, find your local chapter of Debtor’s Anonymous and start attending meetings. If there isn’t a local chapter near you, there are phone meetings and online meetings.

[Targo Holsting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept it simple and clear. Could have been shorter.