What do you think?
Rate this book
Adams 101
Debt 101: From Interest Rates and Credit Scores to Student Loans and Debt Payoff Strategies, an Essential Primer on Managing Debt
Get out of debt and use credit wisely with this easy-to-understand, comprehensive guide to making your debt work for you.
The key to borrowing, managing, and paying off debt is understanding what it is, how it works and how it can affect your finances and your life. Debt 101 is the easy-to-follow guide to discovering how to pay off the debt you have plus learning how to use debt to your advantage.
Debt 101 allows you to take control of your money with strategies best suited for your personal financial situation—whether you are buying a home or paying off student loans. You will learn the ins and outs of borrowing in a simple, straightforward manner, managing student loans and credit card debt, improving your credit score, understanding interest rates, good debt vs. bad debt, and so much more. Finally, you can get ahead of the incoming bills and never let your debt intimidate you again!
The key to borrowing, managing, and paying off debt is understanding what it is, how it works and how it can affect your finances and your life. Debt 101 is the easy-to-follow guide to discovering how to pay off the debt you have plus learning how to use debt to your advantage.
Debt 101 allows you to take control of your money with strategies best suited for your personal financial situation—whether you are buying a home or paying off student loans. You will learn the ins and outs of borrowing in a simple, straightforward manner, managing student loans and credit card debt, improving your credit score, understanding interest rates, good debt vs. bad debt, and so much more. Finally, you can get ahead of the incoming bills and never let your debt intimidate you again!
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2020
213 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 5, 2020
Wow! I did not expect a book titled Debt 101 to be this interesting and educational. But was I wrong. The book thoroughly explores the concept of Debt objectively and subjectively. It takes about all kind of debts be it payday loans or bank loans or the most common student loans. The thoroughness with which each type of loan is covered is awesome. One comes out almost 90% knowledgeable after reading this book and will be able to evaluate their loan options better. I highly recommend this book to anyone going especially someone who lacks basic knowledge of loans and debt. I particularly liked the chapter on Student loans. I wish this book had come out when I was taking loans out for my medical school. I probably would have saved bunch of money and made educated decisions rather than financial representative at the school tell me where to sign.
Overall, I highly highly recommend this book especially to students.
Overall, I highly highly recommend this book especially to students.
February 1, 2020
So, what did we think of this new debt management book? Honestly, I was pretty amazed by the information available in this book. Unlike some other debt management books I have read in the past, it is extremely down to Earth, allowing just about anyone to learn this information without having a business degree. As well, it is very easy to jump around to find what advice works best for your current situations – be it if you are trying to understand how to build up your credit score or truly live a debt-free lifestyle. Personally, I could also see giving this book as a gift to new graduates at any level just because the information is so valuable. Overall, I think Debt 101: From Interest Rates and Credit Scores to Student Loans and Debt Payoff Strategies, an Essential Primer on Managing Debt, is one of the best debt management I have read to date.
July 26, 2020
Clear, concise, comprehensive. A great read for adults and for teens covering mortgages, credit cards, loans, investments. Good advice.
December 18, 2022
They meant it when they called it 101. Most of the things I’m aware of. I learnt some useful information however. What I learnt today:
1. If you take a 401k loan, some employers don’t allow you to contribute until you payoff the loan.
2. Tax benefits of Treasury and municipal bonds. I thought the lower interest rates were because of zero/low risk.
3. How to deal with medical debt during an emergency.
4. Difference between HEL/HELOC.
1. If you take a 401k loan, some employers don’t allow you to contribute until you payoff the loan.
2. Tax benefits of Treasury and municipal bonds. I thought the lower interest rates were because of zero/low risk.
3. How to deal with medical debt during an emergency.
4. Difference between HEL/HELOC.
August 14, 2020
This book is a clever examination of debt from the point of view of someone who does not appear to be pushing a particular financial product, but also appears to be highly concerned about the state of debt in the United States. This is a reasonable concern. The author writes in such a way as to comment and reflect upon the importance of having a strategy to manage debt that is able to differentiate between good debt and bad debt, and not to be either afraid or overwhelmed by debt, and to recognize that what is good debt in some circumstances can become bad debt when those circumstances change. This is important to remember, as debt often serves as leverage in both a positive and negative sense based on circumstances, while some debt (like payday loans) is always band frequently part of a death spiral into insolvency. As someone who is no stranger to debt, it is a subject that I ponder about and seek to master in the course of my own life, although not yet to my own personal satisfaction.
This book is almost 250 pages long and is divided into 9 chapters. The book begins with a discussion of how loans work (1), after which the author reflects on the right way to borrow money (2). There is an entire chapter, as makes sense, on student loans (3), before the author talks about credit cards and how to use them correctly (4). The author talks about mortgages, one of the classic examples of "good" credit, along with lengths and various types of mortgages (5) before discussing other types of debt that range from possibly good (business) to middling (car, medical) to disastrously bad (payday loans) (6). After that the author talks about paying off debt and when it is important to do so and how one can do it (7), after which the author talks about being debt-free while still borrowing (8) and ends with a discussion on how one can be on the other side of debt by being the bank whether one invests in debt, buys bonds, invests in an REIT, or engages in peer-to-peer or hard money lending (9), after which the book ends with an index.
It is striking to me that debt is a subject that is not explored as an important subject as people approach college. At the age of twelve, I received my first credit card application, which was not a moment of celebration from my reasonably concerned mother, and certainly it does not take long for many people to gain an experience with credit of various kinds in the face of borrowing money for college, buying a car, handling credit cards, and the like. And it must be freely admitted that while the information in this book is far from surprising--most of it is glaringly obvious to anyone who has thought anything about debt, the ability to do anything about it can be immensely limited. And regardless of how one wishes to assess blame on that count, it is the responsibility of all of us to deal with our financial situation as well as we are able, whether that means saving a bit for a rainy day, or looking at one's spending patterns or the conditions one is in that one may want to extricate oneself from. If the author does not believe in the elimination of all debt, there is certainly a great deal of wariness about debt and its ability to ensnare which is healthy to have.
This book is almost 250 pages long and is divided into 9 chapters. The book begins with a discussion of how loans work (1), after which the author reflects on the right way to borrow money (2). There is an entire chapter, as makes sense, on student loans (3), before the author talks about credit cards and how to use them correctly (4). The author talks about mortgages, one of the classic examples of "good" credit, along with lengths and various types of mortgages (5) before discussing other types of debt that range from possibly good (business) to middling (car, medical) to disastrously bad (payday loans) (6). After that the author talks about paying off debt and when it is important to do so and how one can do it (7), after which the author talks about being debt-free while still borrowing (8) and ends with a discussion on how one can be on the other side of debt by being the bank whether one invests in debt, buys bonds, invests in an REIT, or engages in peer-to-peer or hard money lending (9), after which the book ends with an index.
It is striking to me that debt is a subject that is not explored as an important subject as people approach college. At the age of twelve, I received my first credit card application, which was not a moment of celebration from my reasonably concerned mother, and certainly it does not take long for many people to gain an experience with credit of various kinds in the face of borrowing money for college, buying a car, handling credit cards, and the like. And it must be freely admitted that while the information in this book is far from surprising--most of it is glaringly obvious to anyone who has thought anything about debt, the ability to do anything about it can be immensely limited. And regardless of how one wishes to assess blame on that count, it is the responsibility of all of us to deal with our financial situation as well as we are able, whether that means saving a bit for a rainy day, or looking at one's spending patterns or the conditions one is in that one may want to extricate oneself from. If the author does not believe in the elimination of all debt, there is certainly a great deal of wariness about debt and its ability to ensnare which is healthy to have.
Read
May 5, 2020This is a great resource for helping to manage debt. It provides tons of information that is easy to understand. It is not necessary to read straight thru to find information. Instead, the author makes it easy for you to jump around to specific areas to find information that you are most interested in. And you don’t have to have a business degree to understand it. This would make a great gift for a teenager or a graduate, whether high school or college, to provide them with an overall understanding of what debt is and how to manage it. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
October 17, 2023
Highly recommend. Cagan has many of these “money 101” books and I plan to read them all. She takes a specific topic and makes it approachable and understandable.
In Debt 101, she does cover the things you’d expect - from mortgages to credit cards - but she also de stigmatizes the use of credit cards & shows how to use them to your advantage (to build credit, and earn points). She also discusses credit scores, the best places to get a car loan (spoiler: not at the dealer!), and how to invest in debt through things like bonds or Mortgage REITS.
Reading this book is the perfect first step in learning more about debt than is discussed in the media or casual conversation.
In Debt 101, she does cover the things you’d expect - from mortgages to credit cards - but she also de stigmatizes the use of credit cards & shows how to use them to your advantage (to build credit, and earn points). She also discusses credit scores, the best places to get a car loan (spoiler: not at the dealer!), and how to invest in debt through things like bonds or Mortgage REITS.
Reading this book is the perfect first step in learning more about debt than is discussed in the media or casual conversation.
June 15, 2025
Think book expanded my understanding of financials
This book can be transformative to your finances! This book broke down topics that many of us have not been properly educated on such as mortgage debt, student loan debt, credit card debt, and a variety of other topics. It gave insight into how to tackle this issues in a very practical but unique approach. It helped me come up with a strategy on tackling some debt and preparing for the next financial phase of my life. Would definitely recommend to someone who needs to understand a variety of financial topics on a very fundamental level.
This book can be transformative to your finances! This book broke down topics that many of us have not been properly educated on such as mortgage debt, student loan debt, credit card debt, and a variety of other topics. It gave insight into how to tackle this issues in a very practical but unique approach. It helped me come up with a strategy on tackling some debt and preparing for the next financial phase of my life. Would definitely recommend to someone who needs to understand a variety of financial topics on a very fundamental level.
July 12, 2025
ในฐานะคนที่มีหนี้ครับ ผมมองหาแนวทางจัดการที่ไม่ใช่แค่ลดรายจ่ายแบบเครียดๆ แต่เข้าใจภาพรวมของหนี้จริงๆ เล่มนี้ช่วยได้มากครับ มันอธิบายชัดเจนว่าหนี้แบบต่างๆ ทำงานยังไง ดอกเบี้ยคิดยังไง วิธีปลดหนี้มีแบบไหน และจะวางแผนการเงินให้ปลอดภัยในระยะยาวยังไง
แม้เนื้อหาบางส่วนอย่างระบบเครดิตหรือเงินกู้เพื่อการศึกษาจะไม่ตรงกับบริบทในไทยทั้งหมด แต่ "วิธีคิด" และ "หลักการ" ใช้ได้กับทุกคน โดยเฉพาะคนที่รู้สึกว่าหนี้เป็นเรื่องใหญ่เกินรับมือ หนังสือทำให้เรากล้าหันกลับมามองและค่อยๆ จัดการอย่างเป็นระบบ
แต่สุดท้าย ต่อให้เราเข้าใจกลไกของหนี้ดีแค่ไหน ถ้าเราไม่เปลี่ยนนิสัยการใช้จ่าย ไม่ปรับวิธีคิดเรื่องเงิน มันก็จะวนกลับมาเหมือนเดิม (ประสบการณ์ตรงครับ)
แม้เนื้อหาบางส่วนอย่างระบบเครดิตหรือเงินกู้เพื่อการศึกษาจะไม่ตรงกับบริบทในไทยทั้งหมด แต่ "วิธีคิด" และ "หลักการ" ใช้ได้กับทุกคน โดยเฉพาะคนที่รู้สึกว่าหนี้เป็นเรื่องใหญ่เกินรับมือ หนังสือทำให้เรากล้าหันกลับมามองและค่อยๆ จัดการอย่างเป็นระบบ
แต่สุดท้าย ต่อให้เราเข้าใจกลไกของหนี้ดีแค่ไหน ถ้าเราไม่เปลี่ยนนิสัยการใช้จ่าย ไม่ปรับวิธีคิดเรื่องเงิน มันก็จะวนกลับมาเหมือนเดิม (ประสบการณ์ตรงครับ)
February 21, 2024
Decent Read
The book was broad and unfocused, even for a 101 book. It bounced from debt to investing and on to lending and history.
The author is clearly knowledgeable and does, for the most part, a good job explaining seemingly complex things in simple turns.
A recommended read for anyone simple looking to gain knowledge.
Not recommended for anyone seeking actionable information.
The book was broad and unfocused, even for a 101 book. It bounced from debt to investing and on to lending and history.
The author is clearly knowledgeable and does, for the most part, a good job explaining seemingly complex things in simple turns.
A recommended read for anyone simple looking to gain knowledge.
Not recommended for anyone seeking actionable information.
April 22, 2021
This is the first of CPA Michele Cagan’s books that I’ve read. It was quite good, and free from spelling and grammar errors (appreciate that). Debt 101 would be helpful to about anyone, but especially helpful to those gearing up to attend business school. The book was small and not too long (around 250 pages), always a plus in my book. Strongly recommend this helpful book.
May 18, 2022
this is the wonderful book that helps you with the financial literacy especially debt. it introduced crystal clear about types of debts and how to get away from debts. just as it is worded in the hardcover: "A crash course in debt management". i'm also planning to buy "acounting 101", same author in the next few months.
November 12, 2020
Kinda motivating to handle my credit card and to pay remaining debt.
January 19, 2023
Loved everything about this book, great for references and to get a great understanding on your own debt and how to rid yourself of these burdens.
May 1, 2023
It was below my expectations.
January 22, 2024
A good book. Lots of information and resources are American. It is still a really good read
December 30, 2020
good introductory book.
December 29, 2019
A variety of financial information introduced to the reader. Some topics are USA related but other information can relate to other people in other countries with similar set ups. Basic information - and can be a good reference.
April 14, 2022
Definitely a 5/5.
(My 2022 FAV)
This book is a good start for 2022. This book has a lot of gems, for instance how credit score and interest rate can be your friends and also enemy! I wish I could read this earlier like way earlier. Recommend.
(My 2022 FAV)
This book is a good start for 2022. This book has a lot of gems, for instance how credit score and interest rate can be your friends and also enemy! I wish I could read this earlier like way earlier. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews