About

I started Surviving Bad Credit for three main reasons:

1) To help you live an enjoyable life despite your credit history. As a “credit-challenged consumer, ” I know how difficult it can be to get by with bad credit. Securing a loan, getting a job and even renting a car is a major pain in the ass. Along the way, I’ve collected lots of tips, tricks and resources that have allowed me to still have a life, even with a dismal credit score.

So, given the recent (and continuing) financial meltdown, I know I’m not alone. If I can help you buy a car, give your kid a vacation or just sleep better at night, then I’ve done my job.

2) To help you know you’re not dealing with this by yourself. You probably think that life is chugging along just fine for your friends, neighbors and coworkers. The truth is, at least some of them are experiencing similar financial horrors. But how many people openly admit that they’re stressed about money and credit?

I wasn’t taught how to handle money growing up, but I was taught that you should never be ashamed of your mistakes, especially if they can help others. That’s why I don’t have a problem admitting to the world, “Hey, my credit sucks.” You may not know me personally, but as you read the posts here, you will see that there’s someone out there who understands.

3) To emphasize entrepreneurship as a means of digging yourself out of debt… and staying ahead of your finances. No, I’m not talking about quitting your job and plunking down your life savings on some goofy MLM scheme. I’m talking about spending $10 here and $20 there to build a viable business that brings in extra cash. I will never tell you that entrepreneurship will make you rich overnight. It won’t. But if you can spend a couple of hours on the computer before bed and generate some extra cash to whittle down your debt, then you’re setting yourself up for success.

By the way… I do not promote “opportunities.” I believe you have to make your own success. I’ll tell you about some tools that can help – some are free, some are not – but you’ll never catch me saying, “Join my business opportunity and you could be lounging on your own yacht by this time next week.” Anyone who tells you that is lying.

4) To rant and rave. Sometimes, you just have to let it out. Predatory lending, “buy here, pay here” dealerships, rude neighbors, the guy at the 7/11 who smells like he’s been smoking in his casket… well, just pull up a chair and grab some popcorn, because I’m bound to come unhinged occasionally.

If there’s anything you want to know that I haven’t covered here, head over to the Contact page and tell me what’s on your mind.