While Hunt's previous books have echoed some consistent themes--debt bad, saving good--they've addressed a hodgepodge of different areas: building financial confidence in women and kids, doing Christmas without a stack of credit cards, tips for gourmet cooking at low cost. In Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living, Hunt finally puts together a financial primer for all--whether retirees trying to decide when to start drawing Social Security or teenagers ready to sign for their first college loans. Security, according to Hunt, is built with simple tools: tithing, saving, paying off debt, creating a contingency fund for emergencies, driving used cars, owning a home, having insurance.

Although Hunt's "been there, spent that" zeal and warmth have turned her into the Ann Landers of personal finance, she's not just an agony aunt for spendthrifts--business experts will find her a savvy marketer who's using her name and story to build, somewhat ironically, a very effective brand. That doesn't negate her sincerity, however, or the fact that her advice is sound, her formulas work, and her Rapid Debt Repayment Plan has kept increasing numbers of families out of bankruptcy. And finally, Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living is just a joy to read--its clarity and lack of condescension make it a perfect gift for anyone just starting to understand the basics of money. --Barrie Trinkle

Money is not for spending, Hunt tells us. It is for managing first. And she shows you how to manage your money, and your life, so that everything works out for the best.

A Christian writer, Mary Hunt includes the concept of tithing, giving one's first 10 percent to the church, as part of one's overall financial strategy. I appreciate the fact she does this. By following Mary's other strategies, tithers won't even miss that 10 percent.

Mary's no-nonsense straight talk debunks the hype that many advertisers give out. You'll learn the truth about student loans, leasing cars, buying new cars, credit cards, insurance and much, much more.

Need to pay a mountain of debts? Hunt has the formula. She shows you how to whittle away those loan payments and credit card bills. Once you do that, she explains how to invest and save your money.

Her best ideas concern setting up bank account for those financial "emergencies" that really aren't. We know -- but don't plan for -- our twice-yearly insurance payments, property tax, and occasional car and home repairs. And what's going to happen if you have a sudden illness or lose your job? Instead of putting such expenses on charge cards, Mary shows us how to set up special bank accounts, with special bookeeping methods, that will enable us to pay our way in cash. By having a purpose toward which we spend our money, we won't fritter away our raises.

She's blunt when she needs to be. For example, she says your car should be a means of transportation, not a status symbol. Your common sense, not your ego, should drive your vehicle purchases.

And as for students who want to go to expensive colleges just so they can socialize there, Mary gets the stars out of your -- and your parents' -- eyes. She relates some student loan horror stories that every family should know long before high school graduation. Don't take out a loan just to live off campus or buy a computer; and if you can get educated without taking out a loan, so much the better. Students who work to pay part of their college are less likely to slack off their studies.

Every time I pick up "Debt-Proof Living," I find something else I can use. This book is worth its weight in gold. Everyone should read and heed its advice.

Thank You Mary!