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Publisher:
HarperCollins/Perennial |
Release
Date: September 2003 |
ISBN:
0-06-057776-2 |
Awards:
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Format
Reviewed: Trade Paperback |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
Nonfiction/Biography |
Reviewed:
2003 |
Reviewer:
Beverly J. Rowe |
Reviewer
Notes: www.savekaryn.com/ |
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Save
Karyn
One
Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back
By Karyn
Bosnak
This
fascinating, funny biography of Karyn Bosnak and her foray into
the world of credit card debt along with her unique solution is
highly entertaining.
Karen landed a job as producer for
a new television talk show and moved to New York from the midwest.
She was enamored by the name brands sold in the fine department
stores and the designer boutiques, and she was absolutely certain
that she shouldn't be seen more than once in an outfit. She delighted
in trying all of the wonderful restaurants listed in her new guide
book, too. New York is wonderful...but expensive.
When Karyn begins to realize
that her spending has exceeded her income and that she is deeply
in debt, she comes up with several ways to cope with the problem.
"Buy today and return the merchandise tomorrow" doesn't
actually solve the problem, but it gives her a little time before
the credit card company gets serious about collections. Bounced
checks also give her a little time. But when she loses her job for
the second time and is unable to find another good paying job, Karyn
begins to realize that her spending is an addiction that she must
get control of.
Her friend advises her to take out
an ad...and she does, but in the form on an Internet webpage asking
for help. This unique idea caught the attention of the media, and
when she even appeared on the Today Show, the idea snowballed. Along
with donations from well-wishers, selling her collection of name
brand goodies on ebay, and enrolling in a debt consolidation program,
Karyn began the long road to changing her lifestyle.
Although Karyn got out of debt, she
still maintains her website. It combines a witty and compelling
plea for donations, and lists of worthy causes as recipients for
your donations. It is entertaining, and you can have your cause
listed there! A genuine American success story, Karyn in an inspiration
to all. The idea probably won't work for everyone; it worked for
Karyn because it caught the media attention and it was a unique
plea for help.
Everyone who is hopelessly in debt
will find this book laced with ideas you can use, and for everyone
who has their finances under control, Save Karyn is a great read.
You will nod your head in recognition and laugh at her crazy expenditures.
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