Developing a budget is one of the most powerful tools. One woman, earning a fairly decent salary, was left with almost nothing at the end of every week. When she checked her expenses, she found she was spending $600 a month on clothing. Most people, in fact, don't know where their money is going.

We expect that many of these people will be in very deep trouble by the time they come to us.

Community banks need access to security resources that are tailored to meet their needs. We are pleased to work with ICBA, the nation's leading national association for community banks, to provide pertinent and timely information to ICBA-member banks.

Will harm a lot of individuals who need a new start.

That's not true of ethical agencies. Any ethical agency will check what brought an individual into debt and perhaps refer that person to a bankruptcy lawyer or to a local bar association.

These types of properties are hot. Because of this strong market interest, it's an excellent time for Burger King.

They're like loan sharks, but they don't break legs.

Many people, with good counseling, can find alternatives to bankruptcy.