Mike about Money

Behind on Bills? Start Here—Not With Another PromiseReady-to-record script

If you’re behind on bills, the last thing you probably want is another person telling you to “just make a budget.”

You may already know the numbers aren’t working. What you need is a place to start without being judged.

I’m Mike Schiano. Some of you remember me as the Debt Buster, or from Mike About Money on the radio. I’m bringing that conversation here: straight talk about debt, money, and your next move.

Here’s what this show is not going to be.

It’s not going to be a parade of promises that you can erase your problems overnight. And it’s not going to be me pretending every money problem comes from buying coffee.

We’re going to talk honestly about the situation in front of you and the questions worth asking before you make your next decision.

Today, let’s start with one question:

What is the money issue you’re most afraid to look at?

Maybe it’s the total on your credit cards. Maybe it’s a bill you haven’t opened. Maybe you and your partner haven’t had an honest conversation about what’s happening.

You don’t have to fix all of that during this episode.

Here’s the exercise I want you to consider: write down three things.

First: What do I know?

Second: What do I need to find out?

Third: What is the next conversation I need to have?

That might sound like:

“I know I can’t comfortably make every payment this month.”

“I need to find out the exact balances and due dates.”

“And I need to call someone before I make a decision based on fear.”

Notice what’s missing from that list: a promise to solve your entire financial life by Friday.

The point is to move from a cloud of worry to a question you can actually answer.

And before you sign up for any product or program, give yourself permission to understand it. Ask who’s providing the service, what it costs, and what you’re agreeing to.

Next week, we’ll go through five questions I’d want answered before signing up for debt relief.

For now, what’s your biggest money question? Send it to [your email]. Don’t include account numbers or private financial documents—just the question.

I’m Mike Schiano. This is Mike About Money.

No judgment. No magic promises. Let’s work on the next move.

Get out of debt, give yourself credit, debt relief step one, how to get out of credit card debt.

2.3 million low-income families will be impacted. These programs are part of a broader universe of rental assistance programs that are.

Specifically, the administration has discussed cutting orcanceling out federal housing vouchers, including those more commonly known as Section 8, as well as other rental assistance programs. They are potentially replacing these programs with a more limited system of housing grants, which might be sent to states.

Another stunning, ecomomy devastating move by this inept US Government.

The DebtBuster is hot on this episode. Super money planning advice and a deep dive into the cost of food and why it is smart to invest in high quality, yes, more expensive food. #mikeaboutmoney

The Debtbuster talks stikes at the ports by dock workers and strikes in the Middle East by bombs. Where will the cost of goods and gasoline go from here. Get ready America, it's the Debtbuster, Mike about Money on a special pre- VP candidate Debate night.

Stock market is up and the the interest rates are down...let's talk spending plans as the foundation of everyone's Fiscal Fitness plan. The DebtBuster is back with another engaging and important episode of Mike about Money.

$1.2 trillion in Consumer Credit Card Debt is historic so the DebtBuster is back with sound advice for people like you looking for better Fiscal Fitness.

Welcome to Mike about Money!

My name is Mike Schiano. You may know me as "The DebtBuster." I'm the Author of Spend Your Way to Wealth, (Allworth Press, NY). I write and teach about personal finance. I'm a regular guest on radio shows, podcasts and television shows like NBC’s iVillage Live, The Daily Buzz, Geraldo At Large, and WMFE TV. 

I've written and have been featured in articles for magazines, Web sites, newspapers, and blogs aimed at consumers like you who want to do better financially.

My nationally syndicated, daily radio program, The Money Minute with Mike was broadcast on over 350 radio stations nationwide and in 40 countries on the American Forces Radio Network each day. The program was nominated twice for a George Foster Peabody Award and I've been recognized by Talkers Magazine as one of America's TOP 250 Talk Radio hosts 4 straight years while hosting my Money Talk Radio Shows, The Mike Schiano Show, and Debt Free and InCharge.

Mike talks with Money Makers and Personal Finance experts to help you make smarter personal financial decisions.