Ventura is a bankruptcy attorney and national authority on consumer and small business financial and legal issues. His guide is written for not only the financially distressed but also the general reader who wants to maintain a positive credit record. The fourth edition includes new information on credit scores and how they can be raised, avoiding identity theft and what to do if you become a victim, and consumer privacy and how to preserve it. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)