I was interviewed on 20/20 tonight for a special on debt. If you saw me on the show and are new to this site, thanks for stopping by. What 20/20 failed to mention is that after publishing my book, I donated all the money I received from savekaryn.com to charity. So I essentially DID pay off my debt and helped raise $20,000 for charity in the process. Since they decided to focus so heavily on the morality of what I did, it would've only been fair to tell the entire story, don't you think? Funny how this was edited out of my interview. I only said it, um... three times.
(I must thank them for the huge book plug though...)
Jan 19, 2007
20/20
51 comments:
I never turn the TV on ,but did tonite. I figured you either paid the people back you borrowed the money from or you did something to give back. Hopefully other thinking people thought the same. I also figured 20/20 would do anything they could to make anyone look bad except for, ironically, debt collectors who are apparently saving the world one threat at a time.
That they edited out what you said reminds me of why I don't watch TV.
20/20 has just wrapped up here in Texas. I found their stories on debt to be good and entertaining. I enjoyed the part you played in their story on debt. You are one creative lady...asking strangers to fund your expensive fashion fever. You obviously are creative as well as an author. Congrats on your books. I applaud you "paying back your debt" by donating $20,000 to charity, and hope that you will continue charitable giving as your finacial status changes with your books and movie offers. It is far better to give than to receive. Blessings and prosperity to you.
To the first anonymous post at 11:14pm... it's the same reason I stopped working in TV, too. Thanks!
I did see your interview on 20/20 tonight. T.V. shows especially the news tends to cut people off in interviews. I had no idea you could do this online. My husband told me to start a website!! he he.
saw your segment. i am in so much debt myself. wish I thought of your idea!
I loved your story. How can I start savemax.com...lol...just kidding...
I am a single grandma I will be 50 in Feb. and I am self employed and do not have medical insurance and I was very sick for almost a year and I have over $60,000 in medical bill and I have custody of my granddaughter and I also keep my grandson alot and I need help I have lost everything that I have worked for and I know that God has a reason for all of this but I would like to be out of debt and and something put in saving just in case I get sick again my granddaughter is 7 I need help can you help me?
Loved your spot on 20/20. I figured hey, at least you weren't cheating the "system". I appreciate honesty. Wish 20/20 would of been honest when they failed to mention your contribution to charity. God bless.
I just finished watching the show. I didn't realize the web could be so helpfull. I commend you on your talents. I lost my job of 12 years after being sick and having to have surgery. I now have a job but I got so behind on my bills that I have had to file chapter 13. I filed that way because I live in my Grandparents old home place and DO NOT want to lose it, it's been in the family for 45 years so when they passed I purchased it and started working on it. It's now all fixed up and I'm broke. I would love for you to E-Mail me because I really need help and have no one to talk to about it. I'v tried almost everything and cain't get help. I just borrow from Peter to pay Paul.
I commend you for your work.
Shelly
Hi Karyn! That sucks that they edited out the part of you giving back to charity :( oh well, screw them. hpoefully this segment will sell you more books. any chance someone tivoed it for you and you can upload it on youtube? i missed it!!!
by the way it's your fave chicago gal Cami. I have a debt management blog now myself! i wanna get rid of my CC debt ;)
You're a creative gal. I have a shopping addiction too only it's mostly groceries since we're a family of 6 on a 46K income. I applaud you for giving back and turning your website into something positive. If I hadn't decided to log on tonight and see your site, I would have believed that the interview with 20/20 was the end. So glad I checked it out. I will be sure to check out the movie when it comes! Hats off to you for turning the negative around into a positive work.
WOOHOO! I'll be almost as famous as you are! <3 ya!
I'm still not impressed with what I saw on the 20/20 site. Hopefully what was actually on TV was more of your segment. Please upload it when you can =)
You should have mentioned on your website you were going to be on 20/20. I would have loved to seen the segment. Damn!
Like many others, I watched the 20/20 special tonight. I tuned in because I noticed the preview commercials on American’s in debt. Being in debt is a feeling and reality that is like your back is against the wall and you are between a rock and a hard place and there is literally no place to turn. You do have a sense of the feeling of drowning and moments of panic. After reading just a few postings on your webpage, my heart has been touched by the people who are in a continuous struggle to make the ends meet. 20/20 only touched the tip of the iceberg. I am not alone in this upward battle of trying to keep afloat. Everyone has a story to tell – whether it’s trying to keep the family home, paying medical bills, following our dreams or buying things to better ourselves. There are no judgments here, its human nature no matter what the reasons are, to want a better life. We all want to find that “American Dream” and to live the fairy tale, but quickly find out that the “dream” doesn’t come easily for most. I work hard in my full-time job and have taken on an additional part-time job to try to make the ends meet. My story is a long one and I won’t go into details, but hell yes, I need help. We all do! What does matter is an awakening of the fact that so many people do in fact need help. There are so many people who fall between “the cracks” of society making it a place where there is no where to turn. Debt truly is a nasty four letter word.
Congratulations to you on your creativity and continued success. I have to say also, that donating the $20,000 to charity is a wonderful thing. You will be blessed as the saying goes, "What goes around comes around." My best wishes to you.
This society is always prone to condemn. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. Bad decisions are made by good people and then you have to pay for the rest of your life.
Bravo for your idea and your courage to beg to pay for your debts. So many good people are in debt and thrown out on the street and if society was more forgiving some good people could redeem themselves.
At least you paid your debts and gave some money to charity.
Let me know how to start my own web site.
I WAS SITTING HERE AND ON YOU CAME!!! I AM BEYOND PROUD OF YOU!! YOU SO ROCK GIRL!!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME!!!
KARYN IS THE COOLEST MOST CREATIVE PERSON YOU WILL EVER KNOW!!!
YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!!
And that guy that interviewed you was an ASS!! But what you said was perfect! You did so great and we all love you so much!!
I just saw your show and thought what you did was fine and very creative. I also loved the fact that you donated what you made from the book.
I wish that I would be as creative.
See last year I got hurt at work and had surgery, was in two different car accidents and lost four different people in my family due to cancer.Through all of this I have found out that my job will be letting me go as of April If I don't make it back, I have been off since last September.
I wish that I could figure out how to get people to send a dollar if they could. If I did receive what I didn't need I would definetly pay it forward and send it to ST Judes Hospital.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
av
skte25@aol.com
Av
Hi Karyn-
I have always found your story very inspiring and creative. Could you possibly help me? Words of advice would be fine. I would like to start something to help get us (my husband and I along with our 5 yr old) a downpayment for a house. My mom currently lives with us and pays our rent while we pay off our credit card debt, come May we will be 97% done!!! Anyways looking to start something up for saving in the meantime. Thanks for sharing your brillant story with everyone!
Sandra
sandraapproves@comcast.net
I found that 20/20 program had a lot of truth. People do spend more than they have cause they have no concept of the real world. They tend to create an illusion that they have money when they don't. But, I will give you props. When you were in a bad situation you came up with a fast acting plan to pay your debt that didn't end up costing you a fortune in the interest you would have paid over 3 years. Heck, I woulden't personally help out people in debt cause I want to keep all my money for myself, but if you could find 20,000 stupid people which isn't that hard to do and manage to make them give you "money-for-nothing" then you have my vote. Munipulation is a great tool for sucuess!
I would ask you d same quest Cami asked if anyone tivoed it for you to upload on youtube...dat's d only way I'm gonna get to watch it...and I would really love to watch it...
karyn- I saw you on 20/20 and you did great! It is a shame they focused more on the negative, but you came across as a sensible, responsible person.
Judging by the commenters who made it here before me, I think we are going to see a uptick in the number of cyber-begging sites.
http://savvysaver.blogspot.com
Karyn: I understand why you did what you did. Believe me many times I have tried to figure out how to pay my bills on time. What a good feeling that would be. My situation is quite different. I don't go out and overspend, but things just happen. The car breaks down, loosing your job, Father gets ill, IRS debt that keeps nagging at you(even though the last three years I have been working it down). My husband and I met 12 years ago, after his first wife passed away and I left an abusive relationship. We fell in love and ever since then it has been trial after trial of finances, family deaths etc. His children were adopted by him and his first wife, as they had hughe abusive issues before they were adopted, so my husband and I still deal with issues with these children. My biggest frustration is that we can not get ahead and I was enlighted to see that there was a way that helped you. I did feel better that you helped others and I commend the spirit that you had within your self. Sorry that 20/20 did not give the whole story, I guess they felt that it made a better story without it. It didn't. Appreciate any suggestions on how it worked. And your initial cost. I keep getting ripped off by these home business deals. Thanks ! ;)Judy
cannotgetaheadfinancially@yahoo.com
Hey Karyn,
I didn't get a change to see you on 20/20 last night but I did find this clip with you on the ABC New Web Site.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2805257
You looked very cute on TV, also they are welcoming either phone or email comments regarding the articles. Maybe this is your chance or someone's chance to mention again how much you donated to charity.
Look at it this way, the positive is you made a news story which included Dustin Diamond -- Now that is fame.
screw 20/20 ... geez they dont like the truth? Oh well, now we know how the famous feel... YOU ROCK!!
I missed you on tv :-(
I love it that you gave back to charity... heck, I might be closer to being debt free than I am if I didn't give so much to others but you know what life is short and what goes around comes around.
How long until your movie is released?
Dear Karyn
Hi ! I am A Disabled American Vet From Veitnam War Era
I need help I have had surgery after surgery I am going to be homeless soon My wife does work & my kids do odd jods. I need fasaul recunstruction & other operations on my back The Va helps but these surgeries are being done by other Drs that are more expert in thier field I am $56,000 in debt & I need $15,000 up front for the Dr's bills the Hospital stay is aways taken care fo through the VA. I seen you on 20/20 & I am reaching out to you for help, I do not now where to turn. If you can help Great! If not that is ok too !
My e-mail addrees is msmith678@cinci.rr.com
P.S. I will not open e-mail unless title Help is on the way ( because of the idiots that send virouses they think are cute)
Thanks MSMITH
Seriously, no one else thinks you should be humiliated by what you did? For a freakin purse???? You do know that Gucci isnt a charity right?
Karyn, what the humorless don't understand is that savekaryn.com worked and other cyber-begging sites don't is because you weren't desperate and your site was clever and funny. Also what they don't seem to get is that you sold off all your stuff and worked to pay back your debt even while you were accepting the donations. You weren't just sitting there helpless waiting for someone else to bail you out.
I ran up my own debts, partly on "buying stuff" and partly on car repairs and using the credit card to pay for college classes. I was underemployed for a long time and will finally have all my debts paid off this year. You know how I did it? I took responsibility for myself and my debts and took advantage of what help was out there (credit counseling). I didn't wait for someone else to bail me out.
For all of you asking Karyn for "help," several things:
1. Writing a couple of books doesn't make you rich. 99 percent of writers and book authors are as middle-class as your average factory or office worker. Don't expect Karyn to give you money to pay off your debts.
2. Stop waiting for someone else to bail you out. There are social programs to help you. Take advantage of them. Get a job if you can and figure out a schedule to pay everything back.
It takes a long, long time (it's taken me seven years to get where I am) but it is all worth it.
And remember...you don't need STUFF. Stop buying stuff you can't afford!
(I feel better now. Thanks.)
After watching the 20/20 show last night I typed panhandling into Yahoo. I remembered you on the show and saw your link. Good for you for donating your proceeds from the book to charity. It is so easy to get into debt. I got into a $50k credit card debt from getting laid off from not getting an engineering job for 3 years. I had a family and had to declare bankruptcy. Maybe I'll look into panhandling for helping to put help with putting money up front for a house.
I saw the segment on 20/20 and it was very interesting. I had never heard of cyber begging until the other night. I was somewhat uncomfortable when you were being asked about the morality of what you did. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with what you did and I am impressed to hear that you donated the monies to charities from your book. Good luck to you...
Congrats on finding a reasonable and legal way to get out of debt. 20/20 may have alot of pressure from advertisers who rely too much on debt collectors...that's what happens when they mix news and commercial TV...the news won't be as objective as it could be. At least you got the book plug. I'm inspired to find more ways to overcome my own debt.
If people in debt are reading this-work out something in writing with whatever party can gurantee in writing to accept what you can pay, when you can pay it, and take the negatives off your credit reports and give you positives only, or at least neutrals only. Find out if the orginal creditor or the colletor with a legal right to collect can get you that deal-if not, try to hold out until they can or until the negatives on your credit won't apply any more-seek legal advice first before you do anything. Watch out for "arbitration"...if you can't pay, and you owe debt,you may be dragged into that.
If I knew how to do what you did I would do it in a heartbeat. I live in deep south Texas where it is really hard to find and keep a job for those who dont speak or understand Spanish. I have learned what my mind can retain but I am still lagging. I clean homes to make enough cash for gas and food. I am behind on all my bills. Which I hate and it is even worse because I have yet to go to college for the fact that I haven't been able to save any money. I have pawned anything and everything I could. Even some things that ment a lot to me. Even if I only made like 5,000 it would take care of everything and I would have a little left over to start saving for colege. I really want to go to school to be a chef. I love to cook! Anyway I aplod your smarts.
Bummer and shame on 20/20 for NOT mentioning you donating.
They should make a footnote next week apologizing for that. I feel they are the 'good guys' in tv journalism. That they always tell the whole story, and often there are such footnotes to stories, like by the way after she became debt free she did this...
I am going to send an email to them... I suggest anyone else who it annoys join me. Maybe next week, they can ADD that as a footnote. That is kind of a HUGE footnote to miss. The whole point of the show was about debt, but getting out and paying it forward as opposed to some who NEVER learn from the lessons of life and simply repeat them forever... did not seem the intent of the show.
SO I encourage you to write an email:
2020@abcnews.com
Okay. Off that soap box.
Hi,
I am Judy. A struggling filmmaker. Trying to finish my first feature film about animal rescue. If anyone has any FRESH ideas of how to finish my film, I am OPEN to ALL ideas. I have tried a LOT of unusual things.
my film is called
FREE to a Good Home
www.freetoagoodhomemovie.com
Good job on the book!
Oh I am going to be published in the April/May issue of Animal Wellness they are publishing an article on the making of the film! So look for that on stands in March!
Funny how only the 'positive' comments are only being displayed...hmm
are you saying karyn is deleting all the negative posts? why would she? Mean ones yes, but I dont see her deleting someoens post for not seeing it her way, and i dont think she needs to. She did nothing wrong, shit i wish i thought of it first.
For one...It shows on here when there are comments deleted.
Another thing...I have the 20/20 clip on my blog if you want to see it.
Karyn has incredible talent and I am proud to know her!! She has inspired thousands of people to take control of their debt. You all should read her book....both books!!
I thought what you did was genius. Since it was the first of its kind it worked, but I think as more and more people try it, people become skeptical of their reasons and aren't as willing to help out. I think the fact that you were honest and humorous about the whole thing was the charm of the whole site, you admitted your wrongs and made them right. The fact that you went and donated the same amount to charity speaks really loudly about your character as well, so many people wouldn't have.
Oh yeah, the guy that did the interviewing, Martin Brasher, he's the guy that interviewed Michael Jackson a few years back and started the controversy with him sharing his bed with kids. His journalistic style seems to be very misleading and he only seems to take what he needs and leave out the rest (although in no way am I trying to protect the MJ image, but thats another bag of crap right there)
-Jen
I applaude you on many levels! Your creativity is amazing! You tooka bad situation and found yourself out of it but then turned around and made it into a great situation. TV shows like 20/20 rarely if ever show those sides. So many people are in debt for a variety of reasons and I for one am jealous that I did not come up with the ingenious idea that you did!! :) Bravo to you for taking charge and then giving back. I am sorry that they didn't portray that you as a kinder person on TV but I guess that is not what makes the rates!!! Sad isn't it!
Much luck you to in the future and I am hoping to get out of debt myself and wishing I had your creativity!!!
I'd never heard of your site until 20/20. Interestingly enough I had a similar concept, but for student loan/educational debt, which at times can be just as much of a burden. I've been building the site, but have yet to launch it (www.freetammy.com). I plan to launch in mid-February. Your story has definitely been an inspiration. Way to go!
Thank God for the Internet!!!!! And shame on 20/20 and all the other so called news broadcasters out there. What integrity they have when they do this. Thanks for posting what you did with your fame for charity and good luck with all you do.
just watched the video on abc.com and i was amazed. i am a mom of 3 children 11, 8, and 5 and am a full time college student. i was wondering how you made your site, i have been looking and don't know how? My bills are getting big and would in return try to pay it all back to a charity like you did.
sincerely
carlotta
I missed 20/20, but I wish I would have seen it. I read your old site back in the day! And your book was great. I haven't picked up "20 Times a Lady" yet. You're a funny gal and you're from the midwest (like me) so I think you're good people. I think most people are aware of the creative editing on the part of TV people. Assholes.
I am such a big fan of yours and am so upset that I missed the segment. I always read "Save Karyn" when I'm feeling the need to spiral out. It may sound stupid but your book is my theraputic tool to avoid going into such debt cuz I too love my designer stuff. It sucks that they wouldn't mention that you put 20 g's towards a charity but then again TV always tries to spin something that should be positive and make it seem negative. You should never believe everything you see on TV.
I have tracked the adventures of savekaryn.com since it started and I have to tell you, this site has inspired me to get myself out of debt and stay on a budget ($18k in cc debt wiped out, thank you very much). I can understand how some might not agree with begging online to pay off a shopping habit, but what they don't know is that in addition to giving back, you have also been an inspiration to so many who come to your site to laugh and not feel so alone in what can be a pretty lonely world of debt. Thanks Karyn. :)
I saw the piece on 20/20. I must say that I thought the idea to "cyber beg" was ingenious but I was also infuriated somewhat. I grew up dirt poor and as an adult worked for a time as a social worker. I've seen and know plenty of people, including myself that work hard everyday and still can barely make ends meet. (see uhelpushelpu.com) It's just hard to swallow that strangers gave money just to pay off credit card debt run up by shopping when so many other needy, hard working, poor people are out there.
Besides telling you that Save Karyn is my favorite book everrrrrr, I wanted to tell you that I was also infuriated after watching the segment on 20/20 (I know this is a weee bit after the viewing, but I thought it shouldn't go unsaid!) Although the fact that you had donated money to charity (like you said, essentially, paid back your debt AND donated money to charity)hadn't been made clear to 20/20 viewers, I made SURE that my mom, who I was watching the segment with, knew the real deal!!!! Also, maybe those who hadn't heard about your story before watching the show will visit your site (which, by the looks of this comment area, they are) and LEARN that this was the case. Regardless, you're the shit in my book!
I found your 20/20 story so interesting and I thought you looked just fine. I only need $3500 to finish paying my mother's funeral. I have plenty of credit card debt (long story I won't bore you with and it's being dealt with) but I think this might be the way get the bill taken care of faster than having to give them a little at a time. I admire your ingenuity and may you continue to have success. Thank you.
The site we started http://www.UHelpUsHelpU.com is a site that give you a chance to help us and maybe yourself (or someone you nominate). You can just look at our stories and tell that we aren't trying to be lazy. We are just in a deep hole and need help getting out of it. We realize that others need a boost out of the hole as well, so we are willing to give 50% of what we get back to someone else who needs it. how many cyber beggars do you know share the wealth BEFORE, they get out. We don't want you to get us out and then we pull you up from the top. We want to be the base of the ladder, or at least one of the rungs, to help you get to the top with us.
What do you think? Write us and let us know! Subscribe to the blog (you'll find that we are regular people, like you!).
Even though ABC did kind of condemn you, I still loved the interview, which is why I bought the book. I love the Shopaholic's debt and back. It kicks Arse. If it weren't for ABC, I would have never have known about you!!!!
Karyn,
Do you think people could help me also? I lost my job on April 15, 2009, began a new one in the first week of May 2009, but I am going to fall behind in June. Any advice? Thank you.
Post a Comment