As a result of their pursuit of higher education and the demands of their chosen careers, the authors have extensive knowledge of the topics covered in this book. Collectively, they have rented over 20 separate apartments and houses in 10 cities from coast to coast. They have purchased and/or leased numerous new and used vehicles. They have been covered by health insurance from nearly a dozen different health care plans and providers. Over the years, the authors have had over 15 different bank accounts at local savings and loans, regional banks, and national financial institutions located throughout the United States. Since college, they have had literally dozens of credit cards and store charge cards from nearly every major issuer in the country.

Derek Avdul has lived on his own in Oxford, OH, Columbus, OH, Hilton Head, SC, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Miami University (OH). Derek was also awarded a Master of Business Administration in finance from the Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business of DePaul University. Derek has worked as a market research analyst for Information Resources, Inc., a mergers and acquisitions consultant for Ernst & Young LLC, and as a director of corporate development and strategic planning for EMI Music Group. Derek lives in New York City.

Steve Avdul has spent his adult life residing in Chapel Hill, NC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Charlotte, NC, New York City, Los Angeles, and Ostersund, Sweden. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a Master of Business Administration in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has spent his entire professional career working on Wall Street in the field of private equity focusing on leveraged buyouts, most recently for Credit Suisse First Boston. Steve has traveled extensively throughout the United States and has been around the world several times visiting approximately 70 countries across six continents. Steve lives in Los Angeles.