Women of Influence

Leslie Tayne, Esq., B.S.'93

By Stephen Shoemaker, B.A.’02

"Debt” is a four-letter word, especially when it applies to personal finances. For more than 15 years, though, Leslie Tayne has spread the message that some debt should be embraced. Earlier this year, the founder of her own practice dedicated to debt law and resolution published her first book, Life & Debt: A Fresh Approach to Achieving Financial Wellness, on the topic.

“Being on the front lines of people who are in debt, I saw that sometimes it’s impossible to be debt-free,” Tayne said. “And that’s OK. I try to help people understand what debt makes sense and can work for them. It takes a different perspective. And that’s where the basis for the book originated.”

Tayne, whose practice is based in the New York City metro area, deliberately wrote the book as an easy-to-read guide, with examples drawn from real stories. The style makes it readable and separates it from other, drier books on the subject.

“Let’s face it: It’s not exactly the most exciting topic. It’s not a ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’ But it’s reality; it’s part of people’s lives,” Tayne said.

Life & Debt is available wherever books are sold