Letters To My Credit Card – Settlement Letter

  Last week I presented an article sharing a recent experience with a reader/emailer.  In this story I referenced a pair of letters I crafted for the benefit of this person, “Ella”. Well, as fate would have it, my ability to add a downloadable file to an article seems to not be working at this time.  This might be user error, but I’m looking into it. In the meantime, I didn’t...

Letters To My Credit Card – Delayed Settlement Letter

  Last week I presented an article sharing a recent experience with a reader/emailer.  In this story I referenced a pair of letters I crafted for the benefit of this person, “Ella”. Well, as fate would have it, my ability to add a downloadable file to an article seems to not be working at this time.  This might be user error, but I’m looking into it. In the meantime, I didn’t...

Letters To My Credit Card

Some of my favorite writing is in response to reader emails.  Sometimes that means a response to a comment on the website but even more fun are the letters from readers asking for my advice.  Granted, I’ve only had this happen a couple times and half of those were cases of mistaken identity, but the idea of offering advice to someone in need is compelling and engaging and rewarding. Recently a...

Budget Tool Overview

DYDR Tools – An Intro – 10 FREE DOWNLOADS!!! Below is an inventory of excel-based tools that I have developed, used, and evolved over the years – and yes, let me go ahead and proudly admit that I AM A BUDGET NERD.  Amongst some of my friends and family, my spreadsheet tracking has taken on mythical proportions.  For example, we’ll be talking about a raise, or new job, or an anticipated...

Monthly Budget

Monthly Budget – Making a monthly budget should be like tying your shoe except for somehow this simple and critical skill is not taught and rarely discussed.  If you don’t operate a household budget then consider this your wakeup call.  Get off the couch and participate in your life.  Be an adult.  Cash – the very life blood of your personal freedom – flows in and out of your hands each...

Bi-Weekly Budget

  Bi-Weekly Budget – Same as the Monthly Budget, but this version assumes 2 pay periods per month. Making a monthly budget should be like tying your shoes except for somehow this simple and critical skill is not taught and rarely discussed.  If you don’t operate a household budget then consider this your wakeup call.  Get off the couch and participate in your life.  Be an adult.  Cash –...

Snowball Scheduler

Snowball Scheduler – This is my favorite of all the tools – it requires use of a budget for maximum effect.  The Snowball Scheduler is just that.  It will allow you to predict exactly when you’ll be debt free or when you’ll be able to afford that ‘new’ car or vacation.  Without question, the ability to so clearly see your snow ball grow is very motivating. Before...