Taking the Buyout Plunge

   From the relative comfort of one’s sofa – or keyboard – the theory behind parachuting or bungee jumping is pretty straightforward.  It is sound, proven, safe, and untold thousands have done it before – most more than once.  But theory, and even a live example, takes not just a backseat but a way-backseat when your rear is perched either in the plane’s doorway or on the overpass. I...

Where did it all go?

  January 12, 2009 made for an interesting and life changing day in my household.  This day marked my last with my former employer – an employer with whom I had maintained a 12.5 year affair.  In fact, this had been my lone employer for my entire adult life.  The break-up was friendly, we parted amicably – buy-outs were offered to most of our… (tough habit) their North American workforce...

Dave Approved

  There are just somethings that standout to us.  Perhaps it’s their form or perhaps their function and on rare occasions it may be a blend of both.  Sometimes these may make our lives easier and more enjoyable at others.  Here’s a list of things that I particularly enjoy.  Some are large and significant and others small and seemingly trivial but each represent something I enjoy....

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...

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 –...