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...

Cash Account Management

Cash Account Management – What happens when you toss dollars into a Savings Account but some are meant for next month’s car registration, and some are for insurance, and others are savings for Christmas?  They become co-mingled.  Sure, you could open a new account for each occasion but what if you could simply manage the balances on a single page… well, you can with this tool. Before you...

Contingency Budget

Contingency Budget – One of the surest ways to weather a financial storm is to be prepared and there is no better time to prepare for troubles seas than when the waters are at their calmest.  By anticipating how we should react in the face of a financial crisis – like a lost job for example – we have a source of comfort and confidence when such trouble arises.  The Contingency Budget...

Lost Job Action Plan

  Lost Job Action Plan – If you’re faced with a layoff or buyout, what do you do?  How do you financially prepare for such an event?  Similar to the contingency budget, the key is thinking it through well in advance.  By approaching it early, it is simply a math or logic question rather than a fear induced emotional minefield.  This tool highlights some of the steps I put in place just prior...