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.      Simply...

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...

New Job Action Plan

 New Job Action Plan – A good plan for the ‘down side’ should only be matched with a better plan for the ‘up side’.  Just as you are better off when you have a plan for handling a job loss, it is important to have a plan for navigating the financial steps associated with reclaiming you place in the job ranks – resetting budgets, contingency budgets, debt snowballs, emergency...

Vacation Budget

Vacation Budget – Part of truly enjoying a vacation is in knowing that nothing but the good memories and cheesy t-shirts will follow you home.  Hey, we all like reminders of our past vacations but it’s no fun when those reminders come by way of your monthly credit card statements.  By planning your spending and your sources for those dollars in advance you’ll feel more free while on vacation. Before...