[sticky-post] budgetz in bizness!
I know! I know!
Hi! *waves*
I'm guessing you are here looking for budgeting help. You've come to the right place!
Several years ago I developed an effective and user-friendly Excel spreadsheet to track my own personal finances, and with it, I pulled myself out of a $16,000 hole of credit card debt. Realizing the spreadsheet's power (the force is strong with it), I offered a copy to my friends. They liked it! They recommended it to their friends. They liked it, too! I decided this is something I should stick with. I don't make a living from this -- far from it (I'm a schoolteacher) -- I just like helping people. So, I do this from time to time on the side.
My offer is thus:
I will work with you one-on-one in a friendly, judgment-free, and professional manner to create a personalized version of the spreadsheet, tailored 100% to your needs and goals -- whether you're employed or not, paid regularly or not, in debt or not. The sheet is designed to show your complete financial picture on a monthly basis, track your spending and all accounts/credit cards, and help you stay accountable for your financial decisions. I will then walk you through using it and help get you started. I will provide limitless tech support going forward should you have any questions at any time. I will make tweaks or upgrades to your sheet at your request at any time. And I will offer financial planning advice to the best of my ability, informing you clearly if something is outside my realm of expertise.
You do not have to reveal your personal financial information to me, but the more you are willing to tell me, the more helpful I can be to you. At no point will I need access to any of your banking information. All information is confidential.
I also realize that everyone's situation is different. Most people who contact me don't have extra cash lying around to pay for financial services, either professional or otherwise. As a result, I do a lot of pro bono work. However, if you're in a position to make a donation for my efforts, I greatly appreciate it. I only ask for a one-time service fee after we set you up. (Suggested donation is $30, or more/less as you feel is reasonable.) If you aren't thrilled, you don't pay. If you're in a tight spot now, you can pay me down the line once the system has put you in a better position. Whatever works for you. The priority is increasing your financial health.
The sheet requires about 2 hours total time to set up (including a 90 minute chat together), then 60 seconds of maintenance a day. It's Excel-based and therefore compatible with Open Office and GoogleDocs as well.
My spreadsheet has been called "addictive," "life-changing," and "often the very best part of my day." You'll be surprised how much fun it is!
I'm trying to keep a list of my livejournal recommendations here (some are locked, some aren't). If you made a post I haven't seen, please let me know! I love them! Thanks so, so much to those of you helping spread the word. I've been at this since 2008, and it's been such a rewarding experience helping improve people's lives. Because of you, I passed client #100 in May 2012, and still counting!
- minervacat here
- ldthomps here
- thefourthvine here
- nos4a2no9 here
- belmanoir here
- damaris here
- brooklinegirl here
- misspamela here
- demolitionwoman here
- saikogrrl here
Here is a sneak peek of what half my current template looks like, but of course, every sheet is a little different. If this is something you're interested in, either leave a comment on this post or email me at jarrow272 at gmail dot com.
Please point people in my direction if you think they might be interested as well! No situation is too simple or complex! I've helped friends, parents, siblings, partners, and even bosses alike. I've given budgets as gifts! Being on a budget isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. Let me help you reach your goals!
(If anyone wants to donate to the John's Paying Off His Student Loans Fund, my paypal is jarrow272 at hotmail dot com. And bless you.)