Helpful resources for managing money, budgeting and eliminating debt
Tools
Mortgage Calculator
Here is our home loan calculator, this is by far the calculator I use the most when working with clients. You can use it to figure out home loan repayments, interest and principle components of each payment, how long it will take you to pay off your home loan, how much interest you will pay over the life of the loan and how quickly you pay off your home loan by making extra repayments.
Worksheets
The Power of Budgeting
This is the worksheet and introduction to our budgeting methodology and we are giving it out for free! By taking the time and filling it out you will not only gain a complete overview of your current budget, but also learn the fundamentals of budgeting and start saving money and stop worrying about your finances.
Gift List Worksheet
Use this worksheet to plan how much you will spend on gifts for the next 12 months. When occasions arise, the money will already be set aside for gifts. Preparing for gifts ahead of time will reduce stress, guilt or the need for a credit card.
The Debt Snowball Worksheet
This worksheet is to be used when implementing the 'Debt Snowball' strategy. It will help you create a debt repayment plan so you can quickly eliminate your debts.
Costs You Need To Consider When Buying A House Worksheet
Make buying your first house a pleasant experience by downloading the Costs You Need Consider When Buying A House worksheet. This worksheet is designed to help you determine the additional costs you will require when purchasing your first house.
Meal Plan and Grocery Shopping Worksheet
One of the biggest areas we waste money is in the ways we do our grocery shopping. When you shop haphazardly, you will spend more money. By sitting down and planning your meals and grocery shopping list, you can ensure you stay within your budget.
Whitepapers
Buying a House: The Best Home Loan Structure
How you structure your home loan can have a significant impact on your financial future. This makes it critical that you know what you actually need. The following white paper will prepare you when meeting with your mortgage broker or bank to ensure you get what you actually need.
Case Studies
Oliver & Emily
Obsessed with having nice belongings and frivolous spending habits, Oliver and Emily obtained a large amount of debt: a mortgage balance of $360,000, a $29,000 car loan and a personal loan for a motorcycle. Learn how they took control of their finances through Grandma's Jars methodology, and paid off over 40% of their mortgage in just 7 years. As we look toward their financial future, the young couple leaves us with some financial advice of their own.
Books
The Total Money Makeover
by Dave Ramsay
If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else. Build up your money muscles with America’s favorite finance coach. Okay, folks, do you want to turn those fat and flabby expenses into a well-toned budget? Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? Then get with the program, people. There’s one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that’s with The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition..
www.daveramsey.com
Affluenza: When Too Much is Never Enough
by Clive Hamilton
Anyone concerned about the level of their personal debt or frustrated by the rat race of aspiring to an affluent lifestyle will appreciate this critique of the effects of over-consumption. This analysis pulls no punches as it describes both the problem and what can be done to stop it. Analyzing the increasing rates of stress, depression, and obesity as possible effects of the consumption binge currently gripping the Western world, this report tracks how Australians overwork, the growing number of things thrown out, self-medicated drugs, and the real meaning of the word choice.
www.clivehamilton.com
Generosity Factor, The: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure
by Ken Blanchard and Truett Cathy
In the tradition of the bestselling book The One Minute Manager®, authors Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy, entrepreneur and founder of Chic-fil-A® restaurants, present The Generosity Factor™—a parable that demonstrates the virtues of generosity. It’s the story of a meeting between the Broker—a young man on his way up the corporate ladder who has the illusion of success, yet deep inside feels insignificant—and the Executive—the CEO of a very large and successful company who claims the greatest joy in his life is his ability to give to others. Thinking he might get a competitive edge by meeting with the Executive, the Broker’s worldview is turned upside down as he talks to the Executive and hears the principles that form his life. He calls it The Generosity Factor™—a way to give time, talent, treasure, and touch to those in need. Providing a unique twist on what it means to thrive in business, at home, and in life, this story will forever change your definition of success.
www.kenblanchard.com
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential
by John Maxwell
Are there tried and true principles that are always certain to help a person grow? John Maxwell says the answer is yes. He has been passionate about personal development for over fifty years, and for the first time, he teaches everything he has gleaned about what it takes to reach our potential.
www.johnmaxwell.com
Work Smarter: Live Better
by Cyril Peupion
Most people have never been taught how to work. We are committed to our job and want to be good at what we do. We are neither lazy nor unwilling. But we do not always work effectively - we work hard but not always smart. To increase performance many people believe they need to do more. We spend less time with our loved ones, neglect our health and put our passions and hobbies on the back burner. And we end up frustrated, out of control and stressed.
Financial Peace: Restoring Financial Hope to You and Your Family
by Dave Ramsay
Get out of debt and stay out with the help of Dave Ramsey, recently seen by millions of Today Show viewers. His practical regimen, first set forth by The Financial Peace Planner, which will be published by Penguin in January 1998. Loaded with inspirational insights that come from personal experience, this set of books is the most valuable purchase a debt-ridden reader can make.
www.daveramsey.com
Living Well on One Income: ...In a Two-Income World
by Cynthia Yates
Cynthia Yates shows readers how to enjoy life more but spend less--on one income. She presents ten habits that help readers to maintain the right attitude: a cheerful heart, discover their creative genius, live within their means. Abundant personal stories, amusing anecdotes, and practical ideas demonstrate strategic ways for readers to
www.cynthiayates.com
How to Start With No Savings and Get Rich ... Safely
by Stuart Moore
This book was new in the early 1990's. I found it to be an eye-opener at the time. For some who was brought up believing that wealth was "bad" or a symptom of greed, it provided a no-nonsense approach to saving and wealth accumulation for an Australian at that time. It served me well. Today, there are many more "sophisticated" books out there covering topics like personal/household budgeting, saving and investing. People should make their own judgement on such things but the basics remain valid at any time. In summation, a good example of sound financial advice for Australian in the 1990's.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
by Stephen R. Covey
One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for 25 years. It has transformed the lives of Presidents and CEOs, educators and parents— in short, millions of people of all ages and occupations.
www.stephencovey.com
Your Kids Can Master Their Money: Fun Ways to Help Them Learn How
by Ron and Judy Blue and Jeremy White
Current research tells us today's kids and teens don't know how to budget or spend wisely. They have purchasing influence, but they aren't prepared to handle money. Parents presume that their kids “get it” or that they are learning these skills in school. Yet kids still need parental guidance on how to manage money. Your Kids Can Master Their Money reveals key traits of financially wise people and gives parents tools to instill those traits in their children.
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