Helpful Tools

Here are few resources to help navigate a consciously frugal lifestyle. And no, none of them are expensive software packages you need to buy. Be sure to bookmark the tools you want to try!

Budget forms
1. Bankrate
2. BetterBudgeting
3. Jesus in the Mix: Dave Ramsey
4. And my personal favorite-an easy, Excel spreadsheet you can download and modify from Stowers Innovations (just click on "budget spreadsheet")

Savings
1. Emergency Fund Worksheet
2. Get the nation's highest annual percentage yield rates at: Emigrant Direct, HSBC Direct, and ING Direct

Kicking Debt
1. Know What You Owe
2. Pay if Off. I LOVE this worksheet and the "fastest, cheapest" repayment plan it provides!
3. Kicking it through the Payment Push Plan
4. Aka The Roll Down payment plan

Calculators
1. What will it take to pay off that debt?
2. The true cost of just paying the minimum balance on credit cards
3. Auto payment calculator
4. Wait, can you even afford that car?
5. Several helpful calculators on one page at Stowers Innovations

Buy Local & Support Sustainable Enterprises
1. Find your area Farmer's Market or CSA
2. Join the Slow Food movement for a healthier planet and stronger communities
3. Support Fair Trade merchants (while refraining from buying stuff you don't really need!)
4. Attend local events that celebrate the diverse cultural landscape of home
5. Find out what your community is doing to create democratic, community based wealth
6. Get involved in putting the brakes on mega retailers
7. Save energy and encourage alternative energy resources

Silly Stuff
1. What's your Money Personality?
2. Money Quiz: Do you know the basics?
3. Yet another Money Personality profile