Shameless Plug: That Dreaded ‘B-Word’
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One of the problems of promoting something like CYMnow.com is that you almost inevitably have to mention the word “budget.”
I don’t like the word either, because it has so many “negative” connotations: control, restrictions, having no fun, etc.
All right then, call it a “spending plan” (no, that’s not original).
About.com’s Deborah Fowles has an article on how to set one up in 1-3 hours and provides a link to a form to help you do that. The article is well-written and well-intentioned, and I never want to be seen as denigrating that.
She emphasizes that the first time around, any attempt to get a “spending plan” going will require some revisiting. One also has to acknowledge other real-world difficulties Ms. Fowles did not mention. Here are just a few:
- You have to print out the form and write out all numbers long-hand;
- There aren’t spaces, or enough spaces, for other items;
- You have to do all the math (addition, multiplication, etc.);
- Any revisions made will force you to redo the math;
- It doesn’t do anything with debt balances, only recognizing the need to record required payments.
For $15 a year, CYMnow.com overcomes all of those shortcomings, lets you save your work for later revision, and much more. You really go beyond budgeting and a spending plan to a true “control system” which we refer to as “MIF” (Monthly, Irregular, Flexible; the “MIF System” IS original).
How can that NOT be worth $15?
