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Who would I go to for help with a budget and financial planning?

I've talked with several financial planners, but all they seem to be interested in is investing.

Someone who would sit down with me, look over everything coming in and how to plan a monthly "out" schedule.

I talked to our current finance guy (through our bank) and he's not willing to do that. There are many many things on the internet, but I'd feel better having someone sit down with me, and SHOW me (I learn better this way vs just doing it myself from scratch).

Is there such a person/service?

I would look at Dave Ramsey's website. I believe they have a 9-week class that is offered in most cities that many people have found very useful when it comes to budgeting and financial planning.

What lieshurt said x2

x3. He is very helpful.

x4

Some of it has a religious aspect to it, some of it is very extreme for some people, so it's a "take what you need and leave the rest" kind of thing. Excellent information.

Another one I have seen mentioned often is "youneedabudget.com"

You can try it for free and see if you like it before paying

x5

We went to one of his seminars years ago and have implemented his basic tools ever since.

Although our cc debt was always low, he showed us how to keep it at a zero balance and we have for the past 10 years. Our credit score is in the upper 700's and we owe no one anything (including our home)

We also set up our retirement planning/funds and haven't waivered from that either. No matter how tight things may be one month, we never fail to contribute to our retirement accounts.

Try it honey...it may really help you

[This message edited by SI Staff at 6:40 PM, August 6th (Tuesday)]

I agree, Dave Ramsey is great. Lots of churches host his financial peace workshops so check and see if there is one in your area. Also babycenter.com has a great family finance board where you can post your budget and questions and get good feedback

Most financial advisors don't do this type of thing. It sounds like you are looking for help more with the organization side of budgeting...making a functional plan.

I would suggest maybe looking for someone who does "life coaching" or maybe even talk to your IC about it, if you have one. They may be able to provide some help.

Thanks guys . I guess it's unanimous :

I poked around the Ramsey website, and found some seminars close to us in the future.

Did those that use his methods go to the seminars or just use the online tools offered?

unfound...

MH and I went to his one day (it was about 3 hours) seminar...it was very affordable and loaded with information.

We did purchase the workbook that outlines your retirement future and that really layed what we needed to do to get on the right track with 55-65 as our retirement age

The ones I'm seeing offered around here are every two weeks or so over 3 months. No option to just pick one of the classes .

I'm going to do some more digging into this and see what else might be available through DR.

[This message edited by unfound at 9:30 PM, August 6th (Tuesday)]

I just read his books. I really like his "envelope system". We are much more controlled with our money using that.

MH and I went to his one day (it was about 3 hours) seminar...it was very affordable and loaded with information.

I did the same thing. I highly recommend it.

He does sell his courses on his website, so you don't have to wait to take the classes if you don't want to.

Start with his books and the website. We also did Financial Peace University and a seminar. If you can do it, it's worth it

Where I live there is adult education classes that offer financial help. I know it's not the same as having someone come to you and sit down with you.

I have often thought of advertising on craigslist for someone to come over and help me learn about the computer, but I don't want "creepy" people and I know I shouldn't trigger but that is where my H got his uhmmm. But I still might do it.

Suze Orman

Mint website, this is free and fun has helped me tremendously. I have found financial leaks and realized I need to examine where I was rugsweeping/not being 100% honest with myself in regards to money.

These sites offer free personal financial classes:

Kahn Academy - awesome video tutorials on many different subjects

Gcf learn free

Academic earth

Academic Room

Open Culture

Coursera Org

Another vote for Dave Ramsey. His website used to have referrAls to counselors. and he has a radio show that is very motivating. Also podcasts. Best book : Total Money Makeover.

http://www.gailvazoxlade.com/

Here is a link to another terrific financial planner/counsellor Gail VazOxlade...she has a tv show and goes and helps people sort out their finances. Her website offers all kinds of excellant tools/help....check it out....