Beginner Budget & Net-Worth Spreadsheet
$19
Free 5-Day Money Bootcamp
Your first money move starts today.
In 30 days, go from “I don’t know where to start” to a working budget, a starter emergency fund, and your first investment, one move at a time.
Start the free Bootcamp →
Free. Enter your email on the next page to get Day 1. One email a day for 5 days, then a weekly money move. Unsubscribe anytime.
- One small action at a time
- Plain English, no jargon
- No shame, no hype
- 10 to 20 minutes a day
Start Today Calculator
Enter your numbers to see what your money could grow to by age 65.
QQQ (NASDAQ-100) returned about 16% a year with dividends reinvested, Oct 2006 to Oct 2026.
Projected total at 65
$0
You put in: $0
Growth: $0
No guarantees: past performance doesn't predict future results. The most important thing is that you start, whether the return turns out to be 10, 12, 15, or 20 percent.
The return rate is an assumption you choose, not a guarantee. Actual results vary, and investments can lose value. This calculator ignores taxes, fees, and inflation. For educational purposes only, not financial advice.
Seen your number? Make your first move.
The free Bootcamp walks you through five small steps this week.
Send me Day 1 →
Free. Enter your email on the next page to get Day 1. One email a day for 5 days, then a weekly money move. Unsubscribe anytime.
How it works: 5 moves
Learn a little, then do one thing. That’s the whole method.
- 1
Make a simple budget
See where your money goes using three buckets: needs, wants, and future.
- 2
Build a starter emergency fund
A $500 cushion first, saved automatically, so surprises don't become debt.
- 3
Check for free money
Find out if your employer matches retirement savings and what it takes to get it.
- 4
Understand your accounts
Learn what a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, and IRA are in plain English.
- 5
Make your first investment
Learn how index funds work, set your own rules, and make your first contribution, if you choose to.
The 30-Day First Steps Challenge
One action a day for 30 days, in four weeks: get clear, build a safety net, learn investing basics, and make your move.
Monthly
$9/month
- 30-Day First Steps Challenge
- Checklists and templates
- Monthly live Q&A
- Community and archive
Founding members: $59/yr
Annual
$79/year
- Everything in Monthly
- Save over 25%
- 20% off all products
Starter tools
Simple templates and guides to make each move easier.
Emergency Fund & Debt Payoff Planner
$19
“Your First Investment” Guide (PDF)
$29
The Starter Bundle (all three)
$49
Why we built this
Started by Mike, a veteran who learned the money basics the hard way. Big creators explain money. We help you actually do it, one clear move at a time.
Questions
Do I need money to start?
No. The Bootcamp is free, and many of the first moves cost nothing: listing your accounts, checking where your money went, and finding out if your employer offers a match.
I'm not young. Is it too late?
No. Whatever your age, the best day to make your first move is the one in front of you. The calculator lets you put in your own numbers.
Will you tell me what to invest in?
No. We teach how things work, like what an index fund is and how to read fees, so you can make your own choices. We never give stock picks or personal advice.
How much time does it take?
About 10 to 20 minutes a day during the challenge. The free weekly email takes a few minutes to read, plus one small action.
Can I cancel the paid membership?
Yes, anytime. Monthly is $9; annual is $79 (founding members $59/yr).
Is this financial advice?
No. Everything here is general education. For decisions about your specific situation, talk with a qualified, licensed professional.