2009 has been an exciting year for us here at MoneyDesktop. Our company launched a software program that not only lets you track your personal finances, it also eliminates debt. With the average American household carrying over $9,000 in credit card debt our product has been able to help many save on interest and get out of debt.
We’ve been inspired by Chris Anderson’s book Free to try a give away of our product for ‘Cyber Monday’. The first five hundred to signup with the promo code [EDIT: This promotion has expired, thanks to all our new users!]. No credit card required. It’s our $200 gift to you. All that we ask is that you please use our product to save yourself from wasting thousands more servicing debts.
Thanks for giving us a great year.
photo credit: alancleaver_2000
30.Nov.09 
Debt Free 
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Of the million Americans that filed for bankruptcy, an overwhelming majority of them were employed and making less than $30k a year.
28.Oct.09 Debt Free Comments (0)
This Wednesday, October 28th, at 7pm a MoneyDesktop Founder will be providing a second free seminar on personal debt elimination and home finances. There will be no obligation to purchase anything or to endure any high pressure sales.
The public is invited to attend, the event is being held at on the ground floor of: 251 W. Riverpark Way, Provo UT, 84606.
photo credit: Rafiq Phillips
16.Oct.09 Debt Free Comments (2)
With recent announcements that the US unemployment rate is the highest we’ve seen in 26 years, it is likely little consolation to know that professional athletes are being paid much much more than the average employed.
The Miami Herald notes:
Since the recession began in December 2007, the number of unemployed Americans has risen from 7.6 million to 15.1 million. The unemployment rate has doubled to 9.8 percent – the highest since June 1983 – rising another tenth of a percentage point in September.
It was a lousy report from top to bottom, with the average workweek for production and nonsupervisory jobs falling slightly to 33 hours in September. That number should be going up in an economic recovery.
Fun times for the employed and unemployed alike.
02.Oct.09 Debt Free Comments (0)
MoneyDesktop received mention in the press this morning. Click here to see us on Yahoo! News.
Here’s an excerpt:
Most financial management programs focus only on the past, allowing users to see the mistakes that were made but failing to provide insight on the current situation. MoneyDesktop helps users identify their immediate financial needs and prepare for the future.
In addition to the budgeting features traditionally included in financial planning software, MoneyDesktop offers new ways for the everyday user to take advantage of saving strategies. Their collection of expert tools helps users manage their financial future by running interest-comparison scenarios, evaluating the impact of potential purchases, or applying one of many debt management techniques.
MoneyDesktop is also the only personal financial management program to offer:
* Debt prioritization. Users save on interest and get out of debt sooner by sorting their bills by greatest priority.
* Mortgage acceleration. The included mortgage acceleration suite, sold elsewhere for $3,500 or more, helps homeowners pay off their home loans in half or even a third of the time.
* Money-saving incentives. Discounts on utilities and shopping deals let users save even more.
“There are a lot of financial planning programs out there,” said MoneyDesktop President Seth Risenmay. “But, we wanted to create something different. MoneyDesktop not only helps clients see where their money is going, it helps them make smart financial decisions.”
photo credit: dno1967
13.Jul.09 Debt Free Comments (0)
According to a Harvard study, more than half of US bankruptcies are a result from medical debt. Surprisingly, more than three-quarters of those that suffer bankruptcy carried medical insurance when their illness was first discovered.
Reducing medical expenses whether one carries insurance or not can have a major impact on your accumulation of debt. Living debt-free means finding cheaper sources of medical care.
Here are five ways of obtaining cheaper prescription drugs:
- Walmart sells a wide assortment of prescription drugs for $4.
- Target also maintains a substantial list of $4 prescription drugs.
- Kroger affiliated grocery stores offer a number of $4 drugs, along with a number of $10 ones. In addition, they will price match Walmart and Target’s $4 prescriptions.
- Kmart offers hundreds of low cost prescriptions starting at $5.
- TogetherRXAccess gives substantial discounts on prescriptions to make drugs more affordable for those with qualifying incomes.
30.Jun.09 Debt Free Comments (0)
Summer is a popular time to move and with the economy significantly shifting, it can be an excellent time to re-negotiate your current lease or move into a better deal. According to the Bureau of Labor, the average American family spends 33% of their income on housing.
Reducing the amount spent on rent can have a significant effect on the household budget.
Demand for apartments is falling in many regions throughout the United States, which means rent is increasingly negotiable. Remember, it never hurts to ask.
Here are ten ways to get a good rate in this ‘renter’s market’:
- Sell yourself to the landlord. The primary factor landlords may screen tenants by is their financial ability to pay rent. A well dressed renter that clearly demonstrates their financial means and solid rental history will be perceived as a better deal for the landlord.
- Come prepared with job references. A stable employee is a stable renter. Other signs of financial responsibility, such as owning a home or having managed property can also work in your favor.
- Take advantage of your credit score. Many landlords will accept a printout from CreditKarma as a (free) means of demonstrating a solid score. This may even allow you to negotiate down your security deposit or application fee.
- Do research. Always find comparable properties on Craigslist, or any other rental listing service. If you’re able to demonstrate that the market rate is declining, you may be able to negotiate a lease BELOW market.
- Be willing to budge. The art of negotiation is a balance of give and take. Your landlord may offer to slash rent $50 a month in return for mowing the lawn or performing other maintenance.
- Consider multiple locations. Some landlords may not negotiate, but looking at multiple properties will allow you to locate those with motivation to lease the property. Landlords trying to rent older homes will be more willing to work with a good tenant than a large apartment complex or management company.
- Watch out for foreclosures. If you know the property is facing foreclosure, you may be able to negotiate a month-to-month lease at an amazing rate. This strategy can be risky so be extra wary of giving security deposits or making long term leases on pre-foreclosed properties.
- Offer to manage. Managing an apartment complex can be a headache, but it brings with it a heavy reduction in the amount of rent paid.
- Everything is negotiable. If the landlord refuses to budge on the monthly rent amount, try to negotiate for the first month’s rent free. Often landlords are willing to negotiate on the amount of utilities paid, the appliances or other furnishings, or a free month’s rent after the first year.
- Look during an off-season. Demand for rentals tends to be high during the fall, particularly in areas with universities. Try to look when vacancy is high, such as during the summer when most students head home.
Some landlord’s may try to discourage you from negotiation by insisting that doing so is illegal discrimination. While it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against a protected class in selecting a tenant, it is not illegal for a landlord to lower rent, offer incentives, or give discounts. Most landlords will be willing to negotiate with a financially responsible tenant.
29.Jun.09 Debt Free Comments (0)
