“I’m terrible in math” or “I’m poor with numbers”, how many times have you heard the financially frustrated people always using the very same excuse over and over again?  Putting the blame on one’s lack in basic math skills on their failure in managing their expenses is very lame. First off, because financial planning doesn’t have to be that complicated unless you are some big time entrepreneur or when you just got a huge inheritance from Uncle Bob. Especially in the 21^st century, and with the advent of the World Wide Web approaching its maximum usability for all varying people and for all types of needs.

Mexican Carlos Slim Helu, now the world’s richest guy, may not have even remembered his high school algebra (I’m just guessing, but whoever loves algebra anyway?), but look where he sits rights now (just on top of Forbe’s Top Billionaires List — wow!). How the self-made billionaire made huge success from running American Movil, now the largest mobile phone business in Latin America is owed greatly from his focus and strong will to ensure his investments are on the right track. He said it himself, “When you live for others’ opinions, you are dead. I don’t want to live thinking about how I’ll be remembered”. He claims not to give much interest about his ranking on any billionaire’s list. He’s the kind of guy who goes out and do what he thinks he should to make sure his money is where it should be and growing as how it should. But he made it to the top of the list anyhow.

So, you’re not Carlos Slim Helu, you’re not an algebra geek either, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be capable of getting a grip of your finances. Before computers were invented, maybe you’re out of luck. But with technology and modern apps now beyond imagination, what excuse do you have left? If you’re mathematically challenged, the tons of online tools and applications you can find to help make financial management so much easier for you. It doesn’t mean you’re required to download every program you come across the World Wide Web. Here are a few ideas for you to start off:

Online Calculators. There is a calculator practically for everything now. You want to buy a house? There are free online mortgage calculators on the internet that will help you figure out the most expensive house you can afford. Just type in your annual income, the amount of down payment you are willing to put out, the interest rate, the term of the hoe loan and its % – - – and you get the results in 3 seconds! No kidding! You can do the same for the dream car you’ve been dying to buy for the last 5 years. Let a free online Car Loan Calculator help you figure out the monthly payment you should be looking at. These kinds of things help you make better financial decisions, recognize where you stand versus the goals you have set, etc.

Retirement plans become more realistic when employing tools such as a free Retirement Calculator. Just put in your current age, current savings, desired retirement age, desired retirement income and other pertinent details – - – and you get a picture of how things will be when you reach 65. At least you can do it in the comfort of your home, and you don’t have to lie to anyone about how much you really make and have set aside in the bank.

Work on savings $$ on your gas expenses might need a little help from Gas Savings Calculator. If you smoke a lot and want to cut back on your cigarette spending, check out online Cigarette Savings Calculator and see how much money you are throwing away or how much you could have saved up for the past 30 years of smoking. Could have cost you a new home. You daily pleasure of having a cup of Starbucks and no other coffee brand (see related article) could cost you thousands of money down the drain every single year. Try this calculator to check out how much you could have saved when you make your coffee at home.

Online Banking Tools. Whoever made online banking possible is a true genius. The convenience is just amazing. It spares me from having to wait in line in the bank, I could get to pay my bills really quick, and since I don’t need to go to the bank, it means a lot of savings for me in terms of gas expenses. When the concept of online banking started, I was already amazed with how I can track my expenses. It helps me better understand why my money is moving in the direction it is heading. I do my banking with Wells. And their “Online Spending Report” feature is just so remarkable that I feel like having my personal secretary or online adviser. You see, their report allows you to monitor your monthly income and spending at a glance because your deposits and expenditures are categorized automatically. The report lists all purchases made with your Wells Fargo Credit Card, Check Card and Online Bill Pay Service as well as any deposits made to your Wells Fargo accounts – so you can see exactly where your money goes each month. You can see an overview of your cash inflow versus the outflow – - – showing you how much you spend on gas, groceries, entertainment, insurance, phone bills and other monthly expenses. You also get to check your 12-month average and see which expenses get the biggest slice out of your savings, whether its electronic payments, checks written, cash advances, cash withdrawals, healthcare, utilities or travel.

Now, they allow users to create a ‘Budget Watch’ which tracks every dollar you spend so you always know how close you are to meeting your budget goals – you can even monitor your progress with optional email alerts. Their features are flexible, allowing account holders to choose which accounts to track, create monthly goals, track spending in key categories and so much more. They also have add-ons like Helpful Budget Tips among the many. That’s with Wells Fargo, Bank of America and other banks work kinda the same.

Online Personal Financial Planner Programs. Now, there are many sites around the internet that helps assist investors in obtaining a general idea of one’s finances and benchmark one’s progress in terms of his money growth (or otherwise). A session with a financial adviser, depending on the kind of work you need from him, could cost hundreds to several thousands. But guess what? These places I am telling you about would cost you N-O-T-H-I-N-G. You heard me right, these programs are free. Though some may cost some few bucks, but places like Voyant, SIMPLIFI and ESPlanner Basic are free yet very efficient. They may not replace the personalized service of a financial planner, but they are generally helpful.

There’s More Out There. There is a FREE tool for almost everything you need to help you in your financial planning. Just Google it, and you have it. From Fitness Savings, Personal Wealth Estimators, Social Security Benefit Calculator, Monthly Planning Calendars and Online Business Planners, you will be spoilt for choices as to which would make your financial planning so much more convenient. You don’t really have to use them all if you don’t need it. But there’s no more excuse on not straightening out your finances. Read more of Save.net’s posts, ‘til next time!