AboutJaynee Sasso Expertise I can answer questions about how to develop an effective budgeting strategy, rebuild & repair your credit, getting out of debt, developing a financial plan beyond paying bills, money & relationships and positioning yourself to experience a lifetime of financial success.
Experience Jaynee Sasso is founder and president of Faithful Assistants Inc, which is an online financial empowerment center. Sasso has been a licensed real estate agent for ten years and a broker for five years. As a foreclosure specialist, she helped families understand their options and helps them survive foreclosure and financial ruin.
Prior to founding Faithful Assistants Inc. Sasso worked as a licensed registered representative (Series 6 & 63 securities license) and life insurance representative for three years. It was during this time, as well as, her continuation in real estate that lead to the creation of her company. With all the financial difficulties facing Americans today she feels compelled to help them uncover the root of their financial problems and teach them the financial principles that would change their mindset first and ultimately their behavior.
Publications I currently have a financial column in the Urban Views Weekly newspaper. Please visit www.urbanviewsweekly.com You can also get more financial tips by visiting my blog at www.commonsensewaytowealth.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Sasso recently accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer of Mt Gilead Baptist Church in Newport News, VA. She attended Clark University in Worcester, MA and is an alumnus of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council & A Better Chance Inc., 1995. She also served as a member of the Short Hills BNI chapter and speaker for the Somerset County Coalition On Affordable Housing SCCOAH - Step by Step 1st time homebuyers program. She is the former host of the "Protect Your American Dream" radio broadcast featured on the WMCA 970 AM.
Question I've tried creating a budget using Excel, but it lacks the flexibility - or I do - to account for "monthly" bills versus weekly(or 28-days-in-a-month)paychecks.
Do you know what software out there is effective AND user friendly AND accounts for monthly bills versus four - or five one or two times a year - paychecks a month?
Answer Hi Patrick,
I must admit that I am not a great fan of any budgeting software. I prefer the good ole fashion method of pencil and paper. For most people a budget is merely the process of deducting a laundry list of expenses from their monthly income. This only gives you a snapshot of your cash flow after the "fact" but doesn't really allow you to play an active role in making a decision to reallocate those dollars when necessary. Rule #1 -you must assign a purpose to every dollar that comes into your hands. This process begins with you first identifying a goal for your monthly budget (pay off debt, save for a vacation, build an emergency fund etc). Every dollar that comes into your hands provides you with an opportunity to achieve a particular goal even if it is to purchase a tank of gas to get you back and forth to work.
With that said I only suggest using a budgeting software as a back up method but not to completely replace the pencil & paper method. The software is generally good for getting organized, creating sophisticated financial reports or graphs and to develop an easier tracking method of your spending behavior. I would suggest using www.mint.com for your budgeting needs. I have heard great things about Mint.com. However, not being to clear on the question you are asking I am not sure if this is what you are looking for. I would also suggest trying Quicken or Mvelopes.com are good as well. Mvelopes.com seems to allow you to be more "pro-active" in your finances as I had mentioned earlier.
I will be hosting several webinars about implementing effective budgeting strategies. Please visit and join our mailing list at www.commonsensewaytowealth.com to receive more info on our upcoming events.
