I wasn't taught about money growing up, other than a single quote my mum taught me:"Neither a borrower nor a lender be"It's a piece of advice famously given by Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet. For my mum, it was a rule to live by, but for me, it wasn't quite enough to navigate the modern world. When I was introduced to credit cards, things went badly wrong.
I eventually faced a major life change—bankruptcy and divorce—to fix the mess. That "midlife hiccup" was a wake-up call. Since then, budgeting has been the cornerstone of my life. It's the tool that gave me back control.
I want to retire comfortably, and given my history, I know I have to do it right. I'm certain I'm not alone in that goal. I built Helpful Money to share the tools and principles I use to navigate my own financial recovery and growth.
While this site also serves as a demonstration of my skills as a software developer, its primary purpose is to provide genuine, practical value to anyone who wants to take their financial future seriously.
My dad tried every "get rich quick" scheme under the sun. They didn't work. I've chosen a different path—one built on ancient principles like compounding interest and careful, disciplined investing.
"Start thy purse to fattening."
The lessons from The Babylon Series aren't just old stories; they are fundamental truths. I believe in the power of ancient wisdom made actionable through modern technology. For those just starting, the 7 Cures for a Lean Purse is my recommended starting point.
As a software developer and, admittedly, a bit of a control freak, I wanted to understand exactly how these financial calculations worked. Building the tools myself allowed me to deepen my own understanding of the math behind mortgages, pensions, and budgets.
By building them from scratch, I can ensure they stay simple, transparent, and focused on what actually matters: helping you make better decisions.
Authenticity builds trust. This is my journey, and these are my tools. I hope they help you on yours.