Recommended tools
Tools that pair with the 12-step plan, grouped by what you are working on. Educational only — this is not financial advice, and no tool here is required to use the plan.
Top 5 FTC Disclosures — Clear. Honest. Transparent.
1. Affiliate Disclosure: We disclose that we may earn a commission when someone buys through our links, placed close to the link or recommendation.
Example: “Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.”
2. Financial / Educational Disclaimer: Our content is educational, not personalized financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Shown on every page with financial content.
Example: “The information provided by MY Consumer Compass is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.”
3. Results & Earnings Disclaimer: We never imply guaranteed results. Individual results vary. Shown on sales pages and anywhere we talk about money outcomes.
Example: “No income, savings, debt-reduction, or financial results are guaranteed. Examples and testimonials are provided for illustrative purposes and do not guarantee that you will achieve the same or similar results.”
4. Testimonials, Reviews & Endorsements: Any material connection — payment, free products, discounts, or affiliate relationships — is disclosed near the testimonial or review.
Example: “Testimonials reflect the individual experiences of the people providing them. Individual results vary. When a testimonial or recommendation involves compensation, free products, affiliate commissions, or another material relationship, that relationship will be disclosed.”
5. Pricing, Subscription, Cancellation & Refund Terms: Price, billing frequency, auto-renewal, cancellation terms, and refund policy are shown clearly before purchase and at checkout.
Example: “Your membership automatically renews at the stated monthly/yearly price unless canceled. You may cancel according to the cancellation terms shown at checkout. Please review our Refund Policy before purchasing.”
Disclosures are kept clear and conspicuous — easy to notice and understand. Source: Federal Trade Commission Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255). This is not legal advice.
See the full FTC compliance checklistBudgeting & Everyday Tools
Apps and services that make planning a paycheck, tracking spending, and cancelling money leaks easier.
Budgeting app
A simple app to plan each paycheck and see where the money actually goes.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Subscription canceller
Finds recurring charges you forgot about and helps you cancel them.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Receipt & spending tracker
For the 7-day track-every-penny stretch in the plan.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Savings & Banking
Accounts and tools for keeping your buffer separate from spending money — rates and terms vary, always read the fine print.
High-yield savings account
A separate account for your first $100, then $500, then one month of essentials.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Fee-friendly checking account
Helps you keep a small checking buffer without overdraft surprises.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Automatic savings tool
Moves a set amount on payday, before you get a chance to spend it.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Debt & Credit Help
Options for people working through overdue bills or paying down a balance. Educational only — not a recommendation to borrow.
Credit monitoring
See what is reporting before you call a company about an overdue account.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Debt payoff planner
Compare smallest-balance and highest-interest payoff orders.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nonprofit credit counseling
For hardship programs and payment plans when bills are already behind.
Recommendation coming soon. When a link is added here it may be an affiliate link — I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Working the plan first? Back to the 12-step plan.