Hi, I’m Dr. Hadd — I make money math simple.
I’m a math professor who loves turning numbers into everyday wins: realistic budgets, clear debt plans, and calmer money choices. SmartBudgetingGuide is where I share the frameworks, templates, and step-by-step guides I use with students, friends, and families.
Why this site exists
Most people don’t need complicated finance. They need a plan that fits real life. I take a “explain with math, act with habits” approach—simple models first, then small changes you can keep.
- Practical first: short actions, fast wins.
- Math-backed: clear numbers, no fluff.
- Kind to your time: templates that do the heavy lifting.
What you’ll find here
Budgeting Tips
Zero-based, 50/30/20, and envelope methods—clear examples + free spreadsheets.
Debt Solutions
Snowball vs. avalanche, interest math, payoff timelines, and ready-to-use scripts.
Financial Planning
Emergency funds, sinking funds, saving rates, and goals you’ll keep.
Budget-Friendly Recipes
Groceries that respect your budget—quick, family-tested meals with unit-price notes.
My story (short version)
- Math professor: years of teaching probability, statistics, and modeling.
- Helper by habit: I built simple budgeting sheets for students and friends.
- SmartBudgetingGuide: I turned those tools into guides so anyone can use them.
How I work
- Define the problem in one sentence.
- Model it with the simplest math that works.
- Choose the next action that cuts the most friction.
- Automate or template so it stays easy.
- Review quickly and improve in small steps.
I keep affiliate links minimal and label them clearly. Content is educational, not financial advice.
Free tools & templates
- Budget Starter Sheet — one-page setup with categories that fit real life.
- Debt Payoff Tracker — snowball & avalanche side-by-side with payoff dates.
- Grocery Price Book — unit-price tracker for smarter shopping.
FAQ
Is this financial advice?
No. I provide education and tools so you can make your own informed decisions.
Can I use your templates for my class or team?
Yes—please link back to SmartBudgetingGuide. For custom versions, contact me.
Where should I start?
Begin with Budgeting Tips and the Budget Starter Sheet.