Michael Grenier

Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Michael R. Grenier. And I had a book in me that just needed to come out. Help Your Savings Grow: Money Management for the Unemployed.

The basis of the book is to manage savings to last through unemployment. That simple statement encompasses two areas I know very well from experience: unemployment and money management.

During my professional career, I have been "riffed" (reduction in force), I saw my employer's business close, and I've even been laid off over the phone. In the exception of the last case, I and my coworkers saw it coming, but when it actually happens, it's a tough pill to swallow. Involuntarily leaving a job leaves us with a huge hole to fill. And it takes time, soul searching, and sometimes training to find the next step.

In unemployment periods I automatically go back into my frugal ways. As I explain in the budgeting section of my book, I was raised poor. In spite of my father's lower income, our family always had decent clothing, plenty of good food, reliable and well-maintained cars, and everything else we needed. All bills were paid on time, and there was also a savings account. This was all possible because my mother was an excellent money manager, and she imparted this great skill to me.

Although my life is certainly more abundant than those of my parents, I never ventured very far from those money management principles my mother taught me. I did learn a few lessons along the way, including experiencing the vicious spiral of credit card use and the hardship of getting out of debt. Later as my income rose, I continued to live well below my means. I have always been interested in saving money; both in reducing expenditures and in capital appreciation.

Having lived on unemployment compensation, I know it doesn't cover all of the bills. I know the anguish each time I have to dip into savings, and I feel the pain when I look at my statements and see diminishing balances. That's why I decided to do more than just think about this book; I want to help others in the same situation.

I have a long memory. I remember the economic downturns of the 70s, the stock market crash of the late 80s, and the recessions of the early 90s. I also remember the oil and gasoline shortages and the long lines at the pumps. We were blasted with all kinds of ads to conserve fuel. We all survived, and maybe some of us learned a few lessons in the process. But we haven't had any severe economic downturns in a long time, so many people haven't experienced anything like this, or they've forgotten.

I drew on my past, my frugal side, and my recent experiences of unemployment to write this book. Writing is not exactly the correct word; a better term is flowing. After I created the outline, I would simply sit at the computer and thought after thought came out. During these sessions, time vanished - I was engaged and engrossed in what I was doing. The result is 60,000 words of affirmation, help and forward thinking.

I also envision more than just this book. The first half of the title, "Help Your Savings" lends itself to an entity on its own. As a matter of fact, I own the domain for it. "Help Your Savings" can become a series of books, not just for the unemployed. I can see a version for retirees and others living on a fixed income, one for those who want to be more frugal, and possibly even a "green" version. The unemployment version is about preservation of capital in addition to reducing costs, but the other versions can delve into long-term investments for future savings.

Yes, this is my first book, and no, I don't have a literary resume. I do, however, have a book with potential to help millions who are without jobs. I invite you to read the book, and when done, feel free to give me your feedback.

I truly appreciate your time and consideration.