Cool Free Downloads

Thumb's Up What's a "Cool Free Download?" It's cool (and very useful) if it makes you think, helps you plan, provides you with new and unique information, helps assist you with solving problems, or simply makes you smile. We're always looking for worthy, useful and interesting articles, materials, lists, worksheets, and information to put in front of you. You need not have Personal Safety Net expertise or knowledge to enjoy a Download - our aim is to cover the bases of life's challenges.

Most of the Downloads are in PDF format and can be read or printed by you at your convenience. Very rarely will we take you to another site to read a Download - but if we do (as in the case of our story: 8000 Free College Courses) then you'll see: it's worth it!

We try to cover a wide variety of subjects and needs with the Downloads - from planning to send your child to college, to planning for a new roommate, to getting prepared for retirement. We also provide supplemental pages to our book and workbook - for those of you want to keep current on Safety Net trends and knowledge. We're also continually adding new Downloads - so check back from time to time. We also take suggestions, so feel free to write or send us your suggestions.

The (Lost) Art of Asking for Help #2

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In her book Mayday! Asking for Help in Times of Need (Berrett-Koehler, 2007), M. Nora Klaver, a Chicago-based master coach, explains The Mayday! Process - a seven-step approach to making sure your "askings" for help and assistance are transmitted with both strength and clarity, on target and complete - we've taken the liberties to add a few steps!

Download - The Lost Art of Asking for Help 2.pdf

The (Lost) Art of Asking for Help #1

It's important to know - first - when asking for help, a "no" most frequently says something about the folks who are saying it rather than about the person who has asked for help. Remember that - first and foremost!

Unfortunately for many, asking for help translates into a mayday call for help that is not made at all, or only made when there is almost no other choice.

But the good news is that you can learn to ask for help. We've found an author that helps you see that it can be a fairly simple act. But first, you've got to debunk some common cultural myths.

Download - The Lost Art of Asking for Help.pdf

When the Kids Come Home From College

How do parents and young adults effectively readjust to living in the nest together? Though you have missed your little cherubs, their return can cause the nest to topple. The Seven Keys to Peace and Harmony, and a lot of communication will help you get through it.

Download - When the Kids Come Home From College.pdf

How New College Graduates Can Build Security

Often "security" advise to college graduates deals specifically with learning about managing personal finances, taking immediate steps to budget and save, and maintaining those good habits. This is such advise - but with an addition: five other must-do tips.

Download - How New College Graduates Can Build Security.pdf

Random Acts of Kindness - The New Health Food

Created by Rebecca Matson, Marketing Coordinator of The Caring Presence, Random Acts of Kindness - The New Health Food (in PDF format) is a truly great and fairly complete summation of the relationship of kindness and health - complete with research, stories and ideas. It's a great place to get started and to learn about the benefits of "kindness."

Download - Acts of Kindness - The New Health Food.pdf

Giving Hope

How do we help others to see and find hope? It's not all that hard if you have a plan and find a way to get involved. Read about the essential story of having and being part of a Personal Safety Net.

Download - Giving Hope.pdf

Explaining the New Health Care Reform

So much information about Health Care - what's true and what's not? We're not here to comment on the legislation but rather to help you gather the facts. We've found great sources of information that will tell you the truth, along with an excellent timeline for the legislation. A PDF is attached that gives you a complete 13 page summary. Happy reading.

Download - Summary of Health Care Bill.pdf

Hope - The Inner Fire

What are the attitudes and behaviors that have helped survivors? Two doctors provide us a description, along with a rationale of why hope is most important from a patient standpoint. Find out why there is no tonic as powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow.

Download - Hope - The Inner Fire.pdf

10 Ways for Families to Foster Hope

Here's a simple set of items to help you and your family build very positive skills. You can take one and make it the family activity for the week, or you can provide positive feedback every time your famiy hits on one of these methods. In any case, you'll be better for following along.

Download - 10 Way for Families to Foster Hope.pdf

How Old You Feel Depends on Your Age

A recent survey that found most adults over 50 feel at least 10 years younger than their actual age, while one-third of those between 65-74 felt 10 to 19 years younger, and one-sixth of people over 75 and older felt 20 years younger. And while we feel young, we also want to think young: On average, survey respondents said old age begins at 68. Those under 30 said old age begins at 60, but those over 65 said "not so fast" - old age begins at 75. Read more on this survey.

Download - How Old You Feel Depends on Your Age.pdf