The United First Financial people must be doing something right, because they've convinced thousands of Americans to spend $3500 (that is, finance $3500) on something they call a money merge account. In listening to the pitch, you're quickly convinced your $3500 ante is for software. No, not an entire computer money management system with a fancy little laptop and wide screen, loaded with all you'll ever need to let your mortgage make you rich.

Not even exactly software, but access to software by logging on through the Internet. That's all right, but…

I have to share with you this quote that came to me today through Google alerts. This is from Ted Batron:

Do something for me. Just a favor that will really help you more than me. Take your right hand, extend it out in front of you and look at your palm. Now, take that same hand and hit yourself in the head as hard as you can. Do this repeatedly while chanting "I will not buy stupid stuff, I will not buy stupid stuff". Don't you feel better?

The reality is you can accelerate your mortgage payoff - pay your entire mortgage in 8-10 years, depending upon your circumstances, of course - and even let your mortgage make you rich without any software at all.

I'm not against software. I'm using software right now - online software (free). But using software does not ensure you will pay off your house any sooner. The only thing that can ensure that is your own commitment to paying off your home years sooner. Having money helps, but that's not insurance.

Read Ted Batron's message again.