Every card runs in the same order: the moment, what to say, what to say if they push, what to ask for, and what to write down afterwards. Here are four cards, shortened for this page.
CARD B-1 · ASKED TO LEND
The Same-Answer Rule
Say no once, kindly, and the same way every time.
THE MOMENT
Someone you care about asks to borrow money, and your stomach has already answered.
SAY THIS
“I’m not able to lend money. I’m sorry. If it’s serious, I’ll sit with you while you call a free advice line.”
IF THEY PUSH
“My answer will be the same tomorrow. I’d rather say so now than keep you waiting.”
ASK FOR
Nothing in writing for a no. If you change your mind and lend, card B-2 has the note you both sign.
IF IT HAS TEETH
If they are in real trouble, free debt help exists: MoneyHelper or Citizens Advice (UK); an NFCC nonprofit credit counselor (US).
CARD C-1 · RENT GOING UP
The News-Not-Notice Rule
Without the figure, the date and the clause, it’s news, not notice.
THE MOMENT
A letter, a text or a word on the stairs: the rent is going up.
SAY THIS
“Thank you for letting me know. Please send me the new amount in writing, with the date it starts and the part of the agreement that allows it, or the notice the law requires.”
IF THEY PUSH
“I’m not refusing. I’m reading. I’ll reply once I have it in writing.”
ASK FOR
The new amount, the start date and the clause or legal notice that allows it, all in writing.
IF IT HAS TEETH
Don’t stop paying while you check. Before the new date, ask free help which amount to pay. UK: Citizens Advice or Shelter. US: free legal aid, via LawHelp.org, or your state attorney general’s consumer protection office.
CARD D-1 · A FEE I DON’T KNOW
The Show-Me Rule
Happy to pay what I agreed. Show me where I agreed to this.
THE MOMENT
A charge on a bill or statement that nobody mentioned.
SAY THIS
“Before I pay this, can you tell me what the fee is for, which line of my agreement allows it, and whether it can be removed?”
IF THEY PUSH
“I’m happy to pay what I agreed to. Show me where I agreed to this.”
ASK FOR
The answer in writing, or the name of the person who gave it.
IF IT HAS TEETH
Complain to the firm in writing first. For a bank, card or loan: the Financial Ombudsman Service (UK) or the CFPB (US). For anything else: Citizens Advice (UK) or your state consumer protection office (US). Paid by card? Tell your card company in writing soon, and ask how long you have.
CARD E-1 · SOMEONE AT THE DOOR
The Doorstep Rule
Nothing is bought on the doorstep.
THE MOMENT
A friendly stranger on the step, with a clipboard or a leaflet and a very good reason to come in.
SAY THIS
“Thank you, but I don’t buy anything at the door. Please put your company’s name and details through the mail slot, or leave them on the step.”
IF THEY PUSH
“If it’s only good for today, it isn’t for me. Good afternoon.”
ASK FOR
Their name, their company’s name and written details. Nothing signed, nothing paid.
CARBON · KEEP THIS ONE
The top copy goes to them. This one is yours. Afterwards you write down the date, their name and what they said, word for word.
DateNameWhat they said
Four of the file’s cards, shortened for this page. The full file has the rest, with a second push and a note on each. These words buy you time and get things in writing; they can’t promise anyone says yes.
SUPPLEMENT 3HOW TO USETODAY
INSTRUCTIONS
Thirty seconds, then you go in
Find the moment. By tab, or by how it feels: there is an index for that, for the day you can’t name it.
Say the SAY THIS line once to yourself before you go in. Then say it to them, and stop. Let them answer.
If they push, use the second line. Then ask for it in writing.
Afterwards, write it down. The date, the name and their words, in the Carbon Book at the back. Print the Carbon edition for a paper set, and cut out the purse cards.
Real pages from the file, shown smaller than life. Tap one to read it large.
SUPPLEMENT 4EDITIONSTODAY
ONE FILE, TWO PRINTINGS
One for the pocket, one for the desk
The same cards, letters and pad, in two shapes
Detail
The Top Copy
The Carbon
Made for
Your phone
Your printer
Shape
Phone-shaped pages, the words you say always on a card’s first screen
A5 pages, white, easy on ink. Prints two-up on A4 or US Letter
Pages
153
92
Best at
Finding the words while the other person is still talking
A paper set on the desk, and purse cards to cut out
Both are bookmarked, with live links from the contents and from every card back to its tab.
SUPPLEMENT 5SITUATIONSTODAY
SITUATIONS, SORTED BY THE MOMENT YOU NEED THEM
Thirty-six cards in six tabs
A In the room
They want an answer now
“It’s just the standard form”
They’re talking over you
The extras at the counter
You want to leave the room
You said yes and you’re having doubts
B Family and friends
Asked to lend, and you’d rather not
Asked to lend, and you will
They haven’t paid you back
Asked to be a guarantor or co-sign
The dinner you can’t afford to split
A friend’s “opportunity”
C Home and rent
The rent is going up
Repairs that keep not happening
Getting your deposit back
A holding fee, today
The roommate who hasn’t paid their share
Buying: the survey or inspection found a problem
D Bills and fees
A fee I don’t know
The renewal price jumped
They won’t let you cancel
Charged after you canceled
Asking for your money back
A bill you can’t pay this month
E Being sold to
Someone at the door
A call about your bank, money or pension
Someone wants your PIN, card or login
The hot tip
The upgrade in monthly payments
The discount for deciding now
F Work and pay
Asked to work for free
An invoice is late
Your pay is wrong
More work, same pay
A new contract at work
Expenses you’ve paid yourself
At the back
Openers. Eight ways to go first.
Twelve letters, ready to send.
The Telephone Pad.
The Seven Lines.
Purse cards to cut out.
SUPPLEMENT 6TYPING POOLTODAY
AI image
By Maureen Pike, 79. Once a 1960s typist. Maureen is an AI character; the habits are real.
Why a carbon copy
I started out typing other people’s contracts. The clients who came out well asked for everything in writing, took it home before they signed, and kept a copy.
The cards help with the first two. The Carbon Book at the back is for the third.
If they won’t explain it, don’t sign it.
SUPPLEMENT 7QUERIESTODAY
ANSWERS, WITHOUT BYLINES
Notes and queries
Who dictated this?
I did, though I’m an AI character, made to teach the paperwork. The words in the file are written to be read and said out loud by real people.
Is it from a lawyer?
No. It’s education about wording and paperwork, not financial advice, and not legal or tax advice either. If your situation is serious, take it to free help: MoneyHelper or Citizens Advice in the UK, a nonprofit NFCC credit counselor in the US. For Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the free services are listed at the back of the file and at the foot of this page.
What arrives?
A PDF you download and keep, in two editions: The Top Copy, for reading on your phone, and The Carbon, for printing. Inside are 36 situation cards in six tabs, each with the exact words, what to say if they push, what to get in writing and what to note afterwards.
Which countries is it for?
The US, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The words are plain English and travel well. Where the rules differ, a card names where to check in the UK or the US. In Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, turn to the notes at the back of the file: they list your free money and advice services, and so does the foot of this page.
When does it go on sale?
Not yet. Press any Buy button and a stop-press slip drops in to say so. When checkout opens, that note will change first, and I’ll post on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook the same day.
SUPPLEMENT 8LATE FINALTODAY
THE FILE ITSELF
Read it tonight. Say it tomorrow.
ITEM
The Carbon Copy File, by Maureen Pike
FORMAT
PDF, in two editions: for the phone, and for the printer (92 A5 pages)
INSIDE
36 cards in six tabs, eight Openers, twelve letters, a telephone pad, the Seven Lines and purse cards
PRICE
$12, paid once
$12
Digital download. Education, not advice. Read the terms before you buy.
Checkout opens soon. Press Buy and the slip will say so. Nothing is charged today.
AI image