Takeaway: TechRepublic is gathering a collection of cost-control tools. Here are a few we already have available. Check them out and then send us tools you've created or just an idea.

Controlling costs is a daily struggle. We want to be your number one source of tools to help you win the battle. TechRepublic is gathering a collection of cost control tools and we're hoping you can help! Send us cost-control tools you've created—or simply an idea for such a tool—that provide quick information. If we publish a tool you've created, we'll send you $50. If we use your idea, we'll reward you with a TechRepublic t-shirt.

Available calculator tools from TechRepublic

To give you an idea of what we have in mind, here are a few of the cost control calculators that are currently available on TechRepublic:

• Square footage cost calculator
  This Excel spreadsheet can help you determine the current cost of your lease based on square footage as well as potential costs over the next five years.
• Hiring cost calculator
  The cost of a new hire amounts to more than just salary and benefits. This spreadsheet will help you determine everyone's contribution when deciding to bring someone on board.
• Systems downtime expense calculator
  This Excel spreadsheet will help you calculate a dollar value for the real costs of network downtime, including lost productivity.
• ROI calculator for hardware purchases
  This Excel spreadsheet will help you calculate ROI over the total life cycle of a hardware purchase.

Send us your cost-control tools

If you'd like to contribute to our archive of cost-control calculators, send us any tools you've created along with instructions for use. If you're in need of a cost-control tool, send us your idea. We'll pay you $50 if we publish your tool or, if we use your idea, we'll send you a TechRepublic t-shirt.