With all the things that have been going on, I’ve been swamped and doing nothing but playing catch up. And it all started with Ike! Since Ike, I’ve been busier than ever at work and with the concern of the bailout, the workload has taken my back into full-time work with the credit union. Fortunately for me, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I took the weekend off from the credit union to catch up, and let me tell you, that’s been a big help!
First, I must apologize to anyone that has included mine or Jonathan’s articles this week in their roundups or carnivals. I’ve been having some technological difficulties and I haven’t been able to see the incoming links. So, if you included us this week, thank you very much! I’m sorry I can’t thank you properly and link back! However, technological difficulties or no, I have been able to read this week and there’s some great stuff out there.
- J.D. at Get Rich Slowly made an interesting discovery today. His credit card agreement is about 63 pages in book form! Good grief! I’m not that technical with the paperwork and I work in the financial industry, but I agree with J.D. on the nightmare that will be reading and understanding the agreement!
- Living Almost Large talks about having a debt destiny. It comes to this, and LAL is absolutely right, American’s have a debt problem, and it isn’t just with credit cards. We start justifying the money we spend on things like cars, homes, and even loans for one thing or another and then we wonder why we’re in debt. Very good piece, it really got me thinking!
- No Debt Plan talks about how he stuck with his investment plan, even when the market tanked after the House rejected the first bailout plan. I’ve said it before, investments are for the long-term. They are not meant to be short-term vehicles, you will lose money that way. But, historically speaking, while the stock market has produced some pretty low returns in hard times, the overall performance has far exceeded that of a savings or CD. I’m just saying.
- Madoline over at Our Fourpence Worth has a very interesting article on aerosol air fresheners. Ok, ok. I know this isn’t technically about finances, but there were some great frugal tips in there. What caught my attention is that I’m poisoning my cats. Yes, I’m guilty of using air fresheners. I especially like the Glade White Tea and Water Lily. It’s my absolute favorite because I LOVE the smell of lilies. So, I’ll be getting rid of the air fresheners and I suggest those of you with kids or pets check out Madoline’s ideas on what to use instead!
- Connie over at Creditcard.com’s blog, Taking Charge, has some insight from the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This isn’t the first time I’ve heard that the movie has offered some valuable insight into banking, particularly the scene where Jimmy Stewart’s character fends off a bank run. I’ve been hearing it repeatedly; on the news, from members who’ve seen the news, and now here. There’s definitely some merit to the lessons, even if I didn’t care for the movie.
- Trent over at The Simple Dollar has a fantastic post on the fulfillment curve. The fulfillment curve basically says that there’s a specific point where you make a purchase and get the most out of it. Anything too far to the left or right of that point on the curve and your fulfillment of the item decreases. Trent gives some wonderful examples, and has actually given me an idea to simplify some things around my place. Make sure you check this one out!
- Trees Full of Money gave us a great example of how people frivolously waste their money. According to TFM, smokers waste nearly $43,000 over their lifetime on buying a pack of cigarettes a day. Invested, that smoker could be looking at a little over half a million after inflation when they retire…those are some pretty compelling numbers. I’m not even a smoker and they make me want to start investing more. I need to anyway, but it was still an interesting read.
- Five Cent Nickel talks about some of the provisions in the newest bailout plan. I fail to see how the benefit to a limited number of manufacturers is beneficial to the economy as a whole. I’m sure these specific projects will help certain states, but overall, I don’t have confidence that this is anything more than a ploy to get this bill passed. This is why I don’t do politics – it’s ridiculous that lawmakers had to “bribe” senators to get this thing passed. Be sure to share your thoughts on it!
And that wraps up another edition of my weekly roundups! I hope you find the selections interesting and informative, I know I did! Have a great weekend everyone!
Related posts:
- Kristy’s Weekly Round-Up
- Weekly Round Up
- Kristy’s Weekly Roundup: The Birthday Edition
- Kristy’s Weekly Roundup
- Kristy’s Weekly Roundup
