Welcome to the 37th Carnival of Money Hacks. I am happy to be hosting the carnival again. If you are interested in hosting, please go the Money Hackers Website or join the community.
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…..I would be very grateful! But onto the 37thth Carnival of Money Hacks! This was a huge carnival and I’m tired of the election. So I’m not doing an election theme. Instead I’m going to do the new Wonders of the World. There are 7, but I have 9 categories so 1 will be the Pyramids, the only remaining ancient wonder of the world. And the other…well read on to see.
Editor’s Picks
This is the only remaining ancient wonder of the world, the Giza Pyramids in Egypt. What can you say? Isn’t it an amazing sight? One day perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to see it. Can you imagine how it was created so many years ago? The amazing technical skills it took back then? As such it represents the cream of the crop posts.
Mark Montgomery talks about possible college financial aid affects in the future in The Credit Crunch and Financial Aid: What Will It Mean for College Admissions? posted at Great College Advice. Great post, a must read for anyone with college age kids or kids in college. I think the way he explains acceptances in colleges tied to finances is correct.
Donna Freedman asks an important questions in What if a friend were losing her home? posted at Smart Spending Blog - MSN Money. Donna discusses why she mailed a friend a check to help her stop her foreclosure. My question is it’s October, did it prevent her friend’s foreclosure or just delay it?
Tiffany Washko talks about Dumpster Diving for Charity - Listen In! posted at Natural Family Living Blog. Wow. I cannot believe that someone finds so much fresh, organic food in dumpster. It’s surreal.
Nickel step by step explains How to Calculate Tax Equivalent Yield posted at fivecentnickel.com. This is exactly the reason I invest in retirement accounts before taxable accounts because it’s hard to make up the tax-break.
One Family reviews an unusual investment strategy in BDCs (ACAS, ALD, MCGC, PSEC) – A Comparative Analysis posted at One Family’s Blog. They explained their investment into business development companies, instead of typical small businesses. I had no idea these types of investments existed.
Frugal
This is Chichen Itza, the first new wonder of the world in Yucatan, Mexico. It is a structure of the Mayan civilization. My in-laws have been here and said it’s impressive. I think it would be a reasonable place to travel compared to the other wonders with the weak dollar.
Sarah Scrafford suggests going green can save money in Eco-Kitchens: 100 Big and Little Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Earth-Friendly posted at Organicasm. I agree and I think that in the long run it can save you a bundle.
Seb gives us Five tips to save money right now posted at Pinching Copper. I personally keep it at 60 at night when sleeping, and 55 while up. I just wear a sweater and use a blanket, heating prices are outrageous.
J. Money talks about grabbing free money in Never let the marketers win - Send in those rebate forms! posted at Budgets are Sexy.. I’ve found it a PIA to do rebates and prefer a discount up front instead of being “reimbursed”.
Alex gives us a frugal tip with Printable Christmas Cards posted at Home Life Weekly. Cute, but I personally like cards with photos so I can watch the kids and families grow!
Wenchypoo updates her previous investigation into Comparing the Cost of Canned and Frozen Meat to Fresh posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo’s Mental Wastebasket. I like the arguments for not buying canned meat and her argument for boneless meats are persuasive.
Abigail Perry discusses frugal tips in Frugal hacks so obvious, you may not be doing them (Part I) posted at i pick up pennies. I think that reduce, reuses, recycle is often overlooked as a way to save money. Going green can often be expensive upfront but cheaper in the long run.
Joseph gives us tips to Save Money On Gas Hypermiling posted at Penny Pinching. These are great tips to stretch your gas mileage.
Tanesha Morgan talks about Olive Garden Deals: Dining at Olive Garden Is Downright Sinful posted at Personal Finance Analyst. She gives us tips on how to save while dining out, especially a place as “sinful” as Olive Garden. I am sucker for the breadsticks.
Ryan Suenaga suggests saving money by using The New Ubuntu Linux: Want to Spend Less Money on Your Computing? posted at Uncommon Cents. I have absolutely no idea what Linux is or what Ubuntu would be.
Wedding Planner asks an important wedding day question in Are Wedding Videos Worth It? posted at Inexpensive Weddings. My vote is NO. Who goes back and watches the video?
Ted gives us tips to get money for college in Ways to get Free College Tuition posted at CampusGrotto College Advice. Scholarships are the best way to go, but as a campus counselor mentioned previously, it will be much harder to get scholarships.
Cash Money Life gives us a frugal tip in TradeKing $50 Promotion Extended posted at Cash Money Life. Since now is a great time to invest, he suggests taking advantaged of this promotion.
SingleGuyMoney tells us why he Cancelled Netflix, Signed Up With Blockbuster Online posted at Single Guy Money. I personally like Blockbuster better because I am the type to go to blockbuster and pick up a movie now. But like I’ve said before the best deal is still Redbox.
Polly Poorhouse gives us a frugal tip in Polly’s Quick Tip: Curb Clutter and Conserve Cash posted at Economic Crunch. She says get in and out of big box stores. I agree, I’ve never understood why Target is the $100 store. But then I shop there maybe once a year.
Savings
This is a picture of Macchu Picchu in Peru. It’s supposed to be an awesome hike and takes 3-4 days. The only thing is you have to get permits about 1 year in advance and hire people to carry your bags. And it’s a hard hike because of the elevation. I wonder if we could fit it in before kids?
BloggingBanks suggests investing in CDs in How to deal with falling interest rates? posted at Blogging Banks. I think if you need the cash in an emergency it could be a bad idea, especially locking in the longer terms needed to get rates worth buying.
Jim guides us on How To Pick the Best Online Savings Accounts posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity. I think convenience and interface is very important to me personally.
Sun suggests us maximizing our returns in Get 4% or More Return for Your Money posted at The Sun’s Financial Diary. He offers up a savings account still paying 4%, but does comment it can be taken away at any time, especially with the Federal Reserve Bank cutting rates.
FWP writes a guest post about Dave Ramsey’s baby steps in set aside $1000 for you, now! posted at Financial Wellness Project. She talks about why you need a baby emergency fund and where to put it.
Andy asks Is Citibank Going Bust by Offering a 3.5% APY! posted at Saving to Invest. He cations people against chasing returns that seem too good to be true, and I agree.
Save Money talks about Revising My Budget posted at How I Save Money.net. I think Saving Money should use the extra money as buffer for an emergency, especially if she only has a small emergency fund.
Financial Planning
This of course is a picture of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Except that Rome is dirty and expensive, I think it would be cool to see. However because of the westernization of Italy, I think it won’t be as hard to see with kids, so it’s low on my list to visit anytime soon.
David explains to us his emergency preparations in Putting Together My ‘What If…’ Emergency Information. posted at My Two Dollars. I’ve done this as well, though I did not put a copy in a bank box. Nice list of items to include.
Lazy Man talks about Our Early Retirement Plan: Where We Are Now (Part 1) posted at Lazy Man and Money. It sounds like he’s on track for early retirement. I’m really impressed by how little he spends in San Francisco, one of the most expensive places to live.
Ray in detail explains How To Calculate and Track Your Net Worth posted at Money Blue Book Finance Blog. Very impressive that he tracks everything, I’ve given up on personal property and autos. I just track cash equivalents.
Two Pennies Earned talks about her experience in How To Send A Wire Transfer posted at Two Pennies Earned. I had no idea either, when I closed on our house we had to use a certified check from the bank.
PT asks the question Why Do Online Bank Transfers Take So Freakin? Long? posted at Prime Time Money. I hate that, and the main reason why I leave so much cash in the brick and mortar bank because of the lag. I wonder when we’ll catch up to Europe, Canada, and Asia?
RC talks about different Ways to Deal With Financially Stressful Times posted at Think Your Way to Wealth. I think something missing from the list is “appreciate” what you do have, health, family, and friends; and a place to live, food to eat, car to drive, and a job to work at.
Aaron Aiken reviews the website Rudder in Service Review - Rudder.com posted at Where You Are Now. It sounds a lot like Mint.com. He wrote a very nice review, however, Rudder might be too late to compete with Mint.
Adam Sicinski uses the Mind Map to discuss Wealth Management: 20 Strategic Tactics and Tips | Mind Map posted at IQ Matrix Blog. I like the way he breaks down wealth building strategies and ties it to the map. Check it out.
Raag Vamdatt discusses in Money Fundamentals: Spending, Investing, Credit, Debt posted at RaagVamdatt.com. Raag talks about spending and earning and the basics of personal finance. He says you have to make a choice between current and future consumption of earnings.
Khan gives new graduates advice about Tackling Your Taxes posted at Higher Education and Career Blog. I think that getting help from a professional might be useful your first year. Or taking the $99 HR tax prep course to learn about taxes also very helpful.
Robert D Flach talks about future taxes in SOMETHING’S COMING! posted at THE WANDERING TAX PRO. I agree no matter who gets in, our tax system will change, but for the better or worse?
Aryn explains How to Use Real Estate Websites to Hone Your Research posted at Sound Money Matters. I think her rundown of sites and their uses helpful. But like she suggested I found using a realtor for our first home purchase and sale priceless.
Investing
This is the Christ Redeemer Rio de Janerio, Brazil. It is 120 ft tall or 38 meters. I don’t think it’s really all that special, it looks like the statue of liberty or tian tian buddha in Hong Kong. I guess since I’m not religious it’s not a huge deal as well, but it’s probably the one wonder I wouldn’t care to see, unless I’m Brazil.
D4L tells us to be wary of dividends in Don’t Fall Into A Dividend Trap posted at Dividends4Life. Dividend investing can be a great strategy, there can be pitfalls as well as explained in the post.
Randall gives us a list of 10 Fun Things to do With Your 401k Statement posted at Credit Withdrawal - Helping You Kick the Credit Habit. I had to laugh because when I saw our October statements, they totally could have been used for hamster lining.
ABC explains simply What Are Mutual Funds? posted at ABCs of Investing. A very basic layout of mutual funds, I wish she had explained what are index funds and date specific retirement funds a bit more.
Todd explains to use why Individual Investors Don’t Move Markets posted at HarvestingDollars. Mostly it’s hedge fund, mutual fund, or institutional investors who make shifts in the markets because of their large stakes. That or if you’re Warren Buffet.
FIRE Finance asks the important question about investing in Investing - Which Stock Market Indexes to Choose? posted at FIRE Finance. I think a lot depends on your age, risk tolerance, and career. I personally like ETFs because they have a lot of sector investment funds.
Rich Credit answers questions about How Safe is Your Money Right Now? posted at Rich Leverage. It’s a great time to get into investments, but realize it does come with risk.
Zachary Scheidt investigates MasterCard Incorporated (MA) - Is the Optimism Justified? posted at ZachStocks. He examines whether it’s worth the price of $150? Or is it worth shorting?
Carlos Sera tells us a personal tale about loss in A Lost Tale posted at Financial Tales. He relates losing his baseball glove to investing, by suggesting we look to the future. I think it’s a great suggestion, but make sure you don’t lose sight of keeping your job in this economy.
Sarah Scrafford talks about investing in Obama vs. McCain: What the Next President Will Mean for Day Traders posted at Currency Trading.net. I wonder if people will even find the spare money to day trade? It’s a fast way to lose your shirt and in downward spiraling market, it’s probably easier than the easy money 1990s.
Dividend Growth Investor points out Warren Buffet’s holdings in Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Stock Portfolio Holdings posted at Dividend Growth Investor. By duplicating his investments you could be the second Warren Buffet!
Christine discusses Buying Stocks in a Volatile Market posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France. She says now is the time to buy in what you believe in. I agree, but I need to shore up a cash base for emergencies like losing a job.
Retirehappy suggests Retirees: Consider Buying TIPS posted at My Retirement Blog. I love Treasure Inflation Protected Securities, but I recommend waiting until the fixed component reaches 2%.
Twenties Money asks the question What is Volatility? posted at Twenties Money. He says it’s defined as a measure of risk and the fluctuations can occur for no reason at all.
Jason Philips explains to use three Investments To Avoid posted at Stock Investing Tips. I agree with his list, the one most people fall into is mutual funds with loads. However, the one I think you can lose the most money is options!
Career
This is a picture of the Great Wall of China. I’ve seen it and it’s amazing. When you hike it, it’s pretty cool. Unfortunately the day I went it was overcast so it was hard to appreciate the scenery, but I was just impressed by the size and magnitude of the wall. Definitely worth seeing.
FMF gives us career tips in How to Demonstrate that You Deserve a Raise posted at Free Money Finance. I agree about how to get a raise, overperforming. But my DH has gotten the same raise as everyone else but bigger bonuses. The reason is companies don’t want to give raises if they can help it, they’d rather give incentivized bonuses which do not have to happen annually.
Chris talks about Be an Effective Leader at any Level of an Organization posted at ProsperingServant.com. I think that he brings up great ideas on how to be a leader even when following others.
Four Pillars talks about a new business idea in Wacky Business Idea #14: Barcode.com posted at Quest For Four Pillars. He suggests barcoding items and allowing people to researching them online. Problem I see is that we’d have to re-barcode everything made abroad that isn’t standardized.
Steward talks about creating an idea from your kids in Learning Entrepreneurship From Kids posted at My Family’s Money. He says the passion comes from really loving the item and having sold it to kids, you know it’s a gem.
Pfincome discusses how he is generating income with eHow - A Passive Income Stream posted at Passive Family Income. I am too busy to blog and do ehow, but it does sound intriguing.
NtJS talks about How To: Survive Layoffs posted at not the jet set. I agree that you should not panic. Truth is you just need to work harder, longer, more efficiently, so you aren’t laid off. During bad periods the most important thing is to stay employed.
Thao Tran talks about Start a Food Business at School posted at How to Make Money at a Young Age. I think it’s a good idea, but at my schools selling food was reserved for clubs fundraising. Teachers were usually involved and students in the club manned the stand to sell candy to others.
Curt tells us about 7 Key Questions To Ask Yourself When Starting a Business posted at PennyJobs.com. I agree, these are questions that must be addressed before you even think of quitting your job.
Kelly Sonora talks about best sites for job hunting in Online University Reviews: The Top 100 Sites for Job Hunting on the Web posted at Online University Reviews. Great comprehensive list to look over if you are job hunting.
The Shark Investor talks about passive income in Alternative Income: Writing posted at The Shark Investor. Personally my blog doesn’t make much, but I enjoy writing. Maybe I should try to monetize it?
Robert Rhines gives us 45 Mobile Resources Every Road Warrior Must Have posted at Cell Phones.Org. I had no idea a cell phone could do so many things. And since I don’t I guess I don’t need such a fancy phone, since I wouldn’t use all the features anyway.
Credit/Debt
This is a picture of Petra in Jordan. It is supposed to be the spot where Moses struck the rocks with his staff and water came forth. So it has a lot of religious ties. I would be interested in seeing it.
Credit Shout gives us a review of the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express Review at CreditShout posted at CreditShout. I appreciate the details, but personally I find travel rewards hard to redeems.
CreditAddict warns us to Beware the Phantom Credit Check When Opening a Bank Account posted at Credit Card Addict. I wasn’t really aware of it, but I’m sure many aren’t either, but how much can it really hurt your credit score?
The Smarter Wallet asks Why Not Use Credit Cards To Reduce Your Mortgage? posted at The Smarter Wallet. Sounds great. But for many people if they can’t pay their CC bill in full every month, it’s a really bad idea.
Mr. CC talks about Scary credit card Stories posted at Ask Mr Credit Card’s Blog. He says that with the credit crisis it appears that offers are becoming less frequent and harder to get.
Silicon Valley Blogger tells us about the Best Gas Credit Cards: Get Rewards For Spending on Gas posted at The Digerati Life. I use my Citibank Simplicity which is an old card paying 5% at all gas stations. It’s no longer available for anyone except those who have it.
Madison talks about Discover Card Holiday Rewards posted at My Dollar Plan. Sounds like Discover is encouraging use this holiday season.
Mama Bear lays out her plans for cutting expenses and decluttering to get out of debt in The Plan posted at I’ve Got A Little Space To Fill. Good luck on getting out of debt!
Children/Family
This is a picture of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. This was a monument of love built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This is definitely the one wonder I would like to see soon. Maybe next year? Also if you go to Agra the city itself has amazing walls and is worth seeing. I’d rank this right below the Pyramids on what I’d like to see.
KCLau talks about Financial Consideration for New Parents in Malaysia posted at KCLau’s Money Tips. Interesting at the difference in price in taking your baby home from the hospital. I wonder if you are broke, can you leave the baby at the hospital until you can afford to take it home? Just kidding.
Benjamin makes great suggestions for expecting parents in Financial Advice for New or Expecting Parents posted at Trees Full of Money. Too bad most people don’t follow these rules beforehand.
Miscellaneous
I can’t understand why the Acropolis in Athens, Greece was ignored. There is so much history. Honestly I think it’s a wonder more than the Christ Redeemer in Brazil. What do you think? I would prefer to visit the Acropolis over Christ Redeemer.
Lisa Spinelli gives us the heads up on Eating Healthy Without Being Wealthy - Dark Chocolate and Red Wine Have More in Common Than You Think posted at Greener Pastures. I am not a fan of dark chocolate or red wine, I wonder if this means I’ll die sooner?
ChristianPF talks about the New US dollar coins posted at ChristianPF. He asks which do we prefer? I prefer bills, but coins are cheaper and need to be replaced less so to save our Government money I’d use the $1 coins.
Michael Haltman makes a list of one liners in Name Your Favorite Wall Street Cliche posted at The Political and Financial Markets Commentator. I cracked up laughing because you here all these lines from the media all the time.
Fitz Villafuerte explains How To Make Money With Your Jokes and Sense of Humor posted at Ready To Be Rich. These are very cool ways to utilize humor for cash, too bad I’m not funny.
Big Cajun Man humorously asks if I should Divorce My Wife? posted at Canadian Personal Finance Blog. I know a ton of unmarried couples without children who’ve been together 20+ years and don’t marry because it’s not beneficial taxwise. Marriage penalty anyone?
Thanks for coming by to visit the carnival. I hope you had a great time touring the wonders of the World and come by again! Be sure to enter to win Living Well in a Down Economy for Dummies by leaving a comment as well by tomorrow evening! I will be hosting the next Twenty-Something Finances Carnival on Monday 11/17/2008! So please stop by again to check it out andsubmit articles here. And please subscribe to my blog via RSS or E-mail.
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