Best Personal Financial Planning and Personal Investment Articles this Week from Personal Finance Blogs
Carnival of Financial Planning - Edition #151 - July 23, 2010
Welcome to the July 23, 2010 Edition #151 of the Carnival of Financial Planning.
The Carnival of Financial Planning takes a long-term view of personal financial planning for individuals and families. We focus on efficient and sustainable personal financial planning practices that can lead to lifetime financial security.
This edition is arranged by subject heading, so that you can browse efficiently.
Enjoy!
The Skilled Investor, Editor
Budgeting and Economics
One Family presents A Peek Into Our Roadmap to Financial Independence posted at One Family’s Blog.
KCLau presents Global Spending: How People Spend their Money posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “Results from a World Bank study entitled Global Purchasing Power Parities and Real Expenditures 2005 International Comparison Program spanning 2003 to 2008.”
Learn Save Invest presents The Best Financial Advice posted at Learn Save Invest.
Super Saver presents Living on a Cash Basis was a Good Experience posted at My Wealth Builder, saying, “Living on a cash basis quickly taught me financial responsibility.”
The Financial Blogger presents Why The Loonie Is As Strong as a Bear? posted at The Financial Blogger, saying, “It has been more than a year that our Canadian Loonie has been beating on the greenback and we have now reached the moment when most economists predictions will become reality: the elusive state of parity between the Canadian and US dollar.”
Roshawn Watson presents Will the Economy Collapse In 2011? posted at Watson Inc, saying, “With the steep increases in federal, state, and local taxes scheduled for next year, will economic activity be stifled to the point of economic collapse in 2011?”
Sustainable Life Blog presents June 2010 Month Review posted at Sustainable Life Blog, saying, “How did your finances do in June? Mine did good, and I was able to pay off my credit card debt!”
The Skilled Investor presents Save More Money posted at Personal Finance Strategy, saying, “Budgeting and self-control in consumption is far more important than clever investing. Expenditure control and budgeting works, while “clever” investing usually is counter-productive.”
Roshawn Watson presents Why Is Debt Really Decreasing? posted at Watson Inc, saying, “In the first quarter of 2008, our debt to disposable income peaked at a staggering 131%. This means for every dollar we earned, we spent $1.31. As of March, our debt as a share of our annual income is presently 122%. If you think this change indicates that we have collectively been so scarred by the “Great Recession” that we are now behaving fiscally responsible, think again. There is a surprising and sad reason why our debt has gone down. Hint, it has nothing to do with frugality.”
Jeff Rose, CFP presents What are the Leading Economic Indicators? posted at Jeff Rose, saying, “There are new economic findings, reports and information coming out on a daily basis. Between work, life, and everything in between there’s often zero to little time to pay attention to any of what the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau have to say. We all know that the economy is going through a rough patch, and sometimes it can be a little taxing to attempt to understand exactly what the markets are doing. In case you want to dive deep into the financial foundation, here’s a quick, simple synopsis of some of the economic indicators that you might want to pay more attention to.”
Estate Planning
FMF presents Trusts and Wills Defined, Part 2: What is a Trust? posted at Free Money Finance, saying, “Just what is a trust — and why should you consider having one?”
Financial Planning
Ryan @ MFN presents What to Do With an Enlistment Bonus posted at The Military Wallet, saying, “What should you use a large cash bonus for? Pay down debt, invest, spend?”
BIFS presents Money and Marriage Problems «Budgeting In the Fun Stuff posted at Budgeting In the Fun Stuff, saying, “Money is the center of many marriage arguments. This is a list of a few of those arguments and my personal take on it.”
Mike @ Green Panda presents Prioritizing Financial Goals posted at Green Panda Treehouse.
Dividend Tree presents Building Core Competency for Long Term Survival posted at Dividend Tree, saying, “whether it is running a business or individuals investment portfolio, it is important to build a core competency for long term sustainability. In my case, I focus on good quality companies that consistently pay or have potential to pay growing dividends over time.
The Financial Blogger presents My Financial Goals Reviewed posted at The Financial Blogger, saying, “In order to achieve my financial goals, I keep an update every 6 months so I can make sure to make adjustments to my original plan if necessary.”
Frank Knight presents Roth IRAFinancial Software posted at Financial Freedom Plan, saying, “Whether to invest in a Roth IRA or Roth 401k versus their traditional retirement account alternatives is one of the most complex personal financial decisions. Roth accounts do not make sense financially for most people. They are a good deal, for a minority, but you need to do the analysis.”
Joe Plemon presents Which Comes First: Earning or Saving? posted at Personal Finance By The Book, saying, “The number one financial principle is to live on less than you earn. Right? Or do you need to get those earnings up first? This post helps the reader think it through.”
Mike @ Green Panda presents Financial Guru Review: Jean Chatzky posted at Green Panda Treehouse, saying, “Jean Chatzky helped families create systems to get out of debt and in control of their finances. She even moved into one family’s home to jump start the process.
Sustainable Life Blog presents Prioritizing Goals? posted at Sustainable Life Blog, saying, “Wondering where to turn when starting to attack debt? Here’s a quick guide on how to help you prioritize your goals.”
Larry Russell presents No Load Mutual Funds posted at Top Index Mutual Funds, saying, “Superior past performance has simply not been shown to be a reliable predictor of superior future performance. However, low costs can lead you to the best mutual funds.
Financing a Home
Ryan @ CML presents Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “What is the difference between mortgage preauthorization, prequalification and preapproval?”
Financing Education
MoneyNing presents How to Use a 529 Plan to Improve College Savings posted at Money Ning, saying, “A 529 plan can help your college savings tremendously. Check out how the government can help contribute!”
Health Care
Mike Piper presents HSA Contribution Limits: Health Savings Account Rules posted at The Oblivious Investor, saying, “An explanation of Health Savings Account rules, including the current contribution limits and eligibility requirements.”
casey presents 20 Facts and Myths About the Gates Foundation Global Public Health Programs posted at MPH Degree, saying, “If you are interested in public health, you need to know about the Global Health Program from the Gates Foundation. Here are 10 myths, and 10 facts, providing you with 20 facts and myths about the Gates Foundation.”
Income
FMF presents Five Tips When Starting a New Job posted at Free Money Finance, saying, “Five things to do to start off a new job on the right foot.”
Ryan @ CML presents How to Open a Business Savings Account posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “Opening a business bank account is different than opening a personal bank account. Find out which documents you need to open a business savings or checking account.”
Consumer Boomer presents Finding a High Interest Savings Account posted at Consumer Boomer.
Money Beagle presents Five Steps For Entrepreneurial Success posted at Money Beagle, saying, “Maximize your income by following these steps. As pointed out to me by a reader, most if not all of these steps apply to any job you do, whether you’re an entrepreneur or an employee.”
Investing
FMF presents Just Say ”No” to TIPS posted at Free Money Finance, saying, “Is gold even a worthwhile investment? Lots of debate on this one…”
Alexander presents What are Dividend Aristocrats? posted at Dividend Stocks, saying, “Dividend Aristocrats are dividend stocks listed in the S&P that have increased their dividend for 25 years or more. They make great investments.”
Zach Scheidt presents Solar Selloff Close To Exhaustion? posted at ZachStocks, saying, “Solar stocks are off sharply due to Euro-Zone concerns. Trina Solar could end up being an exceptional value if earnings remain somewhat stable and management is able to calm investor fears.”
Dividend Tree presents Dividend Investing and Businesses with Moat posted at Dividend Tree, saying, “In general, companies with moats in their business are very good dividend growth providers. However, the opposite may not be true.”
PT presents OptionsHouse Review | Online Discount Broker posted at Prime Time Money, saying, “When it’s time to do some taxable investing, people often turn to a discount broker. Don’t overlook this options-based broker.”
Praveen presents Caveat Emptor: If An Investment or Opportunity Appears Too Good To Be True, Beware! posted at My Simple Trading System, saying, “Beware of investment opportunities that seem to be too good to be true.”
Silicon Valley Blogger presents Investing Tips For The Beginning Stock Picker posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “Tips for new investors.”
Dan presents Actively Managed ETF Wins in Both Up and Down Markets posted at ETF Base, saying, “A review of an actively managed ETF that beats the S&P500 in both up and down markets. Beating the street is rare but this ETF has the demonstrated history making it worth a look.”
Frank Vertin presents Top Index Funds posted at Noload Mutual Fund, saying, “Top ten no load index funds that track the Standard and Poors 500 composite index in terms of lowest costs.
Tom @ Canadian Finance Blog presents GICs - Guaranteed Investment Certificates Explained posted at The Canadian Finance Blog, saying, “Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC) are a low risk investment were the interest rate is based on the length of time you lend the money and the current rates.”
The Skilled Investor presents Market Timing posted at Investment Portfolio Management, saying, “Always stay invested to earn risk premiums. You must have your money invested and at risk to get risk premium returns. Jumping out and in or “timing the markets” doesn’t work.”
Jacob A. Irwin presents Index ETFs vs. Index Mutual Funds - Which Are Better? posted at My Money Blog - Personal Finance and Investing, saying, “An analysis of the benefits, similarities, and differences of both ETFs and index mutual funds. Also detailed is a look at where investors can fit these tools in for the retirement planning.”
Tomas Escent presents Stock Trading Automation posted at Nerds on Wall Street
Mike Piper presents Student IRA: Can a Student Open a Roth IRA? posted at The Oblivious Investor, saying, “Are students eligible for a Roth IRA, even if they’re claimed as dependents on their parents tax returns?”
Tushar Mathur presents Can’t Control the Markets? Try controlling the Costs posted at Everything Finance, saying, “The financial markets are prone to unpredictable periods of turbulence. That can make investing feel a bit like a roller-coaster ride. The disappointing results may have left you feeling concerned over your financial future. You’re not alone.”
Frank Knight presents Municipal Bond Financial Software, posted at Personal Finance Software, saying, “Municipal bond investments and your state and federal marginal income tax rates: Some investors hold municipal bonds in an attempt to reduce their tax burden. This article discusses the relationships between tax-exempt municipal bonds, bond market returns, marginal tax rates, and investment asset tax location.”
Steve Alexander presents Using Magic Formula Investing to Find Good Investment Sectors - MagicDiligence posted at MagicDiligence - Optimizing Joel Greenblatts Value Stock Strategy, saying, “Magic Formula Investing is a great way to find good investment sectors along with attractively priced stocks of high-quality companies.”
Managing Debt
Learn Save Invest presents 5 Steps To Debt Reduction posted at Learn Save Invest, saying, “Here are 5 tips you need to master in order to reduce your debts.”
Ryan @ CML presents Fair Debt Collection Practices Act posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “Borrowers are protected by the FDCPA against unfair and illegal debt collection practices. Find out your rights and what you can do if a debt collector violates them.”
The Smarter Wallet presents Are Debt Counseling Services The Way To Debt Relief? posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, “On debt counseling services.”
Silicon Valley Blogger presents New Credit Card Rules, Opting Out of Interest Rate Increases posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “How you can opt out of credit card interest rate increases.”
Big Cajun Man presents Found Money Trap posted at Canadian Personal Finance Blog, saying, “Found money should go on debt no matter what!”
Craig Ford presents Can You Afford Your Car Payments? Can You Afford the House? posted at Money Help For Christians, saying, “A helpful guide for people dealing with high car and house payments.”
Jim & Martha presents Chase Sapphire Review posted at Wanderlust Journey.
Tom Tessin presents Collection Agency Harassment and What you Can Do posted at FSC Blog, saying, “If you’re in debt, you may find yourself getting a handful of collection agency calls. Find out what you can legally do about them.”
Miscellaneous
Jeff Rose, CFP presents How To Save Money Buying A Car posted at Consumer Boomer, saying, “Whether you are considering a new or used car for your next vehicle purchase, this costly investment is one that should last you for years to come. Cars however are also one of the few investments that are guaranteed to lose value over time, with the biggest depreciation occurring within the first few years after purchase. For this reason it is very important to get the most value for your dollar by knowing how to save money during the car purchasing process. Here we look at several tips that can save you hundreds perhaps thousands of dollars when buying a car.”
Super Saver presents Disputed Price Increase on Phone Bill and Won posted at My Wealth Builder, saying, “Last month, our phone bill was up 12%, with no changes made on our part. We disputed the increase and the phone company agreed.”
Joe Plemon presents Do We Spend More With Credit Cards? A Study Proves … Maybe posted at Personal Finance By The Book, saying, “Do you spend more money using credit cards or using cash? This post tells of a very intriguing study on how people make spending decisions…but is inconclusive about the credit card / cash debate.”
Michael Pruser presents What is a Good Credit Score? posted at The Dough Roller, saying, “Breaking down the variety in credit scores among Americans”
Pasadena Financial Planner presents Vanguard Investment Performance posted at Top Mutual Fund, saying, “Compares Vanguard’s actively managed mutual funds and Vanguard’s passively managed index mutual funds. Vanguard investors should read and understand this study.”
nissim ziv presents What Makes a Good Team Leader? How to Be a Good Team Leader? posted at Job Interview Guide, saying, “Needless to say, the onus of success lies on the shoulders of the entire team, but the team leader bears most of the burden.”
Retirement Planning
Larry Russell presents Roth IRA Conversions posted at Best Financial Planning Software, saying, “Trying to decide about a traditional IRA to Roth IRA conversion without first having a comprehensive lifetime financial plan in place makes absolutely no sense. Without such a plan, you cannot figure out whether or not you are likely to achieve the tax savings in retirement that would warrant paying higher taxes now.”
Simon presents Dollar-Cost Averaging: Go Discount Shopping in the Stock Market posted at Realm of Prosperity.
Jules Wells presents Retirement Calculator-Retirement Savings Software, posted at Retirement Financial Planning, saying, “This article helps you understand the trade-offs between traditional and Roth tax-advantaged retirement plan contributions, including Roth 401k and IRA retirement plans. It helps with the 2010 Roth conversion decision.”
Susan Howe presents Pricey Funerals: 8 Incredibly Expensive Ways to Rest in Peace posted at The Budget Life Blog, saying, “History is full of expensive funerals and burial customs. Here are 8 of the most expensive ways to move into the afterlife.”
Realm of Prosperity presents The Road to Retirement Includes More Than Just Yourself posted at Realm of Prosperity
Risk Management and Insurance
Big Cajun Man presents Self Insured Company Disability Plans posted at Canadian Personal Finance Blog, saying, “Sometimes insurance is not as safe as you might think (in Canada at least)”
Savings
Jeff Rose, CFP presents Shopping For the Best Savings Account Interest Rate posted at Jeff Rose, saying, “With the stock market in upheaval, many are turning to other places to keep their money. Cash is becoming somewhat popular again as investors look for safety. The main drawback to the safety that comes with cash, though, is that the rate of return is rather low. In order to make sure that you are getting the most for your money, it is important to shop around for the best savings account interest rate. Just as you shop around for the lowest interest rates on car loans and mortgage loans, it is important to shop around for the best rate on savings account. What you are able to earn in interest is just as important as what you save when you pay interest on a loan.”
KCLau presents Are You Rich in Internal Assets? posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “pay attention to the internal assets”
MoneyNing presents These 7 Simple Money Tips Can Make All Your Dreams Come True posted at Money Ning, saying, “Here are some simple, yet important money tips anyone can use to make their dreams come true.”
Jim & Martha presents Passport Fees Increase July 13th posted at Wanderlust Journey.
Taxes
Super Saver presents Taxes are Going Up - No Surprise posted at My Wealth Builder, saying, “And it won’t be just for the “wealthy.”
Ryan @ MFN presents Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension for Military and Overseas Federal Employees posted at The Military Wallet, saying, “There is an extension to the homebuyer tax credit, which is available to military members and federal employees who live overseas.”
pfstock presents Frontier Communications (FTR): A New Stock? posted at PFStock.com, saying, “This post attempts to explain how to calculate the tax basis of an investment after a spin-off, such as the recent spin off of Frontier Communications from Verizon.”
Financial Freedom Plan presents Roth IRA ConversionFinancial Software, posted at My Financial Freedom, saying, “The Roth tax optimization puzzle for asset conversions, as well as for annual Roth contributions during working years, is one of the most complex decisions that the ridiculously complex US taxation and retirement planning system forces upon individuals.”
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival of Financial Planning using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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Tags: financial budgeting, financial planning suggestions, financing college education, income sources, income taxes, insurance risk, investing risk, managing personal debt, personal economics, personal estate planning, personal finance advice, personal financial blogs, personal risk management, your retirement planning
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