Before getting into the thick of the roundup, I’d like to congratulate Lazy Man for launching a new blog! :) On his way to building that blogging empire!

Back to our trek around the blogosphere…. Here’s a slice of what’s out there right now.

Picks From My Regular Reads

  • Money Smart Life: After reading Ben’s post about a bait and switch scheme he fell for, I couldn’t help but feel what I can only describe as rightful indignance. One of my biggest pet peeves is to realize that “I’ve been had”. It’s not just the loss of money that hurts, but also the violation felt once you get scammed. Watch out for tactics like these!
  • Lazy Man and Money: I enjoyed these three commercials from Lincoln Financial, and I thought that if you were in the business of selling financial advice, this was a good way to market yourself.
  • Gen X Finance: I’ll have more to say later on about using the equity of your home to fund your lifestyle. I can’t believe Jeremy heard this advice on the radio!
  • Money, Matter and More Musings: Well I love chocolate! I also like Golbguru’s idea of “slow consumption.” Too often, we are in a hurry to get everything over with, even the enjoyment of little pleasures. I should learn something from this article as I am one of those quick chocolate bar gobblers!
  • The Sun’s Financial Diary: Sun did a buy and sell with Microsoft stock (MSFT) and ValueClick (VLCK) and wasn’t too thrilled with the immediate results. Not to worry, I end up doing this very often and then realize that buyer’s regret shifts to elation when things turn around again.
  • The Simple Dollar: Trent makes the point that behind these personal finance blogs are people whose financial plans, goals, activities change along with life. We make things up as we go along. And we do the best we can.
  • Five Cent Nickel: I agree with Nickel that when you’re busy, you save money because your focus is on the non-spending activity. An idle mind can be dangerous to the wallet. I speak from experience on this one.
  • All Financial Matters: Here are some thoughts on what to do after dumping a low-performing money manager. Hint: think about using low cost index funds for simplicity.
  • Blueprint For Financial Prosperity: If you are paying a bank account maintenance fee, you are wasting your money. There are places you can park your cash without having to pay a dime!
  • Mighty Bargain Hunter: These are some great ways to invest in yourself — it’s cool to be productive. Developing the self is an unending journey.
  • No Credit Needed: NCN just bought a new van with cash: it’s wonderful to be able to enjoy that new vehicle without having to worry about any lingering debts.
  • Free Money Finance: FMF shares with us how to save money by passing on the optional car options. There are alternatives out there.

Additional Readings Around The Web

Recent Carnivals

Carnival of Personal Finance, Boo Edition! (thanks again to the Dough Roller for selecting my post as Editor’s Choice!)
Festival of Frugality #97 (thanks to Nature Mom’s for the Editor’s Pick!)
Carnival of Money Stories #31
Calvacade Of Risk #37
All Women carnival? Why the blog not?
Carnival of Cities
Carnival of Family Life Fall Festival
Carnival of Real Estate
Carnival of the Green # 100!