Before I launch into my roundup I wanted to share with you a post I wrote that was just published at the Prosper blog, which carries a simple debt reduction tip. My message was this: if you want to reduce your debt, don’t get tempted to take it on in the first place! One way to avoid debt is by reducing your junk mail — the kind of mail which carries offers for credit cards and loans that you may find enticing enough to apply for. Here’s a list of steps you can take to reduce and avoid those loan offers altogether:

#1 Find out how your information gets around.
#2 Tell companies to quit peddling your information.
#3 Use services to help you delist your name from existing mailing lists.
#4 Refuse to accept the mail at your door.

Those credit card offers can be tempting to take — imagine getting hold of another $10,000 in credit! But you’ve survived thus far without it; do you really need the extra credit? I wouldn’t want this load on my back down the road.

Now on to some great reading material…

Personal Finance Reads

  • Get Rich Slowly: So you’ve made some financial mistakes; well don’t panic just yet! Just take a step back, assess the situation and consider J.D.’s tips.

  • Lazy Man and Money: What do you think about the future of P2P lending? Lazy Man speculates on what could be down the road for this social lending and investing niche.

  • Money Smart Life: The economic stimulus rebate check is on its way to your mailbox. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.

  • Gen X Finance: Jeremy poses an interesting question and wonders whether generation X should be “blamed” for our current real estate and mortgage quandary.

  • The Sun’s Financial Diary: Sun shares his personal experience with Scottrade’s customer service. I agree with Sun, I’d rather pay more for better service.

  • Five Cent Nickel:If you’ve got multiple accounts and are wondering how to manage a diversified portfolio, here are some guiding principles on how to maintain your asset allocation strategy.

  • Mighty Bargain Hunter: I’m glad I don’t have to worry about this anymore — but here are some great ideas to ease your commute.

  • No Credit Needed: NCN is prepping for his new baby! It’s an exciting time that somehow, I’m glad I don’t have to go through again… ;)

  • Consumerism Commentary: Could it be time to shop around for a house? Surveys are showing that on average, home prices have declined around 11% from a year ago.

Additional Readings

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