Carnival of Retirement #35 – Labor Day Edition

Happy Labor day to all readers! Hope you are enjoying the weekend as much as we are doing. Right now we are in Florida gulf coast waiting for the sun set. This is the 5th time we are visiting Naples. The view is spectacular and a lot of visitors around. This is also for the first time that I am posting an article via mobile phone. Hope I can get it out cleanly.

Welcome to Carnival of Retirement. Enjoy the amazing reads below and don’t forget to comment and link back to the carnival.

Roger Wohlner @ The Chicago Financial Planner writes Financial Planning Really Does Make a Difference – According to a joint survey by the Consumer Federation of American and the CFP Board, households with a financial plan in place felt a higher level of financial well-being than those without a plan.

Todd Tresidder @ Financial Mentor writes 80 New Financial Calculators – Wow! – These new calculators simplify every aspect of financial planning into plug and play simplicity. All you have to do is familiarize yourself with this new free resource so you can find the right tool for your needs.

harry campbell @ Your Personal Finance Pro writes How to Take Advantage of Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses – I got my first credit card when I was in college and I used it for most of my entertainment(see alcohol) and dining out purchases. Since then I’ve applied and been accepted for over 10 credit cards with sign up bonuses and gotten thousands in gift cards, travel rewards and cash(wow that sounds like a scam! But it’s true). So here’s how I do it.

Ashley @ Money Talks Coaching writes Trying to Get My Daughter to Save – I’ve mentioned several times that my daughter really doesn’t get money. She doesn’t care to earn it. She doesn’t care to keep it.

Corey @ Steadfast Finances writes Unusual Investment Ideas – Looking for nontraditional investment ideas? Look no further. While these may not be as safe, they could provide you with positive returns.

PPlan @ Provident Plan writes What’s the Most Effective Way to Give? – The most effective way to give is one that provides sustainability and the most bang for your buck. Find out what else gives a gift the biggest impact.

Ryan @ Early Retirement Investments writes Some Signs that You Need to Convert to Heat Pumps – Confused on whether you should have a heat pump or not? Read more to see if it makes sense for you!

IMB @ Investing Money writes How to Get Started Investing Money – Find out how you can get started investing money. It’s never too early to start.

Jennifer Lynn @ Broke-Ass Mommy writes The Best Piece of Writing Advice, Ever. – This is the best information on writing advice that I know of, read more to see if you agree.

MR @ Money Reasons writes My Personal Finance Pyramid Update – I use a Personal Finance Pyramid to provide feedback as I strive to acquire wealth in life for me, my family and my kids!

Maria @ The Money Principle writes The Rise in Health Negligence Payouts – Policies has effects and in this article the increase in health negligence payouts is discussed.

krantcents @ KrantCents writes Home Gym on a Budget – Would you like a home gym? All the movie stars have a home gym and you can too! Do you have to be a movie star to have one? No, not really! In fact, you can put one together for very little money.

Passive Income Earner @ The Passive Income Earner writes Kids and Money: The Bank Card Introduction – Introducing the bank card to children. It’s a delightful experience.

Jon the Saver @ Free Money Wisdom writes Why Do We Worry About Money? – Worrying about money is not helpful in life. It’s better to plan and not worry so much about it. Money does not need to consume your thoughts.

Amanda L Grossman @ Frugal Confessions writes Simple Childhood Pleasures – Aside from going to Ocean City MD each summer, I have realized that most of the fun I had in my childhood was simple and cheap.

BARBARA FRIEDBERG @ Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance writes CAN YOU RELY ON THE 4% RULE IN RETIREMENT? – Are you properly preparing for retirement? Read about retirement issues to consider.

Roger the Amateur Financier @ The Amateur Financier writes The Success of Others and My Motivation – A discussion of how the success of other people influences me, and how such success (and the converse failure) can influence everyone.

Don @ MoneySmartGuides writes Can People Not Save for Retirment? – Teresa Ghilarducci is back again. I previously wrote about her wanting Guaranteed Return Accounts (GRA) for Americans back in July of 2010. She is still advocating these accounts, now with updated numbers to make her point.

SBB @ Simple Budget Blog writes Simple Ways to Cut Monthly Expenses – Do you need a little extra cash? We offer simple ways for you to save money without it being a huge inconvenience.

Hank @ Money Q&A writes Don’t Be Fooled Into These Life Insurance Policies – Here are five of my favorite insurance life policies that I love to hate. You don’t need these five life insurance policies. Don’t waste your money on them.

Jason @ Work Save Live writes Popular Jobs in Tax Friendly Countries – With all the debate around Mitt Romney’s possible assets overseas, it makes you wonder more about the places like Gibraltar, Andorra, the Cayman Islands and more. These places are known as tax shelters, and as such, they usually have a lot of bankers and financial institutions in place.

Evan @ My Journey to Millions writes Refinance Roadblocks – What do you do when the universe appears to be against all attempts to complete a goal? Perfect credit, spotless payment record, and 12 years at the same job (proof of ability to pay,) and I never imagined it’d be so impossible to take advantage of the record low interest rates. But after 2 failed attempts to lower our rate on our mortgage I had to come up with a new plan.

SFB @ Simple Finance Blog writes Minimalism At Home: Do I Really Need Six Sets of Sheets? – I hate laundry day; or, rather, when you have two children under the age of four and a husband who changes clothes more often than a budding fashionista, it’s more like laundry days. Despite that, I still follow my mother’s old adage that you should wash your bath towels weekly and your bed sheets every…

JP @ My Family Finances writes Reasons Why Families Need to Get Life Insurance: Take It From a Guy Not Trying to Sell You a Policy – There are plenty of convincing reasons for buying life insurance; I need not frighten you.

Daisy @ Add Vodka writes An Unsent Letter to People Who Are Selling Things – Dear whomever this may concern: While I appreciate your drive to make money so that you can buy winter booties for your dog and another cardigan sweater from BCBG instead of paying down your debt, please stop sending me sly. Read more of my unsent letter!

Eddie @ Finance Fox writes Maybe Home Ownership Isn’t For You – There is more to life than home ownership, and it isn’t the only way. If you ENJOY owning a home, more power to you. But not everyone does.

YFS @ Your Finances Simplified writes 5 Ways Marriage Can Make You Richer – The cake has been cut, the champagne cork has been popped, and confetti has been strewn all over the place.

Sean @ One Smart Dollar writes The Frugal and Famous: 10 Celebrity Penny Pinchers – http://www.onesmartdollar.com/the-frugal-and-famous-10-celebrity-penny-pinchers/

Sustainable PF @ Sustainable Personal Finance writes Which is the Greener Option – Shopping Online or Shopping at a Store? – Shopping online has become the method of choice for many people but I’m still not convinced it’s for me.

Luke @ Learn Bonds writes How to Choose a High Yield Bond Fund – Interested in choosing a high yield bond fund but not sure where to start? Here is a 6 step guide walking you through the entire process.

PITR @ Passive Income To Retire writes Hidden Risks of a Mortgage Fine Print – Find out how to avoid the most common mortgage mistakes.

Daniel @ Sweating the Big Stuff writes Five Wedding Gifts You Shouldn’t Buy For A Friend – Some gifts are appropriate for specific audiences. Others will almost definitely be returned. Here are five gifts that you shouldn’t get for friends.

Investor Junkie @ Investor Junkie writes Four Top Investment Mistakes You are Making Today – Investing is a task unlike any other. Rarely is there an opportunity to outperform just by avoiding the big mistakes. The truth is, though, that the best investors aren’t those that hit home runs. The best investors simply avoid big mistakes.

Jeff Rose @ Good Financial Cents writes What Is a Family Trust and Should You Set One Up? – The concept of a family trust—also known as a revocable living trust—isn’t very well understood by many people. The differences between a trust and a simple will, for instance, are frequently confused. While it’s somewhat more time consuming—and therefore, more expensive—to have a family trust prepared than a will, there are significant benefits of the trust for many individuals.

Debt Guru @ Debt Free Blog writes Get debt Under Control and Start to Enjoy Life – Find out how to pay off your debt and enjoy life as you prepare for retirement.

Suba @ Broke Professionals writes 5 Easy Ways to Irritate Your Boomer Boss – 5 Easy Ways to Irritate Your Boomer Boss is a post from: Broke Professionals if you enjoy it, please visit us and subscribe to the Feed.

TRL @ The Retired Landlord writes Real Estate Investing is Easier with Positive Cash Flow – If you are looking to invest in real estate, as I am looking to do, I have learned that a positive monthly cash flow is important to have. As I have already discussed, real estate investing has risks. There is a chance of having to pay the mortgage between tenants or losing money with major maintenance issues.

Wayne @ Young Family Finance writes How to Raise a Child on a Budget: Identifying the Necessities – Find out how you can raise a child on a budget. Spending less on your children doesn’t mean sacrificing the love given to them.

Marie @ Family Money Values writes Luxury Living – at Sea – Do you ever wonder ‘how the other half lives’ (as Mom used to say)? Here’s a glimpse into how 165 families spent part of their wealth – to buy a mansion on a ship that sails continuously around the world

J.P. @ Novel Investor writes Options For Your 401k Rollover – When you leave your job, do you really want to leave your retirement savings behind? There are several 401k rollover options available so you can take your retirement savings with you and have better control of that money.

Shawanda @ You Have More Than You Think writes Secret Tricks to Grabbing the Best Travel Deals – Making the most of your travel dollars will give you peace of mind and set the stage for a relaxing vacation.

A Blinkin @ Funancials writes How To Lose Money and Hate The Stock Market – Do the exact opposite of what you find in this article and you will be on your way to riches. Find out how to lose money and hate the stock market. Don’t meet with your adviser regularly. Check your brokerage account or stock daily. Watch the news. Take stock-picking advice from a friend. Buy high, sell low.

Jeremy @ Modest Money writes Compare The Best Credit Card Offers – Personally I pay off my balance in full each month and earn cash back on all my card purchases. Plus by using my credit card I am entitled to extra buyer protection. Hey, works for me. It does not work for everyone though. For people who can control their spending, I present a comparison of the best credit card offers.

Crystal @ Budgeting in the Fun Stuff writes My Take on Life Insurance – Today, I am participating in the huge Life Insurance Movement in the blogging world that was started by Good Financial Cents. Here is my life insurance take.

John @ Married (with Debt) writes The Savings to be Made from Paying Off Your Mortgage Early – The savings to be made from paying off your mortgage early For most Canadians, the biggest debt they will ever have is a home mortgage.

Aloysa @ My Broken Coin writes My Not Quite Traditional Marriage – When we met over seven years ago, both of us were poor. I was a full-time student, working full-time, my spending problems were in full gear, debt piling up.

Kanwal @ Simply Investing writes 9 Important Reasons Why Dividends Matter – I came across a great article at Dividend Growth Stocks that I would like to share with you: “It seems that every financial adviser or financial publication is proclaiming that you should own dividend stocks. Each are proclaiming the virtues of dividend stocks from their own perspective. To that I have two questions: 1. What took you so long? 2.

Ted Jenkin @ Your Smart Money Moves writes When Should You Replace Your Old Car For A New One? – When it comes to making smart money moves, our family has never been a big fan of buying a new car.

Peter @ Bible Money Matters writes When Is the Best Time to Refinance Your Mortgage? – ave you refinanced your mortgage in the past year or so? If you haven’t refinanced yet, are you thinking about doing it? If so, you may want to get started now, and here’s why…

Kevin @ Thousandaire writes 4 Reasons We May be Headed for a Recession – Read these four reasons that we might be heading for a recession, see if you relate!

Corey @ 20s Finances writes Do You Remember Your First Time? – Getting approved for a credit card without having any previous credit history can be a challenge. Find out what you can do to get approved.

Steven @ Grocery Alerts writes How you can fly first class to Hawaii for under $350! – For approx. $328 you can obtain 30,000 Saga Club miles which will get you a FIRST CLASS roundtrip ticket on Alaska Airlines to anywhere they fly in the U.S. (Alaska and Hawaii included) Canada and Mexico.

Jester @ The Ultimate Juggle writes Family Spending Choices Versus Family Wants – Struggling to balance the best mix of family spending and saving for the future.

Invest It Wisely @ Invest It Wisely writes Are You an Introvert? Here’s How to Make the Most of Your Conference Experience – If you are introverted, read how to make the best of conferences!

Jen @ Master the Art of Saving writes My Plan to Save a LOT of Money – We’re planning to close on our house the first or second week of September, so we don’t have much time to save a lot of money. My goal is to take advantage…..

John Border @ The money blog writes Save for retirement vs debt reduction – It is important to decide which way you want to go. Most people cannot decide which is better, investing for retirement or to pay off your mortgage.

Beating Broke @ Beating Broke writes Motif Investing – If investing seems like a big confusing mess to you, you might want to check out Motif Investing. I like the idea, and having some knowledge behind the stock picking is always a good thing.

Lazy Man @ Lazy Man and Money writes Ask the Readers: Do You Have a Will or Trust? Why? – So I’m firmly of the opinion that I need to get a trust. I’ve been asking some friends and person finance writers what they have and you know how many have a trust? One. That’s of a dozen or so people. They didn’t even get it to avoid probate, but to make sure a family member with special needs was taken care of. Almost all of the people I talked to just assumed that a will was the way to go or haven’t done any estate planning yet. And most of them have kids. Yikes!

Little House @ Little House in the Valley writes Cost of Living and Reevaluating Where I Live – If I compare Los Angeles and San Francisco (most populated Southern and Northern California cities) to a few other major metros, there’s no denying it makes sense to move out of California: (note – salary = median family income)

Steve @ The Loonie Bin writes Investing In Nothing: A Look At Investing And Social Media – I always invest in what I know and since I’m a user of social media, I know it’s something I would never invest in. The great .com bubble was enough to set me straight when it comes to investing in bits and bytes, and I had nothing invested in it. It just goes to show that as long as they build bridges, there will always be someone around that’s willing to buy one.

Robert @ My Multiple Incomes writes 5 Different Passive Income Ideas – In most cases, passive income refers to making money in a way that does not require your ongoing, direct involvement. It refers to a business that takes time to set up, but, after a while, requires very little, if any, work to continue making money. The internet offers you several ways to do this from home, or really anywhere!

Grand Per Month @ Grand Per Month writes Make a Grand Per Month to Pad Your Retirement – Many people can’t handle the day-to-day career grind anymore when they reach their 60s. They may not like the stress or the full days, but they would still like to work. The difference is that they would like to set their own hours, take time off when it is convenient, and decide what projects to accept and which to decline. The flexibility of being self-employed and making a grand or more per month lets them stay busy and productive while still giving them time to travel and enjoy retire

Penny Thots @ Penny Thots writes Can You Retire with One Million Dollars or Less? – How on earth can anyone live on just $20,000 per year? Well, a lot of folks do it every day and so can you. Your success, however, depends on the steps you take now to secure a future that requires little cash. To retire comfortably with little income:

Everything Finance @ Everything Finance Blog writes Retirement Planning: What Being Vested Means – Deciding when to leave a job is never easy, but if you are close to being vested, it may be worthwhile to stick it out. When you are hired, make sure to find out how much your employer contributes to your retirement on your behalf, how many years are required to be vested and if the company offers partial vesting.

Don’t forget to submit your post to Carnival of Retirement, you can submit by clicking here. Have a nice rest of your weekend.

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