In today’s Challenging Money, I want to bring your attention to one of the best personal finance networks on the Internet today: the Yakezie.
Readers who have been around since 2009 might remember my previous involvement with the Yakezie and some of the link posts I’ve done in the past.
April brought my renewed commitment to the Yakezie “challenge” which includes supporting my fellow personal finance bloggers in whatever way I can. For example, this week’s post on buying a home featured many bloggers that are part of the network.
Highlights
This week’s theme is all about “making it,” views from the perspective of those who have achieved a good deal of success, in money and/or in life.
#1: Wise Bread: 6 Things You Can Look Forward to When You Have Money: With all the frugality articles in the space, it’s refreshing to read a post that explores the benefits of having money–what it is we’re actually working toward.
“And quitting your job to further your education so you can make even more money in the future? That’s simply an opportunity only people with the financial means can make, which is now you.”
#2: Zen Habits: 38 Life Lessons I’ve Learned in 38 Years: I really enjoy Leo’s reflective posts because they are full of useful observations that inspire and motivate me to act, like this one:
“34. No one knows what they’re doing as parents. We’re all faking it, and hoping we’re getting it right. Some people obsess about the details, and miss out on the fun. I just try not to mess them up too much, to show them they’re loved, to enjoy the moments I can with them, to show them life is fun, and stay out of the way of them becoming the amazing people they’re going to become. That they already are.”
#3: Sweating the Big Stuff: Purchasing When You Can Afford It: Again, a lot of the focus in our space is on spending less, paying off debt, etc. But what happens when none of those things are an issue? How do you control what you spend? Daniel asks a difficult question.
“…if you have a healthy emergency fund, fully funded retirement fund, and have already put away money for other goals: how do you limit yourself from spending when you really can afford it?”
Elsewhere
In other news, I was interviewed for a column in Thrift Culture Now, where I discussed everything from American financial culture to my background.
I also want to let you know about a contest Lending Tree is running until July, which is giving away $1,500 toward your mortgage or rent once a month. You are asked to share your best money management and finance tips on their Facebook page. Enjoy!
Fiscal Fizzle 