It’s a good day, do you know why?  I’m giving away two copies of QuickTax 2009 Standard, worth $39.99 each.  The folks over a Intuit were good enough to provide two copies.  So doing taxes are not fun, but at least having some free software can help make it easier.  I noticed this year they have added an import option from Ufile, so even if you didn’t use QuickTax before you can take advantage of this contest.  If you are not sure if this is the right software for you check out this list.

The rules are leave a comment on this post to enter the draw.  On Friday March 11 at 8pm CST I’ll will randomly pick two entries to win.  Limit one entry per person.  Open to residents of Canada only (it won’t file US taxes).

Now onto the links:

This article is from a former IMF economist that points out if you removed the name of the US from its numbers most IMF people would have recommend nationalizing the banks rather than bailing them out.  A must read.

Rob Carrick had a fairly good summary of items in the budget that may impact you.  I noticed he didn’t mention the increase in the basic tax deduction, but granted at just over $60 a person I think the government could have kept my money and I would not have noticed.

I loved this post over at Million Dollar Journey, it’s rather “To Thy Own Self Be True.”

Early Retirement Extreme talks about Your Budget is Like a Leaking Ship.

This last one has nothing to do with personal finance, but I laughing a lot at it so I thought you might like to read Throwing the Anthem Under the Bus.

Well congratulations to “n.” comment number 11 on the 3rd birthday contest who now gets a $75 gift card to a store of their choice.  Thanks for all the entries and nice comments.  Now onto some reading material.

CC wonders “What are these home owners thinking?“  Actually that statement should be directed at the government, but go ahead and read the comments.

Mr Cheap points out it’s ok to NOT be saving for your retirement in your 20s and 30s.  20s I can agree with, focus on debt and it still can help out your retirement plan. The 30s is not a good idea is you want to leave the workforce at 45.

Jacob answers a good question: “Do I have to live in an RV to retire extremely early?”

The Wealthy Boomer wonders about ‘Til Money Do Us Part or are you arguing with your spouse over money?   Apparently you are not alone.

As the US housing crisis hits a new level, you have to wonder if this is the start of a double dip?

Well sorry for the suspense on the book give-a-way.  I had forgotten to draw the name yesterday.  The winner was Valerie.  Thanks for all the ideas everyone.  I’ll start working on them into posts over the next few weeks.

On to the links:

0.1% Inflation - Wow, we are so close to going negative except for gas prices. *sigh*

We bailed out the auto sector, now pulp, and I’m hearing talk of a farmers seeking some bailout for a poor crop this year.  When will this ever end?

More proof that we suck at predicting how happy money makes us and that your income doesn’t limit your happiness.  If anything a middle class person stands a better chance of being happy than those making $125,000/year.

ERE has an interesting post on how to spend very little money.

Preet just got even more famous (beyond the book and blogger thing).  He’s now on TV.

Modern Gal points out, just unplug it already.

Ah, another link post.  Enjoy the reading.

Similar to yesterday’s theme, JD tells the tale of The Miser’s Peril.

Syd tells us about living in the moment and how you really don’t change that much in retirement.

Fox of Squawkfox tells us her real name is Kerry (and she has a book coming out too).

Steve of Brip Blap tells us he prefers meaningful work to early retirement.  I’m bias, I’m just planning on doing both.

Modern Gal has a five step plan to a high salary.  It’s truthful and I can say that since I’ve used some of these tips myself.

Ah, I forgot to publish this yesterday.  So my apologies to everyone.

Well this week was someone interesting for some bits.  Here’s what I’ve been reading.

The Bank of Canada has pushed the interest rate down to a mere 0.25%.

FT writes a good post on some lessons he has learned.

On a similar note Brip Blap talks about why I spend.

CC gives a great reading list.  There are even a few I haven’t read yet.  Mmm, where is my library card?

Jacob over at ERE interviews a 35 year old retiree.

Moneygardener points out the banks may not be such a good buy, in fact they are looking frothy.