Seven Post Links

Posted by Canadian Dream on October 21, 2011

Well the seven link meme has been running around the blog-o-sphere for a while and I got tagged by Jacq from Single Mom Rich Mom, somehow she assumed I’m running out of stuff to say after doing this for almost five years and 1200 posts later (yes there will be a contest and prizes in early Nov).  Ironically I have a back list of posts I need to write…I still have too much material, but I blame that on my fellow writers here on Canada Dream (yep, I’m looking Robert, Dave and Gwen). Keep up the great work of keeping me inspired!

1. Most beautiful post – By far I would have to say this post was my best where I told the story of how I dealt with my son being born 10 weeks early.
2. Most popular post – I have to say I don’t have the slightest clue how to rank posts as I don’t keep that close of an eye on the stats for each one.  Yet I think Dave’s post about wanting to live in a tiny house was great.
3. Most controversial. This is sort of hard to measure, but the one that stands out for me was the post when I talked about charity and how I don’t ever give money to any group that feeds people.
4. Most helpful post . I would have to say that should go to Robert’s post on TFSA Misconceptions…heck I even learned something from it.
5. Post whose success surprised me . Ugh, how do you really know that anyways?  I guess that one that did got a lot of attention was when I realized I no longer needed my day job.
6. Post I feel didn’t get the attention it deserved. I have always had a soft spot for this post, where I talk about how to start with personal finance and it doesn’t involve money.
7. Post I’m most proud of. It was a minor thing, but when I started to blog under my own name for the first time I felt really good about the decision.  Not to mention that paid off nicely when I got the offer to write for Moneyville which requires you to use your real name.

Who else should do this link post….hell I’m not going to research who has been missed so far on this one.  So consider this an open invitation for anyone else to post their seven links.

Wander Reading – Sept 9, 2011

Posted by Canadian Dream on September 9, 2011

It’s Friday, I’m off and my sour cherry wine is almost ready.  Sigh, life is good!

Now onto some links.

What is it with people and their food budgets? Krystal cuts her budget down to $100/month and people freak out about it?!? My food budget is $300 for two adults and two kids (round up to three adults) so that is $100/month/adult and I do it all the time. We don’t go hungry and every eats healthy.  Granted that doesn’t include lunch for the wife and kids (the daycare pays that five days a week), but still even if you boost my budget by 25% to cover that off my regular budget isn’t much higher.

The low down on how to really use that cast iron skillet you have in your kitchen that you barely use.

How much is that bitch costin’ ya? Damn good title for a post (I almost wish I thought of it).  I will be impressed if you don’t click to read the post out of curiosity.

Oh, here is an interesting discussion.  Should you tithe 10% of your income to your church before saving for your long term goals?  The first post on this topic and then a reply post. My thoughts, if you want to give that is fine, but make sure it is a realistic amount.  Keep in mind, the church is inspired by God, but not made by God.  Thus the church can create some incredibly dumb rules since humans are fairly flawed, I’m fairly certain it you explain it to God why you have to give less he will be ok with it.  After all the guy specializes in forgiveness.

Oh, the endless debate continues: save or pay down debt? I personally think most people should focus on debt first as long as you have a little cash cushion.  After you kill off the high interest debt than you can pick what works for you.

Wander Reading – Aug 19, 2011

Posted by Canadian Dream on August 19, 2011

I feel almost embarrassed by how much time has passed since my last link post.  I read some great content at times and then forgot to share it with you.  Oh well, I will have to try and remember to do this a bit more frequently.

An excellent post about should you go directly to post secondary after high school or do the travel/work route for a while first?  My favorite quote: “It’s important for students to be at school for the right reasons and not because someone is telling them t.” (Walletpop.ca)

The Next Stage of Retirement begins: Kindergarten.  It’s worth reading for the title alone right? (Mr. Money Mustache)

Why Freedom 55 may be really Freedom 70.  While the author has points he seems to lumping everyone into the issues with defined benefit pension plans despite the fact most pe0ple don’t have them. (Toronto Star)

Marketing for people that don’t like marketing (including me). See here. (Zen Habits)

An over looked method of dealing with debt: get a second job. How else do you think I’m paying down my mortgage this fast? (Finance Fox)

Preet lands a new writing gig on investor education…first up: management fees.

For those who don’t use a discount broker here is a step by step guide to selling a stock or ETF. (Money Smarts)

What are you working or saving towards? Damn good question that everyone needs to answer. (Fabulously Broke in the City)

A neat trick to use Google spreadsheets to create a watch list (or even track your portfolio if you are spread out over a number accounts). (Million Dollar Journey)

An interesting post on exploring discipline…perhaps my only issue with this is it doesn’t discuss how habits relate to discipline.  After all it is easy to be disciplined when it is a habit. (Canadian Fiance Blog)