I’m not really sure how this happened, but it’s already time for the October edition of Stepchild Faves! In case you missed the first two editions (August, and September) and don’t know how it works, Cat and I work together to choose our favorite posts from around the blogosphere each month.
As always, these are not listed in any particular order, and there are no prizes other than our praise and recognition. 😉
Without further delay, here are our faves from October:
20 Something Finance – Why you Are Not Taking your Paid Vacation Days, but SHOULD (Damnit!) – For those of us who haven’t left the “traditional” workforce in favor of self-employment, this article really hits home. The author points out that the U.S. is the only remaining industrialized country without a mandatory minimum requirement for paid time off. The article goes on to talk about how those of us in the U.S. who are fortunate enough to have PTO don’t take it for a variety of reasons, including that we are afraid of missing work and lowering productivity. This is a great read if you are still working for an employer other than yourself.
Frugal Rules – What Personal Finance Books Will Not Do For Your Money – Frugal Rules’ staff writer, Laurie, reminds us that although reading personal finance books (and blogs) is very informative, they can’t make changes for us. By reading and not implementing any changes, you will be more educated on the topic of personal finance, but you won’t have actually made any progress yourself. Don’t forget to read and then implement the changes you wish to see.
Messy Money – Financial Independence Ruined my Life – Wow this one makes you think! May tells us about how learning the concept of financial independence has changed her worldview forever. We particularly like the part where she points out “Now that I know that it is possible, I can’t unlearn this information. I can reject it. I can choose not to follow the path but I can’t “unknow” that I am capable of achieving it.”
Club Thrifty – Here’s Why You’re Broke – Holly points out that most of us are just too darn picky about things in this post. As any couponer (or past couponer) can tell you, it pays to keep an open mind and be willing to try new brands of products. When you aren’t so brand focused, and therefore less picky, you are able to get better deals on all the products you buy. No “brand whores” are allowed here!
Frugaling – Going Green is a Scam – Have you joined in on the movement to “go green”? If so, you probably think you are doing the environment a favor. But, as Sam points out, that is not necessarily true. Sometimes by “going green” we are actually creating more physical waste, and spending money unnecessarily in the process. Read this one to find out more about the big business of “going green”.
That’s it for this month. We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween weekend!
