Welcome to the 11-17-08 Carnival of Twenty-Something Finances!  For the past week I’ve written posts dealing with financial issues Twenty-Something faces in preparation for this carnival. I hope you enjoy the carnival, it’s a large and comprehensive carnival since I tried to include most posts.  If you are interested in hosting or submitting an article for the next carnival check it out.

My name is LAL and I’m a twenty-something DINK writing about my journey to one day live large.  Please look around and explore the site.  These are a few posts from last week specifically for twenty-somethings:

• Time or Tithe
• Is it Frugal to Live Alone?
• Boomeranging Home?
• Accepting a Down Payment?

Fellow Participants great job on posts but please do one of the following:

• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or E-mail
• Submit this Carnival to a social media site like StumbleUpon or Digg it or Technorati (see buttons at end of the post)
• Link back to this Carnival!

…..I would be very grateful! But onto the 11-17-08 Carnival of Twenty-Something Finances!  This was a huge carnival and I decided to share with everyone my courses for Thanksgiving.  It’s taken a few years of refinement but I think I’ve gotten my system down pat.

Editor’s Picks

The centerpiece of our thanksgiving is my DH’s smoked turkey.  I am drooling over this picture.  It is wayyy better than normal baking/brining methods.  If you ever have a chance to eat home smoked turkey, do it!  So these posts are top of the heap.

• Jim talks about people leaving the country in On Avoiding Student Loan Payments posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity. My take on is, it’s wrong to run away from debt but how is it different from Bankruptcy or Foreclosure? It’s not. And consider this, most people are 18 when they take on student loan debt, and no nothing about money. People who take on enormous mortgages, car loans, CC debt are usually not 18 and starting out, they are older with paychecks, and know what they can afford, but ignore it. I’m not saying it’s right, but I do understand how much easier it is at 18 to take on student loan debt as your parents, teachers, guidance counselor, coach, friends all say “it’s a great investment in yourself” and encourage you to take on the debt.
• Hank talks about the effort he puts into work in Dream More, Work Less posted at MiB Smarter Money. Interesting way of looking at working, but the real question is do you love your work?
• Cooupon Artist makes a list of 10 Steps to Solving Money Problems In Your Relationships posted at artofthecoupon.com. I think “don’t blame” is the most important factor in dealing with money in a relationship. It’s easy to lose yourself in a fight when you blame the other person.
• Imarketing4s guides us through Learning About the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act posted at Free Debt Consolidation: Qualified Financial Management. Excellent read for those trying to get out of debt or ID theft. I have to add, I needed this right now.
• Dorian Wales discusses Shortcuts to Early Retirement – Absurd Frugal Thinking or Common Financial Sense? posted at The Personal Financier. I love the way he presents the argument that if we postpone everything for later, is it worth it?

Frugal

This is a picture butternut squash gratin. I also make a butternut squash curry soup.  A very reasonably priced veggie that makes two pretty healthy dishes.  Not totally frugal but delicious!

• The Smarter Wallet gives us a frugal tip in How To Save Money On Generic Drugs posted at The Smarter Wallet. I always buy generics when possible, if you read the label it’s the same. Like CVS Acetaminophen is the same as Tylenol, all you are paying for is the name.
• FIRE Finance gives us frugal tips to save on heat in 12 Tips To Lower Your Heating Bill posted at FIRE Finance. Getting curtains for our master bedroom I swear I’m doing it because the light bothers me in the summer, and maybe it’ll help warm the room in the winter.
• Benjamin gives us money saving tips in Energy Saving Laundry Tips posted at Trees Full of Money. I had no idea people used towels once, I only wash mine once a week!
• Dave tells us about a tool to find out if you are overpaying for rent with Cheapo Housing – Save on Rent posted at Cheapo Groovo. Nice tool, check it out.
• ChristianPF gives us 2 frugal tips to Save money while eating out posted at Christian Finance Blog. He says it’s bad to eat out, I agree but not for financial reasons. More because I gain weight if I eat out lunch everyday! Yuck.

Debt

This is probably my favorite dish, but it is oh so bad for you, candied yams with marshmallows.  I love this dish, but it’s probably the most fattening and biggest diet buster, much like debt.  It feels so good but is so bad.

• Connie Brooks tells us the story of her Identity Theft. It Can Happen….To Me. posted at Ask Mr Credit Card’s Blog. I can totally relate and will write about it later this week! Find out what happened…
• Seb talks about Why I’m in no hurry to pay off my student loans posted at Pinching Copper. His number crunching makes complete mathematical sense. I can add to it, he should hold off on paying it off it’s his last debt and he wants to start saving for an emergency because the rate is so low, and if he loses his job the student loans can be put into deferral.
• Credit Shout gives kids tips in College Students and Credit Card Debt posted at CreditShout. I think sometimes asking for help is the biggest step, because it can lead to a lesson in proper money management. Besides the first step is always the hardest and a hand is always out to help you up.
• Save Money talks about Crazy Things that Kill Your Credit Score…Part 2 of 2 posted at How I Save Money.net. I have an outstanding parking ticket in Canada, maybe I should pay it?
• MBB talks about Shopping Deals With Christmas 0% Credit Card Offers posted at Money Blue Book. He suggests maximizing your credit card rewards. Personally I have enough trouble without worrying about rewards, I’ll talk about it this week.
• Cory Albertson makes a list of 6 Tips for Reducing Your Debt posted at Debt Relief. I especially like the avoiding “get rich quick schemes”, because I think sometimes when you are focused on getting out of debt it’s easy to get sucked in.
• Silicon Valley Blogger gives us a credit card tip in Discover More Card Offers $50 Cash Back Bonus posted at The Digerati Life. Be sure to check it out if you are thinking about applying for a Discover Card.

Investing

I like to use this as my safety net for what to take to potlucks when I’m out of time. It’s safe, delicious, yet easy to make.  Also people like it, a spinach and artichoke baked dip.

• Michael Haltman makes us a list of Name Your Favorite Wall Street Cliche posted at The Political and Financial Markets Commentator. The market is starting to get cheap based on fundamentals, is my favorite.
• Will makes the argument for Socially Responsible Investing: Go Green And Make Money At The Same Time posted at Money Galaxy – Make Money | Save Money | Invest Money. I’ve heard of funds that follow the principals of religion and supposedly do well. It can be worth investigating.
• Twenties Money ask the question What is Volatility? posted at Twenties Money. An interesting read about risk and investing.
• JP Wicklein discusses whether a10% Annual Return is Unrealistic posted at Financial Fellow. I agree and usually use 8%. Dave Ramsey suggests 12%, Oy Vey!
• Raag Vamdatt talks about an usual investment type in Understanding a Fixed Maturity Plan (FMP) posted at RaagVamdatt.com. Personally I’ve never heard of this type of debt mutual fund, but the post was informative.
• Qovax talks about The Perils of One-time Charges posted at Value Investing and Entrepreneurship by Qovax, a Software Startup. He says companies use accounting loopholes to make their books look better so be wary.
• Fatty breaks down his strategy in Automated Day Trader: Double Moving Average Crossover, Test 1 posted at Fatty Fat Fat. Wow an automated day trader, I think I would have an ulcer if I tried this.
• Cash Money Life gives us a frugal investing tip in TradeKing $50 Promotion Extended posted at Cash Money Life. If you are looking to start an investment account, check this out first.
• Nickel gives us a rundown on The Best Online Discount Brokers posted at fivecentnickel.com. Check it out before you start investing on your own.
• Joe Manausa talks about How To Stay Calm In The Real Estate Market posted at Tallahassee Real Estate Blog. While he focuses on Tallahassee, I can see how it applies to any real estate deal. The idea is to be educated about the investment to not panic.

Career

I have no idea how cranberry relish relates to careers.  But I figured in this market you might start making more things from scratch to save money.

• Sherin talks about preparation for the turbulent times in Economic Recession and Preparing for a Recession posted at Investment Internals. I agree, with the job layoffs mounting, it’s time to become a “Valued” employee at work.
• The Writer presents case for Being a Better Employee Series: Show Up Early posted at The Writer’s Coin. I have to say I agree, it’s a start to being more productive because I find the early morning there are less distractions.

Personal Finance

I love stuffing.  There are so many different types of stuffing like everyone’s approach to personal finance.  No matter how you prepare it, it’s still good!

• Roshawn Watson explains why We’re In a Financial War posted at Watson Inc. I agree it’s a rough time and we need to shore up our reserves, it’s what I talk about in Stop Investing, but not from Fear.
• KCLau talks about My Greatest Financial Fears posted at KCLau’s Money Tips. I think his fears are in all of us or else you wouldn’t be reading my blog.
• Jesse Wojdylo asks the question Isn’t Wealth a Direct Correlation to Success? posted at Subprime Blogger. She says she doesn’t want to be penalized for earning money by paying taxes. Let me say this, I’d rather be earning $500k and paying 40% taxes than earning $50k and paying $0 taxes. Who do you think has a better life?
• Sherin says the number financial mistake is lack of a goal in Top personal financial planning mistakes 1 – No goal posted at Investment Internals. I can agree, that you have to decide what you want. But what if what you want is so simple as to stop being harassed by collectors? Is it still a goal?
• Michael talks about his reasons for Living on a Budget: Reasons and Motivations posted at Small Business Blog. Personally I live on a “Budget”, really a spending plan so one day I don’t have to.
• Danny Gamache – The Success Professor gives us a plan in Money 911: Dealing With A Financial Emergency (and Developing Financial Peace) posted at The Success Professor. I agree that it’s not only cutting expenses but increasing income that is essential to survival.
• Robert D Flach talks about the importance of KEEP A COPY posted at THE WANDERING TAX PRO. I have my electronically filed for the past 5 years, but maybe I should go do the older ones?
• Tushar Mathur gives us the lowdown on Obama’s “Revitalize the Economy” Agenda posted at Everything Finance. I think it’s a very concise write-up.
• Patrick talks about our future taxes in How President Elect Obama’s Administration Will Affect Your Finances posted at Cash Money Life. I think I’ll see a tax cut at least for a few more years and so will many others.
• Lauren Rose gives us EFFECTIVE MONEY SAVINGS TIPS posted at No Debt Anymore .org. Exactly what I’ve been preaching, save on the big ticket items! Or else you need to increase your income.
• J. Money talks about his hobby in I just realized that i’m addicted to money. The “cool” kinds. posted at Budgets are Sexy.. My DH used to love collecting coins from different countries we visited.

Retirement

Finally I used pecan pie for retirement because it’s the last course.  I am not fond of pumpkin pie so I either make pecan or apple.  I also try to make homemade ice cream, but I might be too tired this year.  And that wraps up my thanksgiving feast.

• TheMoneyHawk talks about the beauty of an emergency fund in How an $800 Tax Bill Taught Me Not to Be a Greedy Idiot posted at The Money Hawk. However, a Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn at any time without penalty, so he’s really not in as bad shape as he thinks.
• Bill talks about Social Security Sense posted at Learn The Stock Market And How to Trade. Personally I don’t even think about getting SS, because I’ll be “phased” out of getting it since I’ll have so much saved for retirement because I’m responsible. Oh well.
• Super Saver makes a list of Exceptions that Avoid Penalties for Early Retirement Plan Distributions posted at My Wealth Builder. There is a great table of 12 exceptions for everyone to check out. Be sure to consult a tax professional first however.
• Patrick explains that it’s counter intuitive to increase not decrease retirement funding in Don’t Stop Retirement Contributions posted at Military Finance Network. I agree, but I would make sure in this environment you have a sufficient emergency fund in case you are “laid off”.

So that’s it for this edition of the Carnival of Twenty-Something Finances.  I had a blast, you are welcome to share ideas for my thanksgiving, I have a few more courses I haven’t posted and am open to making new dishes.

Please come back again or subscribe to my blog via RSS or E-mail! I look forward to seeing everyone again for next week’s Carnival of Personal Finance which I’ll be hosting so be sure and submit a post.