Breaking Even

Shameless Promotion: The Zonked Sunday Night Edition

My Saturdays have become full in the last few weeks, which is good from the standpoint that I am making more money and in general growing my little business. On the other hand, by Sunday I am completely exhausted and ready for my day of rest.

And if you're wondering why the heck bloggers like myself do lists of cool links about once a weekish, check this out. It pretty much explains the logic, and I did write it so I think it's good!

At Breaking Even

This week, I participated in the Carnival of Personal Finance hosted by CleverDude. (And if you are wondering what the heck carnivals are check out this post.)

Some Great Links

For those of you like me who need their protein, it's getting harder to find cheap sources isn't it? (Not to mention that eating a lot of meat is not good for our planet either.) Enter imitation crab meat, which you can actually do a ton with. (via Wisebread)

Hard times give people new insights. Blunt Money lets us in a little on her personal life and reminds us that in life's difficulties are opportunities. At least, I hope so...

Could you live without spending any money for a year? This guy is trying to. I'm not hardcore thrifty enough to ever try anything like this but it's always interesting to live vicariously through people who are. (from Give Me Back My Five Bucks)

On the same note, these people are eating on $1 a day. (from Portland Psst!)

And I feel let in on a big secret: how you know Sam's Club pricing is as low as it'll go. And it's not even complicated or hard to remember. (from Spending Less 101)

This woman is living one of those crazy exciting lives those with dogs and cherished kitchen gadgets can only dream of (that would be me folks). I'd like to travel more but could I ever travel this much? The adventures and costs of full time travel. (from Wisebread)

Free Stuff

Suze Orman's latest book- Oprah's queen of personal finance. I'm not a huge fan (something about her I can't quite put my finger on) but, hey, if it'll help you make better financial decisions in 2009, that's great? (from BudgetsAreSexy)

Vowed to manage your money better in the new year? Quicken is now free but so is Mint.com. (from Mrs. Micah)

Ordering your credit reports yearly is a good idea, and free. And how to do it online. (from CleverDude)

Weight loss podcasts that could keep you motivated. My fat-looking Wii will only do so much for that I suppose! (from No Credit Needed)

Captain Obvious Links
Common sense, sure, but some links to back up the statements.

Library use is going up.

United States living standards still among best in the world.

Walking like a penguin will help you walk on ice. (Check out the animation...hilarious!)

Greyhound has lowered their fares to get people to travel.

People who are in jail for embezelling will try to get rid of anything they have of worth rather then have it get taken by the government.

Happy Sunday! And if you have any good links, feel free to let me know about them. I'm always on the lookout!

Shameless Promotion: The Avoiding Wrapping Christmas Gifts Edition

I've been done my Christmas shopping for over a week but the chore of wrapping still looms over me. The good news is there is plenty of fun things online to keep me nice and distracted!

32 Things You Can Do With Beer @ Men's Health
This link accidentally happened to me but whether you get stuck with a six pack of beer you don't like or just enjoy random information, some interesting reading.

A New Way To Make Money By Taking Online Surveys @ Sense to Save and Counting My Pennies
I always pass on via this blog ways to make extra money when I hear about them and, while I haven't done this program, I trust these ladies who have. It may be worth a look to make a little extra cash.

Good Wines At A Great Price @ GRS
Whether you are looking for a hostess gift or a Christmas toast, check out these tips to picking a good wine. Or do a Nicole standby with a Polka Dot Reisling or Bully Hill red.

Tips For Traveling This Holiday Season @ Intelligent Travel
If you are looking for last minute travel deals (or just ways not to get screwed over while traveling), there are some good ideas here. Me, I have one option to get where I need to go and that's driving. .. using tips for good gas mileage of course!

(And if you are traveling to a major city this holiday season, this blog also has an in-depth look at celebrating the holidays at places like Paris and New Orleans.)

An Economics Christmas Poem @ WSJ
A little nerdy but festive and applicable to current events. It's the WSJ, what do you expect?

Seven Lessons Learned Working Retail @ Wisebread
As you become a crazed shopper, remember not to take it out on your poor cashier. In my only retail experience, I just remember people being disappointed by my wrapping job (we offered free wrapping). I wanted wanting to say out loud "well, it is free, lady!" but instead smiling politely and rewrapping.

The Best and Worst of The Credit Card Industry @ Master Your Card
If you are thinking of shopping for a new credit card, like myself, check out this comprehensive list from Consumer Reports, compiled by this fantastic blog.

Christmas Gifts For Foodies @ Cheap Healthy Good
Food is always a good gift. Here is a guide to food and food prep gifts.

Wrapping Gifts Without Wrapping Paper @ Squawkfox
Hmm... maybe I can avoid wrapping all together...

Happy Saturday night to those of you who are having tons of fun or getting way more done then I'm avoiding!

The Credit Reports Are In...

Remember waaay back when I ordered my credit reports? Well, I have them all in and have gone through them with a fine toothed comb. It shows every credit inquiry and account opened (because who hasn't opened a Filene's card to get 10% off?). By the way, going through them doesn't take long. They are surprisingly readable. It only took me long because it's been a crazy fall for me. . .

The good news with my credit reports? Nothing unusual on any of them. But I will keep ordering them every year because 1) I'm entitled and 2) You never know.

I'm wondering if anyone out there has ever had a dispute with their credit report, and how they resolved it. If you're in or have been in this boat, I'm sorry to hear but I hope you can share your advice. . .

Credit Reports: Lame But Worth Listening To An Automated Voice For

About a month ago, when I really wanted to rent a Lindsay Lohan movie but couldn't bare that anyone see me rent it, I rented a documentary about credit instead called Maxed Out. I kicked myself all the way home, thinking I had went too far in the wrong direction but it ended up being a very interesting movie that made me want to order a copy of all my credit reports finally. Apparently the average consumer has lots of errors in their credit report and since I've never checked mine, I figure now is the time to find any errors and start disputing them.

All three credit companies Transunion, Experian and Equifax all want to sell you something, whether it is your score or fraud protection. You are entitled one free credit report a year so as you go through automated phone menus, listen for "free credit report as mandated by legistlation" or something like that.

I've decided that Transunion is the least evil because from this phone number, you can get a credit report from all three companies: 1-877-322-8228 (I of course ended up calling this one last so I only needed the Transunion one anyway!). You can also apparently get a free credit report from all three bureaus here: www.annualcreditreport.com. Why Equifax and Experian were not so forthcoming is beyond me. (Of course when I called Equifax and Experian directly, they did give me a confirmation number while Transunion did not).

I am supposed to be recieving my credit reports in 5-15 business days. I'm a little nervous but relieved I've finally done this.