Personal Finance Review – Backup Your Data Edition

During the course of my financial housekeeping this weekend I saved an older version of a spreadsheet over top of a new one. The mistake set me back hours & hours of work, which could have been avoided if I regularly backed up my data. I do have another copy of the spreadsheet but it’s four months old which doesn’t help me out now. So I’m adding “create a better backup procedure” to my to-do list. Hopefully you’re better about backing up your data than I’ve been. If not, you’ve been warned!

– Binary Dollar points out a calculator that can help you decide whether a home equity loan or car loan is better for you when buying a car.

– Five Cent Nickel is asking for your input on a tax question about a 415(c) limit.

– Lazy Man saves money by just saying no to a pushy kid selling newspaper subscriptions.

– Blueprint for Financial Prosperity points out that smarter people earn more money but save less of it, not too smart if you ask me!

– Generation X Finance tells us about a mutual fund for those looking to invest in international real estate.

– I bought some John Adams dollar coins this week in hopes I might be able to make a little money off of the newly released coin. Thanks to some research on coin errors by Consumerism Commentary and coin tips from Mighty Bargain Hunter I’ve decided to break the rolls open and look for errors. Thanks for the help guys, I’ll let you know if I find anything!

– Wedding season is here and the Frugal Duchess has some timely tips for saving money on weddings and honeymoons.

– The Simple Dollar gives some tips on how to avoid spending too much in an effort to “keep up with the Joneses“.

– I’ve been giving additional thought to life insurance recently so this article on golden eggs and geese made sense to me.

– eFIPO says no to corporate America and hello to being an entrepreneur.

– Warren Buffet prompted KMull to save hundreds on car insurance with Geico.

– 1 Million to My Name argues that you should save money for retirement instead of pre-paying your mortgage.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

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