Not too much to report from this week. Although I did finally complete the Yakezie challenge and my membership was granted! I’m so excited to have made it through the challenge. As I tweeted on Sunday (for context, I was watching the Grammys), when I got the email from Sam:

And, although this is unrelated to personal finance, I need to say this: RIP, Gary Carter. You put up a valiant fight against a horrible disease, and I’m sorry I couldn’t watch you beat it like I watched you and the rest of the Mets beat the Red Sox in ’86. Although I was too young to truly understand what a joy it was to watch you play, your love of baseball (and your job) is an inspiration to all of us searching for enjoyment in what we do.

Personal finance reads (where I showcase some of my favorite personal finance posts)

Earlier in the week, I was tagged in a meme and I posted 11 of my own questions. Two posters, Erin at The Dog Ate My Wallet and The Debt Preoccupation both shared their responses.

Aloysa’s husband gave his perspective On Women’s Liberation, Manhood and His Wife. Totally worth a read! I think he speaks for a lot of men, and I wish more men would say the same.

Erika from Newlyweds on a Budget discussed what she will tell her children when she talks to them about how she and her husband survived living in a shack. It’s a wonderful story to pass on. Definitely gives the kids some perspective.

Daisy from Add Vodka wrote about the Downside of Blogging Anonymously. I’m sort of anonymous so I don’t know exactly what my feeling on this is. Ever since I was discovered by…some people in a very dramatic fashion, I’ve loosened the anonymous reigns a bit.

S. from American Debt Project said that we should Do What You’re Great At, Not What You’re Good At. I totally agree…now I just have to find what I’m great at (and get paid for it)!

New personal finance reads (or, blogs you need to start reading)

Nick is my new BFF and he blogs at Step Away From the Mall. He’s smart, funny and an amazing writer. Go visit his site, leave some comments and just enjoy what he has to say.

For a completely different perspective, visit I Am 1 Percent. Personal finance written from the perspective of someone in the 1% is definintely underrepresented and really interesting. Plus, he used to live near me…how’s that for a small world? (No, we’ve never met)

The Dollar Disciple is a new Yakezie challenger with a great blog that I’ve been enjoying regularly. There’s a great case studies series with different bloggers that’s a ton of fun to read.

My other writing (where I showcase myself or where you can find my staff writing)

Let’s Talk About Employment at Prairie Eco Thrifter

Take Advantage of Employer Sponsored Education Programs at Broke Professionals