A Very Miranda Roundup

With Christmas not too far away, I was thinking a “Merry-anda Roundup,” but that seemed just a bit too corny. I don’t want to cross that line, at least not knowingly.

This week, we start with Miranda Marquit’s guest post at Financial Highway,  50 Home Business Ideas.  You read that right, 50.  It’s one thing to go frugal, but frugal has its limits. It’s quite another to start to earn money from home and hopefully do something you love. Whether you’re a stay at home spouse, or someone looking to break that chain of have no money at the end of the month, if you don’t find at least one idea on this list, you’re just not trying.  Recent articles discussed that most of us don’t have access to $2500 if a minor emergency hit.  One of these money making ideas might just help you fund your emergency account.

At her own site, Planting Money Seeds, Miranda asks Should You Forget Gold, and Hoard Pennies Instead?  She’s heard that pennies from 1982 or older are mostly copper and worth more than one cent. I remember the day the newer zinc pennies came out. The first time I heard the odd thud they make when you drop them on the counter, compared to the ring a copper penny offered. By the way, the pic below is the first bucket of pennies I saved, number two is half full.

Next, at Credit Cards Canada, The Gift of Good Finances: Financial Giving this Christmas.  Here, Janet shares some holiday ideas for things that won’t be forgotten or broken soon after the holiday has passed. Kind of reminds me how Lucy (of the Charles Schultz cartoon, Peanuts) said she’s always disappointed at the gifts she gets for Christmas. What does Lucy desire? Real Estate!

Next, Kevin at Out of Your Rut shares 10 Reasons Why People Can’t Get Out of Debt.  As I read financial blogs and listen to people talk about their money issues, I became convinced there are a million reasons people are in debt.  At least it seems that way.  I’ll consider Kevin’s list a “top ten,” how’s that?

At Best Rates In, we’re asked “Do You Have a Career Strategy?” by none other than Miranda. Between this article and the 50 ideas, above, I’m all set for my next career.  My day job is completely unrelated to finance, and there are times I’d like to actually change course. We’ll see…

Alan Schram explained How to Buy The Best TV For You.  A nice overview of what’s out there and how to choose. Me, my ideal set just came out. It’s the 65″ Sony, and it happens to be the perfect size for our family rook wall unit.  I feel it’s my obligation to help the wall unit self-actualize, but I’m waiting for the price to drop a bit.

On a bit of a lighter note, some advice on Conducting a Business Meeting in a Bar.   This is a pretty common occurrence, in my opinion. A business dinner ends, but then it’s time for a drink or two. Some helpful tips to close that next deal.

And last this week, the Car Negotiation Coach asks (and answers) When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?  I am fortunate to have only purchased one car in my life, and I don’t look forward to the next time.  But, I’ll keep this article handy to help me along when I need to.