Weekend Roundup – 42nd Birthday Edition

Weekend Roundup – 42nd Birthday Edition. Notice the post time – that’s what time I was born!

I cannot believe I’m 42. FOURTY TWO years old. The way I figure it, I have 25 years to make it to full retirement age for Social Security. So what can I accomplish in the next 25 years? Fully 80% of all people that live that long, reach retirement age with barely a dime to show for 45 years of hard work. That’s NOT going to happen to me. I feel another blog post coming on!

Even though 42 sounds old, I am younger than John Chow! Read his interview in Entrepreneur magazine, and while you’re there, check out their article on Optimizing Your Blog. Good stuff!

Here’s a collection of great articles and blog posts from around the web.

If you have questions about how the economic stimulus package is going to work for you, check out Blueprint for Financial Prosperity. Looks like I will get $2,100. Say goodbye to the Citibank MasterCard debt! I know the President and Congress want me to spend it on something meaningless, but I already did that with the credit card. Now I’m paying it off!

Jay Morrissey wrote a fascinating article on handling anxiety. He gives some very useful tips for handling it as well as understanding that it’s healthy to experience emotions other than just the highs. People actually PAY to experience negative emotions. Find out what he means by reading his article.

Love good old classic literature but don’t have the time to read it? I’m talking about classics such as Robinson Crusoe, Pilgrim’s Progress, White Fang, and Alice in Wonderland. Visit Free Classic Audio Books and get some culture in your life!

To increase your net worth you must either earn more or spend less, so have you ever considered asking for a discount as a strategy for spending less? Check out Free Money Finance and get on the fast track to saving money!

The Silicon Valley Blogger at The Digerati Life is considering investing in real estate. She has a list of 7 Things to Consider as a First Time Real Estate Investor. Has real estate hit bottom in your market? Have you considered getting a couple of “rent houses” and becoming a landlord? Be sure and read this article to cover your bases.

Joshua Clanton at Design for the Web wrote a wonderful article on The Most Powerful Form of Networking. Forget people” to get what you want, try this instead. You’ll get even farther.

Over at Mighty Bargain Hunter there is some breaking news about lowering your latte factor. It appears that a major coffee company may be lowering their prices. Find out who it is by reading Mighty Bargain Hunter.

Our favorite marketing guru, Seth Godin, reminds us of the importance of the last interaction you have with your customer. What kind of impression are you leaving your customers or your blog readers? What impression are you leaving your family every day? I make it a practice to always make “I love you” the last words my wife and kids hear from me when I leave. You never know when they really WILL be your last words. The same holds true for your customers and readers. Make sure their last interaction with you is positive. Thanks Seth!

The husband and wife team at Not Made of Money have Five Sources of Low Cost Entertainment to help keep your budget under control. These are some fantastic tips and one was a big surprise to me!

Trent at The Simple Dollar reviews Gotcha Capitalism. The breadth of hidden fees, unneeded services, and tiered rates that nickel and dime you are shocking.

And speaking of nickels, Five Cent Nickel has a list of steps you can take to early retirement. Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way.

Enjoy your weekend and The Weekend Roundup!
[tags]blog, weblog, life, birthday, John Chow, Seth Godin, marketing, personal finance, networking, real estate, money[/tags]