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The markets are in turmoil, people are rioting in Greece, gold is down nearly $100 from its recent peak, fiat money is growing parabolically, we cannot continue our ways…, but, the sun is still shining, the world is still turning, and people are still waking up in the morning. Here is your weekend reading:

Beating the Index: Alberta’s Cardium Formation : Oil Play Overview

A great intro by Mich into the Cardium oil lands in west central Alberta.

Andrew Hallam: Dancing with the Devil

Andrew debates the tradeoff between ethics and profit when it comes to investing in tobacco companies and mutual fund companies.

The Wise Buck: What The Markets Are Telling You, When The Dow Drops 1000 in a Day

Mike at The Wise Buck shares his insight into the recent turmoil affecting the markets.

Financial Samurai: The Emergency Fund Fallacy

The Financial Samurai ponders the wisdom and effects of declaring a portion of your funds as “emergency” funds.

Well Heeled Blog: Yakezie Carnival: Scrooge McDuck’s Graduation Speech to Huey, Dewey, and Louie

I was featured by Well Heeled Blog in her Yakezie carnival. Thanks!

PF Firewall: The Importance Of Saving Money For A Rainy Day

A guest post by Timothy Ng gives a basic introduction.

Engineer Your Finances: Don’t Be Fooled by Sneaky Labeling!

Fin Engr has an interesting story to share on why you should pay attention to product labeling.

Retirement Investing Today: A History of Severe Real S&P 500 Stock Bear Markets – May 2010 Update

This is a look into the previous bear markets of the S&P 500 where there was a significant loss in real value.

Beating Broke: Are Insurance Companies Just Big Ponzi Schemes?

Are insurance companies just big ponzi schemes? Head over to Beating Broke to read their take on things.

Eliminate the Muda: A Thought Experiment – Changing Roles

Lean Life Couch at Eliminate the Muda takes a look into what would happen if you swapped roles with your significant other; how would things be different? What would you see?

Billy Blog: A modern monetary theory lullaby

Bill Mitchell gives an introductory overview of modern monetary theory: the tools and means by which a government spends, redistributes income, and allocates resources. Regardless of the morality or ideology, these are the tools which sovereign fiat provides. I am as of yet unconvinced of the sound applicability and morality of this power, but I am reading and learning more about it, to at least understand what it’s all about.

Darwin’s Finance: Is it a Gold Bubble When You can Cash in Gold at Sears and KMart?

Darwin’s Finance takes a look at gold.

2+2 Forums: Tenets of Modern Monetary Theory/Post Keynesianism

In my search to read more about modern monetary theory, I came across this interesting thread.

Singularity Hub: A Mosquito Zapping Laser That Fights Malaria? Yes!

I wonder how good it is at distinguishing the mosquitos from other flying critters…

Naked Capitalism: Schama: Are the Guillotines Being Sharpened?

Naked Capitalism looks into the growing backlash and rising populist sentiments in reaction to the global financial crisis.

An Englishman’s faith

And finally, a charming story to finish off the list. This is the story of how one rich British man by the name of Dylan Wilk went to the Philippines and built dozens of homes over there. I know this one is old, but it still inspires the mind and captivates the imagination.

If you ever feel like being a little more motivated, take a look at this video (OK, the video is a little ridiculous, but the first step toward achieving your goals is believing that they are possible to achieve):

Have a good long weekend, and see you next week!

Related posts:

1. How Much Should I Save, and Why?
2. Gold Versus Fiat and the Mother of All Bubbles
3. Since the Sun is Shining, Go out and Enjoy It!
4. Meet Andrew Hallam: The Millionaire Teacher
5. Five Personal Finance, Economic and Life Lessons Learned from “The Lion King”

About Kevin

Kevin currently lives the white collar lifestyle, but his real dream is to get out of the rat race one day. He enjoys exploring unvisited places around the world and gaining new experiences. He believes that by properly managing our energy and time, we can learn to invest our lives wisely.

Tags: bear markets, Cardium oil, debt, ethics, fiat money, gold, Greece, inspiration, lifestyle, modern monetary theory, motivation, personal growth, populism, savings, self improvement, sovereign risk, speculative bubble, Yakezie