Weekend Reading: Labour Day Weekend Edition

Summer Heat

Another week goes by, as I enjoy the last of the summer heat. Although I will miss the heat, I need my sleep! With a combination of a hot, stuffy apartment and ragweed allergies, I don’t think I’ve gotten more than about 4-5 hours of sleep a night.

Posts of the week

I posted what could be my first controversial post of Invest It Wisely’s history: Consumer Ethics and Animals: Where Do You Draw the Line?. I also gave a look into my own background in the post “Who is Behind Invest It Wisely?“, and I did a quick introduction into the advantages of ETFs versus mutual funds in the post “How to Invest in Vanguard Funds Using ETFs — and Save Money While You’re at It“.

Weekend Reading

Beating The Index: Why Investing in Oil is Investing in China

BTI looks at the advantages of investing in oil, and how we can capitalize on the growth of the Chinese economy within the safety and security of the Canadian dollar and market.

Aspiring Millionaire: Yakezie Challenge Blog Carnival

Aspiring Millionaire did a great job on the Yakezie Challenge Blog Carnival. Many great articles (including one from yours truly) were included… check it out!

Top Gear: May and the machine

Ever wondered with amazement how it is that regular Joes can afford to drive something as complex as a modern car? This is a very interesting look at how we have benefited greatly from free markets and the advance of technology.

Buy Like Buffett: Why Your Grandparents Made More Money In The 70’s Than You Make Now

Does it ever seem like your money doesn’t go as far as it used to? Does it seem harder to afford the basic necessities of life than it was for your parents? Buy Like Buffett takes a look, and I offer an interesting counterpoint in the comments section.

The Daily Capitalist: Good is Bad, Bad is Good

This is an interesting look on how people are criticized by mainstream economists for saving their money, practicing frugality, and refusing to go further into debt to maintain a consumerist lifestyle.

Singularity Hub: Who Owns You? 20% of the Genes in Your Body are Patented

Yet another reason why patents are a joke… except there is nothing funny about what these companies, through the long arm of the government, are trying to do.

Mises Economics Blog: Social Insecurity

Is Social Security a ripoff for the young amongst us?

The Biz of Life: Who’d Have Thunk It: Expense Ratios Better Predictor of Future Performance Than Morningstar Ratings

Turns out that one of the best ways to compare funds might just be to take a look at the MERs!

Andrew Hallam: Do You Want to Beat the Market?

Andrew Hallam considers the possibility of delivering a knock-out punch to the market, along with strategies in evading a pack of hungry boars…

Faithful With A Few: Thoughts About Marriage on Our Anniversary

This is an inspiring story of true wealth, and a great story of a man’s devotion to his wife and family.

Juxtapoz: Dollar Origami Creator also Lives in Garbage Truck

This is a pretty neat garbage truck that’s been converted into a mobile home!

My Own Advisor: Our super simple automatic savings plan

My Own Advisor lays out a super simple strategy for building up your savings nest egg.

Everyday Tips and Thoughts: Should A Family of Four Be Able to Live Off $111,000 Per Year?

Is $111K a year enough for a family of four to live on and survive? Should they be complaining? Head over to read more about this family and their “dilemma”.

Wealth Artisan: Why Do New Cars Depreciate Sharply?

Wealth Artisan looks at some of the reasons why a car loses some 15-20% of its value the moment you drive it off the dealer’s lot…

Budgeting In the Fun Stuff: Developing a Frugal Food Habit: 4 Tips For Lowering Your Grocery Bill

This post looks at four different ways you can save money on groceries and lower your food bills.

Cool to be Frugal: Preparing for a Baby – What Do You Really Need?

Mrs. Frugal looks at what is really needed for the baby on the way.

How To Get Girls If You Live At Home With Mom & Dad

The Financial Samurai takes a hilarious look at the “advantages” of living at home.

Larry MacDonald: The Great Reflation: J. Anthony Boeckh

Larry takes an initial look at the book “The Great Reflation”, by J. Anthony Boeckh. The author offers a word of warning for those expecting a return to financial stability and seeking to buy and hold.

Young & Thrifty: 6 Tips for Buying Organic On the Cheap

Want to buy organic food, but don’t want to get ripped off in the process of doing so? Y&N has six suggestions to help you out.

How to Pick a Mutual Fund – Type

This is an in-depth post that looks at different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and precious metals. Bret also gives his thoughts on real estate and the merits of active investing versus passive investing.

DIY Investor: Don’t Bailout

Robert offers his perspective on investing in today’s markets, and suggests that we need to keep things in perspective and keep the long term in mind. These might be one of the best times to invest if you consider things in that sense!

Car Negotiation Coach: Your father was wrong: How NOT to negotiate car price

The Coach looks at two commonly-used strategies used to negotiate car prices, examines their pitfalls, and then offers his advice in getting the best price.

Sustainable Life Blog: Debt Free Budget

Jeff looks at how much money could be saved by going to a debt-free budget…

Youtube: A Meal To Die For

How’s this for an interesting restaurant?

Have a great Labour Day weekend, and see you next week.