Free Money Finance March Madness, Round 1, Posts 53-56

Here we go with the first round of Free Money Finance March Madness (if you wonder what's going on in these posts, see my article announcing March Madness and/or click on my March Madness category link and scroll down to read all the posts involved in this subject.)

I've listed each "game" (one post versus another) in segments along with the wording provided by the author when the post was submitted. I've also listed a keyword(s) after each post title to make it easy to vote (as a made-up example, you can just comment: Game 1 - Saving; Game 2 - Investing, etc.) Be sure to comment which one you like the best out of each set of two -- you will help determine the winner! Criteria for the best article is somewhat subjective, but you can use these factors as a guide: 1) practicality of the post 2) how interesting/provocative/unique it is, 3) the "personal-ness" of it and 4) its impact on net worth.

Here are today's games:

GAME 27

• What the Volitile Market Tells Us About Ourselves (Market) - I think this is a great blog - even I have to say so myself. I like it because it provides a realistic assessment of the economic situation at the time which is not pie in the sky or chicken little and it hopefully helped readers get their feet on the ground and realize that their emotions were the greatest financial obstacle they face.

VERSUS

• How to Redeem Internet Coupons (Coupons) - This post was written in 2005 and I continue to get requests to repost it as the topic is relevant and useful to many!  This article attempts to help the internet/coupon user to successfully save money with legitimate coupons that retailers and cashiers often reject due being technology challenged.

GAME 28

• How often should I contribute to my Roth IRA? (Roth) - It's a post noting how simple it is to fully fund an IRA account.  The commenters and I discuss the best way to fund a retirement account (incrementally vs. lump sum), and consider the benefits of dollar cost average, both in terms of financial returns and psychological motivation.
  As a bonus, you linked to it as a Star Money Article on January 11, 2008!

VERSUS

• What's Wrong with Used Goods? (Wrong) - Why do people have such reservations about buying something used?  This post explores the stigma of buying second hand and what it means for your money.

Comments

[shtinkykat]

Roth!

[tom]

Coupons
Roth

[Oldwindways]

Roth

[Sarah]

Roth!

[Sophie]

Please find below my votes

27: Market
28: Wrong

[rwh]

Volitile Market Post.

"The best way to make sure your logic is in charge rather than your emotion is to have the right portfolio mix....."

That was written before Christmas when the market was rallying. Now it's tanking again. I've been wavering about my portfolio mix, but I recognize it as driven by emotion. So far I have not acted to change anything other than increase my savings.

A volitile market can whipsaw the average investor.

[Susan]

market
roth

[Aron]

Game 27: Market
Game 28: Wrong

[Katy]

Wrong!
Great point about how examining why we feel a certain way can help us save money.

[Eric]

Market
Wrong

[Matt SF]

market
wrong

[David]

Coupons
Wrong

[Marie]

Then what do I do? I need to accumulate interest what's my best option

[kendallcorner]

Roth
Market

[KHS]

Coupons
Wrong

[Marie]

Coupons
Roth

[Neal Frankle]

Market

Roth

[Bobby]

My votes:

Game 27: Market
Game 28: Wrong

[Jeff]

Coupons
Roth

[thomas]

market
roth

[FMF]

These games are now over. The winners are:

Game 27: Market
Game 28: Roth

Thanks to everyone for voting. Another set of games is out this morning -- be sure to vote!

[melissa]

roth!!