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 29
- 8 Rules you Must Follow when Buying Stocks During a Recession (8) - Investing in turbulent times is never easy, and can actually be quite frightening. However, when you follow sound principles and choose winning companies, the potential for profit can be monumental. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. This post shows you what to look for in a stock in today's recession.
VERSUS
- Debt Collection Practices: Going From Debtor To Debt Collector (Practices) - This article is interesting as it offers the view of someone who had debt, who then eventually experienced what it was like to be on the other side of the debt management spectrum, as the debt collector! Since we often complain about our bill collectors, this post offers a fresh perspective on the debt collection situation.
GAME 30
- Setting up a Budget, Lower Debt – the Internet is Full of Advice (Advice) - This post aims to convince readers to set up a budget so that they can lower their debt and reach other financial goals. It makes a compelling case that setting up a budget and following it is the first step to get one's financial house in good order. We all work so hard for the income we earn. Why don't we also apply some effort to make sure that our hard-earned income is spent well?
VERSUS
- Tips for College Graduate (Graduate) - So many college graduates are unaware of how important it is to begin a financial life with the right foundation. I offer ten key, finance, tips for the recent college grad.



Game 29 - 20something
Game 30 - scordo.com
Posted by: Ken | February 20, 2009 at 08:22 AM
8
Advice
Posted by: tom | February 20, 2009 at 08:48 AM
debt
tips
Posted by: Neal Frankle | February 20, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Practices
Graduate
Posted by: Jim | February 20, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Game 29: Practices
Game 30: Graduate
Posted by: Aron | February 20, 2009 at 10:39 AM
8, Advice
Posted by: AnEngineeredLife | February 20, 2009 at 10:40 AM
8 and Advice.
Posted by: bob | February 20, 2009 at 02:03 PM
8
Graduates
Posted by: ohreally | February 20, 2009 at 03:45 PM
8
Graduate
Posted by: Erin | February 20, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Practices
Graduate
Posted by: ABCs of Investing | February 20, 2009 at 10:53 PM
29: Practices
30: Graduate
Posted by: Jeffrey | February 21, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Practices
Advice
Posted by: ctreit | February 21, 2009 at 08:31 PM
8
advice
Posted by: thomas | February 22, 2009 at 12:19 PM
game 28 - practices
game 30 - advice
Posted by: ande | February 22, 2009 at 04:29 PM
practices
graduate
Posted by: eric | February 23, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Practices
Graduate
Posted by: Adam | February 23, 2009 at 01:16 AM
29 - Debt Collection
30 - Setting up a Budget
Posted by: Manshu | February 23, 2009 at 06:02 AM
These games are now over. The winners are:
Game 29: Practices
Game 30: Graduate
Thanks to everyone for voting. Another set of games is out this morning -- be sure to vote!
Posted by: FMF | February 23, 2009 at 10:30 AM