We're down to the final four 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 better out of each set of two. Here we go:
GAME 1
- Snowflaking: A Primer (Snowflaking) - Snowflaking is a concept that many people actually employ but few people can name. It involves systematically and purposely saving and earning small amounts of "extra" money to reduce debt or increase savings. Doing this in a purposeful manner can make a huge difference in your financial health. This post outlines what snowflaking is and how to get started implementing it in your own life. It has worked wonders for me!
VERSUS
- A little-too-late advice on building wealth (Late) - Well, we're all stupid. Some of us stupider than others, but mama always told me stupid is as stupid does. If you can read this list and you haven't messed up all of these points already, you may find a way to destupidify.
GAME 2
- 8 Lessons I Learned From The Cheapest Family In The Nation (Lessons) - This post was the single most popular post I wrote last year. It garnered a huge response on the net and a lot of discussion to boot. I think it's a great and inspiring look at a real-life family's frugality. The Economides family proves that with teamwork, strategy and determination, we can all live below our means and live well with less.
VERSUS
- How I Taught My Preschooler the Value of a Dollar (Dollar) - It's important to teach young children about hard work, saving, and spending. In a quite accidental way, I used a chart system to teach my son the value of money and hard work. If you teach your children about delayed gratification early, it will have a positive effect on their money management skills throughout life.
In addition, I still have one 1GB USB drive available to give away (see details on it here.) All the rules, exceptions, etc. detailed on the linked post apply, but the basics are -- leave your votes for the best posts above and one commenter will be selected at random to receive the drive FREE!!!! Good luck!!!
Game 1 - Snowflaking
Game 2 - Lessons
Posted by: Beth | March 29, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Game 1: Snowflaking
Game 2: Pre-Schooler
Posted by: Laura | March 29, 2008 at 09:01 AM
1. late
2. lessons
Posted by: calgirlfinance | March 29, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: That One Caveman | March 29, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Snowflaking :)
Dollar
Posted by: paidtwice | March 29, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Snowflaking
Lessons
Posted by: JBM | March 29, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Game 1: Snowflaking
Game 2: Lessons
Posted by: Matt | March 29, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Lynnae @ Being Frugal.net | March 29, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Emily | March 29, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Debt Free Revolution | March 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: TheJapChap | March 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Pinyo | March 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Jessica | March 29, 2008 at 01:10 PM
game 2- preschool dollar
Posted by: Jennifer Partin | March 29, 2008 at 01:27 PM
snowflaking
dollar
Posted by: Ryan | March 29, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: PT | March 29, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Game 1: Snowflake
Game 2: 8 Lessons
Posted by: jim | March 29, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Patrick | March 29, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: SingleGuyMoney | March 29, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Bradster | March 29, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Glblguy | March 29, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Randall at CreditWithdrawal | March 29, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Snowflaking!
Dollar!
Posted by: Charlie Park | March 29, 2008 at 04:29 PM
snowflake
family
Posted by: Harley | March 29, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Snowflake
Dollar
Posted by: Christine | March 29, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Late
Dollar
Posted by: Kevin | March 29, 2008 at 04:52 PM
1: Late
2: Dollar
Posted by: Alan | March 29, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Late
Lessons
Posted by: guinness416 | March 29, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: RC@ThinkYourWayToWealth | March 29, 2008 at 09:22 PM
1. Dollar
2. Lessons
Posted by: Carolyn | March 29, 2008 at 09:30 PM
late
dollar
Posted by: CBaker | March 29, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Game 1 - Snowflaking
Game 2 - Dollar
Posted by: otherdeb | March 30, 2008 at 01:10 AM
G1- late
G2- dollar
Posted by: miramaxa | March 30, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Game 1 - Late
Game 2 - Lessons
Posted by: roach | March 30, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Game 2: Dollar
Posted by: Sarah | March 30, 2008 at 10:27 AM
snowflaking
dollar
Posted by: ck | March 30, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Game 1: Snowflaking
Game 2: Dollar
Posted by: em | March 30, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Game 1: Late
Game 2: Lessons
Posted by: TJ | March 30, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Dollar
Posted by: Rachel | March 30, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Late
Dollar
Posted by: Betty | March 30, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: boomeyers | March 30, 2008 at 12:35 PM
1. Snowflaking
2. Preschooler
Posted by: Leah | March 30, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Dollar!
Posted by: Libby | March 30, 2008 at 12:47 PM
1- Snowflaking
2- Dollar
Posted by: Odnal | March 30, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: Mike-TWA | March 30, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Snowflaking
Dollar
Posted by: David | March 30, 2008 at 05:37 PM
1. Snowflaking
2. Preschooler.
Posted by: Mrs. Micah | March 30, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Game 1: Late
Game 2: Lessons
Posted by: Lazy Man and Money | March 30, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Game 1: Late, Game 2: Lessons
Posted by: RateLadder | March 30, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Game 1: Late
Game 2: Lessons
Posted by: Ruth | March 30, 2008 at 06:39 PM