FMF March Money Madness, Round 2, Posts 9-12

Here we go with the second round of Free Money Finance March Money Madness (to follow all the action click on my March Money 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 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 5

• The Ultimate Baby Cost Tracker! (Baby) - You know how people are always saying kids cost a lot of money? Like, $250,000+ by the time they hit 18? Well, I decided to find out the real number and started tracking EVERY SINGLE PENNY since the day we found out we were pregnant :) 14 months down now, and only 202 more to go! Haha...

VERSUS

• How Much Savings Should I Have Accumulated By Age? (Age) - The following post provides a realistic savings guideline not only by age, but also by income. Learn about a concept called the "Expense Coverage Ratio" to increase your chances of a healthy retirement. You'll also discover an effective savings strategy that will allow you to convincingly raise your savings rate in one year. No matter how much you make or how old you are, take a look at this post which contains two charts to see if you are on track towards financial freedom!

GAME 6

• Take Care of Yourself First (First) - When you look at others problems, it is natural to want to help This isn't a bad thing, unless you can't afford it. You need to take care of yourself first.

VERSUS

• 5 Savings Strategies that Won’t Actually Save You Money (Savings) - We all like saving money, but sometimes the strategy that you think is saving you money actually isn't. Did you use these false savings strategies?

Comments

[Nick @ ayoungpro.com]

Age
First

[Laura]

Baby
Savings

[J. Money]

Baby
First

(word.)

[Nate St. Pierre]

baby

[Aaron]

baby
savings

[jim]

game 5 : age
game 6 : savings

[Untemplater]

Age

[Retire By 40]

age
saving

[Jacob]

Age
Savings

[T-Mib]

Age
Save

[Financial Samurai]

Age
First

[Jeffrey]

Age
First

[JTS]

Age
Savings

[FMF]

These games are now over. The winners are:

Game 5: Age
Game 6: Savings

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