Here we go with the third 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 3
- 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!
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?
GAME 4
- My Husband is Now WORKING FROM HOME WITH ME!!! (Husband) - It's important to work out a plan before leaping into self-employment. It's even more important when that entrepreneurial spirit hits both of the income earners of the household. But after running the numbers, looking at worst case scenarios, and mulling the idea over...it was time for us to put on our big girl panties and jump in. :-) Here's the post about the excitement and fear when we officially put all of our financial eggs in one basket and happily skipped away into the unknown...
VERSUS
- How I Obtained a Masters Degree from Harvard for $500--Without Scholarships! (Degree) - Yes, you read that correctly. With a bit of creativity and whole lot of hard work, I graduated with my Masters degree from Harvard with ZERO debt. Better yet, the entire degree/program only cost me $500! Apply my tips and strategies to reduce any of your education-related expenses.
Age
Degree
Posted by: Laura | April 08, 2013 at 02:36 PM
Age
Degree
Posted by: Nick @ AYoungPro.com | April 08, 2013 at 02:50 PM
Savings
Husband
Posted by: Amanda | April 08, 2013 at 03:01 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Miranda | April 08, 2013 at 03:03 PM
Savings
Posted by: Justin | April 08, 2013 at 03:05 PM
Age
Posted by: Sam | April 08, 2013 at 03:12 PM
Age
Husband
Posted by: MikeS | April 08, 2013 at 03:15 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Peter | April 08, 2013 at 03:16 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Glen Craig | April 08, 2013 at 03:40 PM
Age
Degree
Posted by: Untemplater | April 08, 2013 at 03:45 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Echo | April 08, 2013 at 03:55 PM
Savings
Husband
PS It looks like several people had the same problem as Untemplater...
Posted by: Crystal | April 08, 2013 at 04:28 PM
Husband
Posted by: John | April 08, 2013 at 04:39 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Mark | April 08, 2013 at 04:40 PM
age
degree
Posted by: Pauline | April 08, 2013 at 05:02 PM
age
husband
Posted by: Lance @ Money Life and More | April 08, 2013 at 05:34 PM
Age
Degree
Posted by: Bob | April 08, 2013 at 06:53 PM
game 3 : age
game 4 : degree
Posted by: jim | April 08, 2013 at 07:02 PM
Husband
Posted by: Isabelle | April 08, 2013 at 08:41 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Mike Collins | April 08, 2013 at 08:46 PM
Game 3: AGE
game 4: HUSBAND
Posted by: ODWO | April 08, 2013 at 09:06 PM
Age
Husband
Posted by: Charlotte | April 09, 2013 at 03:44 AM
Savings
Husband
Posted by: Jeffrey | April 09, 2013 at 06:58 AM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Jen | April 09, 2013 at 08:35 AM
Age
Degree
Posted by: John S @ Frugal Rules | April 09, 2013 at 08:57 AM
Degree
Posted by: Michelle | April 09, 2013 at 09:28 AM
Age
Degree
Posted by: X | April 09, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Savings
Husband
Posted by: Jeff Rose | April 09, 2013 at 01:50 PM
savings husband
Posted by: Bob | April 09, 2013 at 02:38 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: J. Money | April 09, 2013 at 02:43 PM
Savings
Degree
Posted by: Ryan | April 09, 2013 at 05:29 PM
These games are now over. The winners are:
Game 3: Savings
Game 4: Degree
Thanks to everyone for voting. Another set of games is out today -- be sure to vote!
Posted by: FMF | April 10, 2013 at 09:02 AM
age
husband
Posted by: libby | April 10, 2013 at 03:12 PM