It’s time to empty out the recycle bin of trash in my mind again. It’s overflowing this week, so I’ll just dig in.
- Personal Finance Startups – I’ve got a quick call with a personal finance startup that I think is interesting in a couple of hours this morning. If it pans out, I’ll be writing about them later this week. On Tuesday, I’ll be going to a mixer, SF Beta Financial Innovation, to hobnob with a bunch of personal finance companies and others from Silicon Valley. I’m extremely shy, so we’ll see if I actually “mix” or not.
- New Eyeglasses – I finally got around to purchasing two new sets of eyeglasses from Zenni Optical thanks to many reader’s advice on my article, Save Money on Glasses and Contact Lenses. For under $60, I got two pairs, one for general use and one for use specifically when I’m at my computer. The Internet is a beautiful thing.
- Football – Regular readers know that I’m a huge football fan. Did you see the games this past weekend? Three thrilling games that went down to the wire. With Seattle winning its game against New Orleans, I expect to read more analysts upset that the 11-5 New Orleans had to play a road game against 7-9 Seattle because the Seattle won their weak division. Many of them would like to see a reseeding of the playoffs based on wins for playoff teams, which would allow the division leader (even an under .500 one) to make the playoffs, but not host a playoff game. I don’t feel bad for New Orleans. In 2008, the Patriots were 11-5 and didn’t get a chance to play a playoff game, while the 8-8 Chargers got to play one at home. If the NFL is looking to adjust the rules to react to this “injustice” (I don’t believe it is one), I recommend it start by correcting the greater “injustices” first.
Looking forward to next weeks games already with a bunch of other great match-ups including two divisional rivalries in the AFC.
Now let’s get to the personal finance links:
Money Writers:
- Brip Blap discusses consumerism
and dancing. - Digerati Life blogs Bush tax cuts extension: what are the effects? Infographic!
- Frugal Dad goes over debt: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
- Generation X Finance writes when talk is cheap: ways to save money on your phone bill.
- Million Dollar Journey explains why low interest rates are a good thing.
- Money Smart Life presents 7 high deductible health plan questions.
- My Dollar Plan is reviewing 2010 and 2011 financial strategies.
- The Sun’s Financial Diary asks does automatic enrollment improve retirement saving?
Top PF Posts:
- Smarter Wallet asks should you make a car purchase or take public transportation?
- Bargaineering lists 2010 top safety pick cars.
- I Pick Up Pennies shares a story about how frugality can cost you.
- Fiscal Geek presents 4 best New Years resolution ideas for your money &
finances. - Out of Debt Again on tithing.
- Saving Advice with desperate for a job. Or not.
- Finance For Youth asks broken resolutions? Great, now let’s get to work!
- Money Changes Things writes about cooking: ecological, economical, and better for you…
Personally, I think the problem with the NFL is that there are too many divisions. With eight divisions of four teams each – and with six divisional games each year – it was only a matter of time before a 7-9 team snuck in.
However, as long as everyone knows the rules beforehand, I don’t see this as an injustice. If it’s a bad rule, then change it – but don’t blame the Seahawks.
If the Seahawks were to win the Super Bowl, they would end up with a record of 11-9. I’m curious what the record for losses by a Super Bowl winner is. My guess would be 6.
I agree with you about the divisions. It is kind of crazy that it’s a one in 4 chance to win the division and get in. I’d prefer three divisions and three wild cards (if they want to keep the same amount of playoff teams in).
I think you are right with the guess of six. Arizona almost did it with a 9-7 regular season a couple of years ago. The 1988 San Francisco 49ers and the 2007 NY Giants were each 10-6 though. I didn’t find any others, but didn’t do an exhaustive search.
Ooooohhh… pf mixer, wondering if you’ll get to see our most well known Silicon Valley blogger, Ms. SVB? :-) Sounds like fun! I am also a fan of Zenni Optical and have bought several pair of glasses and sunglasses from them. And last but not least, thanks for including my post on tithing, much appreciated!
What! I’m not the most well-known Silicon Valley Blogger?!?! I’m taking down your link right away! (Just Kidding.)
Actually, I’ll be heading there with Ms. SVB. We are good friends, except for when we play Settlers of Catan where we get in real life sword duels and scare the heck out of spouses.
Lazy Man, I didn’t realize you were in Silicon Valley, sorry for the slight! ;-) Ah, Settlers of Catan. SVB recommended that game recently as a techie Christmas gift and says it is her favorite. I have it on my wish list at Amazon. I am looking forward to checking it out one day soon. I’m jealous! We have had a couple of PF blogger get togethers here in Arizona but there are only a handful of us. Four that have met up and we know of two others. It’s about time to do another one, I’d say. Hope you all have a great time tomorrow.
One of these days maybe I’ll make it down to Arizona. My travels there frequently for business and tells me it is great.