Friday Finance Findings For January 25th

It has been a busy week around here, and there are plenty of items to take note of. First, the complete overhaul of Generation X Finance is drawing near. Earlier this month I sought out a designer to completely revamp the site, and the final touches should be going on next week. From what I’ve seen so far, it is going to be a drastic, but long overdue change. The new site is amazingly clean, the clutter is removed, the ads are not as intrusive, and the content is extremely easy to read. Stay tuned for updates.

In addition, this week I also put together another post for Prosper.com that highlights how to factor in peer-to-peer lending in your portfolio. How do you classify the money you lend on Prosper? I take a stab at answering some of the basics. In other news, I’m also working with All You Magazine on a piece that addresses money issues for couples. Hopefully we can finish it up in the next few weeks so that it hits one of the spring issues. With that, let’s move on to the articles for the past week:

How to Prepare for Falling Interest Rates – As we know, the Fed cut rates by a surprise 0.75% this week. This is good news for your debt, but bad news for your savings. Find out how to prepare for this change.

Update on Active & Passive Funds Comparison – The Sun takes a look at the active funds he owns and compares them to similar index funds. How did they perform?

7 Steps to Consider as a First Time Real Estate Investor – Thinking about investing in real estate? You should read this excellent post by SVB before you do anything.

A Guaranteed Return Solution for Uncertain Times – Stock market got you down? The Fed rate cut hurting your savings? Banker Girl has a strategy that might help ease the pain if you’re looking for some steady and reliable returns.

Lending Club Gets a Makeover – In addition to the great 5% bonus, Lending Club has made some changes to their interface. Lazy Man has more, and even includes screenshots.

Manage Your Home Business With Microsoft Accounting Express – If you own a small home business, saving money is an important aspect of the business. Ben introduces us to a FREE accounting package that can help you not only manage your business finances, but save you money along the way.

What to Do With Your Economic Stimulus Check – Are you looking forward to receiving your money from Uncle Sam? Here are some great ideas on how to put this money to use.

Personal Finance Bloggers Share Their Best Money Tips – If you want even more finance links this weekend, NCN has put together a list of over 30 tips from other finance bloggers.

Make Money by Buying an Online Business – I’ve sold a few online businesses, but I haven’t bought one. Money Socket has some interesting things to consider if you’re thinking about buying an online business.

Take a Second Job or Build a Side Business? – Speaking of business, the Mighty Bargain Hunter looks at the pros and cons of taking a second job or building a side business.

2008 Tax Rebate Stimulus Package Explained – I was going to write a post explaining it, but no need to now. Jim does a fantastic job explaining it.

Gifts for Your Financially-Minded Valentine – That’s right, in less than three weeks, Valentine’s Day will be here again. Instead of wasting money on flowers or nasty goo-filled chocolates, here are some better ideas.

Better Goal Setting With S-Curves – Who couldn’t use a little logistic function to help set their goals? Don’t worry, you don’t need to do a whole lot of math to understand this post.

Related posts:

1. Friday Finance Findings For January 18th
2. Friday Finance Findings for January 4th
3. Friday Finance Findings For January 11th
4. Friday Finance Findings For May 25th
5. Friday Finance Findings For December 21st