Friday Finance Findings for January 15th – Going Pro Edition

You want news? I’ve got some news for you. Starting next week I join the ranks of the self-employed, often referred to as a ‘problogger.’ Things didn’t work out with my employer, so here I am. It’s going to be an exciting, yet somewhat scary journey. The biggest concern is losing a big chunk of our household income. That hurts, especially when you are carrying two mortgages. Even so, it’s doable, but until I can begin to kick things up a notch with online earnings it’s going to be tighter than it was.

But that brings me to the good news. For one, the readers are going to be the true beneficiaries. With more time and all restrictions lifted in terms of what I can talk about I’ll be able to publish more content and spend even more time interacting with all of you. I look forward to that. This new lifestyle change also allows me to focus more time on my other endeavors. You may remember that I also write about financial planning over at About.com so I’ll be able to create more content over there as well. What you probably don’t know is that I’m also working with a new personal finance startup company. They haven’t launched yet so it’s still under wraps, but I’m flying out to New York next weekend to join in a celebration of the public launch. And finally, I have a bit of a side project slowly taking shape that will feed off of and work as a companion to this site.

I know, it’s a lot of stuff going on and a lot to digest. Imagine how I feel! So, all I can say is to stay tuned in the coming weeks as things begin to ramp up. The best way to stay on top of what’s going on is to get free feed updates, follow me on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and sign up for free email updates in the form near the bottom of this post. You’ll be the first to know what’s going on and when new items are being launched or discussed.

I think I’ve covered everything, so on with the links.

The Two-Income Myth – Steve over at Brip Blap talks a little bit about going from two incomes to one and the difficulties surrounding the decision, not to mention the peer pressure from others.

Get A Financial Education In Your Twenties – It’s a little late for Generation X to get in on the financial education in their 20s, but it isn’t too late to apply the same advice even if you are just a little bit older. The sooner you start the better!

How to Break Free from Your Escrow Account – Escrow. If you have a mortgage, you may already be quite familiar with this term. In many cases it’s a requirement, but if you can break free from the escrow you may be able to streamline your finances to your advantage.

Free is to Frugal as Clear is to Water – Want to be more frugal? Start getting stuff for free. That’s right, there’s nothing more frugal than free. The Sun highlights some of the ways you can find free stuff and save a ton of money in the process.

Workplace Culture Shock: Adjusting to a New Company Culture – This is something I’m going to be going through in the coming weeks. No, I’m not changing employers, but I’m going from a 9-5 job to working at home. Just like switching corporate cultures, it’s going to be a total change of pace!

Emergency Funds for the Financial Flu – Think of an emergency fund as a way to prepare for a financial flu. You never want to get the flu, but if you’re prepared for it when it strikes it’s a lot easier to deal with.

Get Paid for Getting in Shape – Happy new year! So, how is that resolution to get into shape treating you? I know the feeling, but if you want some incentive, how does money sound?  Lazy Man talks about how you can get paid to get in shape.

Are You Saving Money Just to Save, Or Saving With Purpose? – Without goals, nothing has purpose. This goes beyond money, but when you think about it, what are you saving for? Don’t just save for the sake of saving. Save with purpose!

Additional reading:

S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats

The Five Best International Mutual Funds For Your IRA

Is A Safe 8% Return Realistic?

How to Get Your Free FICO Credit Score

What the New Changes in Credit Card Rules Mean for You

How Does The CARD Act of 2009 Affect Credit Card Holders?

How To Make Money With A Blog

2010 Roth IRA Conversion, Important Things to Know

5 Steps to Get You Hired as an English Teacher Abroad

Top 10 Money Movies of the Decade

10 Frugal Ways to get Fit this Winter

You Need a Budget (YNAB) 3.0 Personal Finance Software Review

5 Tips for Making Extra Money

Don’t Forget About The Free YNAB Giveaway

Does the World Need Yet Another Credit Option?

Areas to Automate Your Finances

If you liked reading Freakonomics then check out their next offering: SuperFreakonomics book review.

Your Spouse: Financial Teammate or Financial Enemy?

Related posts:

1. Friday Finance Findings for April 15th
2. Friday Finance Findings for January 21st
3. Friday Finance Findings for January 14th
4. Friday Finance Findings for January 28th