You are here: Home » Blog » Archives for October 2009

From the monthly archives:

October 2009

Day 6: Inspired by the book “Trust Agents”, I’ve thought of a term to use “Trust Busters”.

I’ve been reading the book Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust, by Julien Smith and Chris Brogan, and I find it to be very refreshing. I love the concept that social media and the online social communities are about authenticity and being real, and that everyone as individuals has a place to build trust by joining in the conversation in a different way than it has been in the past. Its so anti-intuitive to the alternative route that many follow online with some of the affiliate marketing practices. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against affiliate marketing. In fact, I’m facinated by it and can’t wait to learn more. (You may have noticed I linked to an Amazon book from this posting through a Amazon Associates link). I just think there are ways of going about financial freedom that are genuine and authentic and then there are ways of trying to make a quick buck. Both can probably return results, but I question the staying power of the second method.

The main concept that I will be looking at in my blog from more of a philisophical standpoint is all of the junk that clutters the web. Can it really have a long-lasting life? As an offshoot to Smith’s book’s concept I’m going to use the term “Trust Buster” to describe practices that I encounter along my journey that I find to be either cheesy, misleading, or just plain unethical. I have found that the term has been used before in relation to Roosevelt and politics, but it has a new meaning in this context. Its my personal belief that many of these concepts can earn money for some, but thier staying power is limited because people want to know the truth not just be sold.

I’m going to try to start a few sites with income generation options, but the difference for me is that I want them to be well designed, well maintained, thoughtful, and useful sites. If I get traffic to the ads from them, that is nice, but the main purpose will be to find my place online and what I can add through my own current and ongoing acquired knowledge.

{ 0 comments }

Review Free Online Budgeting Tools: Yodlee MoneyCenter

October 30, 2009

I was initially impressed with Yodlee MoneyCenter based on the amount of investment and account options that you could manage in the interface. However, a certain key feature that Mint had is lacking in Yodlee.

Read the full article →

Shopaholic? Put a Halt to Retail Therapy

October 29, 2009

Day 4: Sometimes it feels like you can’t help it. Even if you aren’t a shopaholic its nearly impossible not to get a growing list of retail subscription emails that are sent to you letting you know about the latest deal and discount. For some reason, they really work on me. Especially Shutterstock.com emails. You’ll give me 10 free pictures? Wow! I’m in. Even though that equates to about $1.00, I get sold.

Read the full article →

Review of Free Online Money Management Tools: Mint.com

October 28, 2009

Day 3: Mint.com Review. If you are searching for a free online money management or budgeting tool, mint.com offers a very nice interface. It’s popular for a reason, its user friendly and easy to use.

Read the full article →

Top Free Online Budgeting Money Management Tools

October 27, 2009

Day 2

Step 1: Managing My Finances

I’m going to start by signing up and using some of the top free online money management tools, and providing reviews of my experience with them. Hopefully I’ll narrow down to a free tool that will meet my needs. If not, I’ll see what the paid tools offer that the free ones don’t.

Read the full article →

365 Days to Financial Freedom

October 26, 2009

I’ve decided to document my family’s journey toward “financial freedom” every day for 1 year. Starting today, October 26th, 2009.

Read the full article →