Each Sunday I gather up some of the best articles I’ve found online that I think you’ll be interested in. There are probably about 500 personal finance blogs, so we simply can’t read them all. So if you’re looking to catch some of the best, check these out.

Money Smart Guides – How To Invest When You Are Scared of The Stock Market
I have a few friends who are afraid of the stock market. When the stock market it down, they say that it’s only going to drop further. Once they miss out and it’s risen up some, they say that it’s already risen too much and that it’s going to fall further. Since I was born in 1988, the stock market has been up in 19 or the 24 years ending 2011. That’s a positive return in 79% of years since I was born. I’m not saying that past performance indicates future returns, but historically, over any long-term period, stocks have returned positive returns. But for those of you who are still scared to dive head-first, it makes sense to have an investment plan that fits with your willingness to take risk, which is where this Money Smart Guide comes in.

The Family Finances – Be Smart About Banking
Justin does a great job looking at the fees of banking and the different fee structures of big banks vs. small community banks. For those who aren’t careful, it’s quite easy to spend $100+ on bank and credit card fees per year. I watch my finances meticulously (daily logins to Mint.com anyone?) and I still get hit with an occasional fee. Luckily, because I don’t do it often, I’ve been able to get them refunded each time just by calling the bank.

Modest Money – To Have or to Hold: The Pro and Cons of Investing in Real Estate
Many of the world’s wealthiest people built or supplemented their fortunes with real estate investments. But, if you’re like me, you may not have the money to buy an investment property. Heck, I don’t even have the money yet to buy my own home. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t invest in real estate. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) provide a great way to take advantage of the returns and diversification that real estate can provide to a portfolio, without all of the hassles, risks, and pitfalls of direct real estate ownership.

Forbes – Three (Incredibly Simple) Questions The Most Successful People Use To Change The World
I usually don’t link to articles from published magazines in this section, but this one is that good. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s about determining your goals, discovering what stands in your way, and figuring out how you will conquer those obstacles (by learning from others).

KrantCents – Get Rich Without Quitting Your Day Job
People often look at successful entrepreneur and assume that they must start their own business in order to become rich. However, it’s probably easier to become rich by working your way up in a successful company and being smart about managing your money. If you don’t see yourself working your way up in your current job then you can always switch jobs/careers, right?

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