It’s been over a year since I posted my last Sunday Personal Finance Reading. I think that Sundays are a great time to do some reading and reflection on the week (and life), so I’m going to get back into the routine of posting some of my favorite blog posts that I read in the past week. Usually the posts were made in the last week, but sometimes I have to catch up on blogs (I don’t read every blog every week), so the posts that I read could be older.

Frugal Beautiful – Job Hunting for the Recent Grad
Shannyn posted about her current job search. She’s doing everything right and keeping a good attitude about it all it seems. She’s absolutely right though, job searching for recent grads is pretty bad right now. So many experienced people without jobs who are higher on the totem pole.

Retire by 40 – Early Retirement Draw Down Strategy
Great analysis from Joe about early retirement and the money needed to be able to retire early. Joe’s recently left his job to try out the early retirement thing. I highly recommend following his progress over at this blog.

Money Under 30 – Why So Many People are House Poor
As someone who is probably likely to spend way too much on a house, Money Under 30’s post on being house poor makes for a good read. Everything in personal finance is about moderation, and purchasing a home is no exception.

You Have More than you Think – The Rent vs. Buy Debate
Shawanda tries to tackle the age old rent vs. buy question and explains why renting long-term can make sense. I’ve long debating this myself. For now I’m renting, but I could see myself being convinced to buy in a next couple of years. Only time will tell.

Lazy Man and Money – Why You Shouldn’t Trust the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Lazy Man takes on the Better Business Bureau in his recent post. I tend to agree with his conclusion. I don’t think the BBB truly helps the consumer in most cases. I’ve gone through the BBB a few times to try to resolve issues and have had mixed results. In the end, the BBB is a marketing company that exerts its reputation to force businesses into acting a certain why. I think there is some benefit to consumers, but they also act deceptively and many consumers don’t understand what type of entity the BBB truly is.

Steadfast Finances – Should you Build your own Home?
Steadfast Finances looks at whether it makes sense to build a home. At a time when most homes are cookie-cutters, I think this option holds a lot of appeal. Especially because you get to decide to have that big walk-in closet and chef’s kitchen, but can axe that hallway closet you’ll never use. I’ve seen some empty lots in my area…hmmm…

Work Save Live – Teaching Children about Money
Jason does a great job of covering the basics of teaching children about money. I know that it’s something I’ll be doing when I have children. I haven’t gotten to look at any of the products out there, but I think that schools could do a much better job in regards to teaching our youth about money. Kids might even be able to take some of these lessons home and teach their parents!

Master the Art of Saving – Buying Our First House—Price & Other Costs
A very informative post by Jen on the costs associate with buying a first home. Although I don’t have a date in mind, I plan on buying a home sometime in the next five years. Her transparency about the costs involved is helpful because it gives me a better idea of what to expect.

Modest Money – Does Everyone Need an Emergency Fund?
Stashing 6-months of expenses in an emergency fund is common financial advice. You won’t find me telling you that having a rainy day fund of 6-months of expenses is a bad idea. But is it is a good one? Jeremy looks at whether an emergency fund makes since for him (and everyone).