I know you’re seeing it everywhere, but how can it be nearly Christmas already? This month has absolutely flown by and we have 2013 bearing down on us. The exciting news in the Frugal Rules household is that the potty training bootcamp seems to be achieving some results! I am looking forward to getting another child out of diapers as that will free up more money in our budget.
Who has any exciting plans for the Christmas Holiday? Is anyone travelling anywhere fun? This year we have the pleasure of hosting my Dad’s side of the family. To be certain the house will be busting at the seams. I will attempt to not emulate Mr. Griswold. Thankfully there’s no cousin Eddie in our family, so everything should come off without a hitch. The downside to my family visiting is that everyone is shipping their gifts to us. With the number of boxes we have in our basement we could outfit several UPS trucks. The Brown Santa has definitely made way too many stops at our house in the past week or so. With family being in town, I’ll be taking some much needed days off on the blogging front. I have a few posts scheduled, but will probably just respond at most. What is everyone else’s plans for their blog over the Holiday?
This has been another great week in the blogosphere. I won’t pretend that many of you will have the time to read some of these blog posts. But if you do need to step away from the Egg Nog, then here’s a few to check out. Before I highlight some of the best blog posts out there, I encourage you to check out Fearless Men’s Man Up Leadership App that’ll be going live on Christmas Day. It looks like a cool one that I’ll be downloading myself. Have a great weekend all!
Leadership Lessons: The Dark Side of Leadership on Fearless Men
Lousy 401(k) Plan? – Strategies to Make the Best of it on The Chicago Financial Planner
‘Twas the Week Before Christmas on Eyes On The Dollar
Sometimes It’s Better to Pay Up on Pelican On Money
Enjoy Saving Money? Don’t Go Broke in the Process…on Frugal Habits
Your End of the World Budget on I Heart Budgets
Beef With My Alma Mater on Plunged In Debt
A Beginner’s Guide to Early Retirement on Canadian Budget Binder
Using Banks to Help Finance Your Business on Modest Money
5 Frugal Christmas Ideas For Children on Work Save Live
5 Ways to Save on Last-Minute Christmas Gifts on One Smart Dollar
Little House in Guatemala, Week 7 on Reach Financial Independence
The Twelve Costs of Christmas on Debt RoundUp
How to Identify Support and Resistance on Brick By Brick Investing
My Top Christmas Movie Picks on Mo Money Mo Houses
Seeing Berlin, Germany – Free on The Outlier Model
Justifying the Cost of My Smartphone on Our Freaking Budget
Minimalist Christmas Gifts on My Alternate Life
20 Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions on Young Adult Money
Odd Search Terms
20 steps on how to purchase my first stock…20 steps? I’d have no time to buy stock at that rate!
71 ways to save on taxes…I wonder what #72 would have been.
Holiday tip and broke…You can go broke if you follow some holiday tipping guidelines
How to save money when wife spends it…I can’t help you there buddy, I’m married to a cheapskate!
I’m giving away my iPad 3 December 17, 2012…Would you do that if you won the giveaway?
What is the result of a government without a budget?…You must not be following the news!
Why does the government keep spending money?…Someone has to keep Kinko’s in business.
I ate too much…can I suggest a good diet?
I hate Christmas because I’m frugal…Bah Humbug!
Carnivals and Mentions
It was another great week for Frugal Rules in the blogosphere. I am always humbled to compile this list and see all the mentions I’ve received. Thanks to everyone who shared or mentioned my blog posts this week. If I missed you, please shoot me a message and I’ll take care of it next week.
Working at Home Blog Carnival #317 on Working at Home on the Internet
Y & T Weekend Carnival on Young and Thrifty
Yakezie Carnival on Rambling Fever Money
The Money Mail Carnival #6 on The Money Mail
Carnival of Money Pros on Life Insurance By Jeff
The Wealth Builder Carnival #104 on My Wealth Builder
Carnival of Stocks and Options #5 on The Market Archive
Nerdy Finance Carnival #18 on Nerd Wallet
Carnival of Retirement on Mo Money Mo Houses
Weekly Link Love: Running Around Like a Crazy Cat Edition on Mo Money Mo Houses
Fearless Men Weekly Round-Up December 13, 2012 on Fearless Men
Weekly Reads 12.14.12 on Plunged In Debt
LinkLuv Friday Missing Persons Edition on Pelican On Money
Weekend Business and Blog Roundup – Dec 14th on Freedom Thirty Five Blog
Link Love 12/14/12 on Budget and the Beach
Follow Schwarzenegger’s Advice to Put Fuel on the Fire on Fix Em Up Rent Em Out
Friday Finance Links December 14, 2012 on The Chicago Financial Planner
Weekly Personal Finance Blog RoundUp – 12/14/12 on Debt RoundUp
Finance Fox Weekend Recap – 2 Year Blogiversary Giveaway Continues on Finance Fox
Link Love: TGIF Edition on The Random Path
Mr. CBB’s Weekly Blog Post Picks Dec 14, 2012 on Canadian Budget Binder
Mid December 2012 Favorite Blog Posts on Modest Money
Personal Finance Week in Review #42 on Work Save Live
Friends of the Family: Tragedy Strikes Edition on The Family Finances
Weekend Scouring: The Fuzzy-Wuzzy Winter Edition on Broke-Ass Mommy
Friday Recap, Mentoring and Time Management on Reach Financial Independence
Photo courtesy of: John Storms
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Hey thanks for mentioning my post! I think I’m going to pre-schedule some posts to stick with my regular blogging schedule but I definitely won’t be reading/commenting on other blogs for at least a few days. Have a good Christmas!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life recently posted..Minimalist Christmas Gifts
Not a problem Jordann! I have mine scheduled as well but will be taking a break for a few days. Have a great Christmas!
OMG!!!
I’m alive and the world didn’t come to an end! Yay!!!
Oh, and thanks for the mention bud!
You have yourself a jolly weekend!
Eddie recently posted..Employers Are Failing to Train Newly Hired Employees
I know, now I guess it means I actually have to work today.
You have a nice weekend as well Eddie.
Ha interesting search terms! Have a great weekend.
Michelle recently posted..Christmas and the Costs
I know. You as well Michelle.
Thanks so much for including me, I have to skip my weekly reads this week, I just couldn’t do it justice, too busy this week! I plan on taking a few days away from the blog too- this is a hobby and Christmas is about my family! Hope you and your family have a great time together and good luck with the diaper-free new year!
Catherine recently posted..Understanding RESP’s
No problem Catherine. I can relate to being busy. I’ve been glued to my computer this week so I can take a break next week.
I am traveling back to Scotland – WOOOOP!!
Happy Holidays
Savvy Scot recently posted..4 Personal Christmas Traditions
To you as well sir! Can I go to Scotland with you?!
Congrats on the potty training! How old is your little one? Awesome round up and way to be featured, everywhere. What’s your secret? Hope you have a great Christmas with your family, even though the brown Santa loaded up your place!
Buck Inspire recently posted..BI 037: Happy End of the World!
Thanks Buck! He’s three and has actually been doing quite well at it once we got serious about it. I wish that I had a secret, but it just comes down to networking I think. You have a great Christmas as well.
Thanks for the mentions John. Much appreciated. I am just trying to get through today, so that I can enjoy Christmas. I am not sure how the last day on earth is going to go, but I plan on taking it easy!
Grayson @ Debt Roundup recently posted..Weekly Personal Finance Blog RoundUp – 12/21/2012
Not a problem Grayson. I hear you, I am ready to get through today so that I can have a much anticipated break.
Have a great weekend, John. TGIF!
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted..The VIP Club Roundup – 14th Edition
You as well Holly. Yes, TGIF!
Derek is quite satisfied he married a cheapskate too. Otherwise I’m sure there would be words….. and I don’t think they’d be “Merry Christmas, whatever makes you happy dear”
Mandy @MoneyMasterMom recently posted..My 26 Random Acts of Kindness in Honor of Sandy Hook Elementary
As am I. I think she’s cheaper (*cough more frugal *cough) than me.
We were thinking of going to AZ, but now it looks like we’re going to SeaWorld San Diego on Christmas. I’m curious how crowded it’ll be?!
Thanks for mentions, have a wonderful weekend!
Veronica @ Pelican on Money recently posted..The Best of Pelican on Money 2012
Sounds like a great time! I am not going to tell my wife that as she’s itching to make it back to San Diego and go surfing. You have a great weekend as well Veronica.
That’s funny
Thanks!
Veronica @ Pelican on Money recently posted..The Best of Pelican on Money 2012
She was a pretty avid surfer when she lived there, so it doesn’t take much for her to get a bit envious.
Thanks for the mention! I am staying around here, the furthest I am traveling is a couple hours away for the in-law’s Christmas.
I also have Monday and Tuesday posts scheduled. I don’t think I will be commenting on Monday/Tuesday, but probably will be back at it on Wednesday.
Hope you have a great Christmas!
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..Enjoy the Holidays without Breaking the Bank
Not a problem DC! I have all of next week scheduled and will probably be taking a break until Thursday, definitely looking forward to it.
You have a Merry Christmas as well DC!
I can imagine the mountain of gifts, like Ali Baba’s cavern, full of new shiny toys and things, I hope the kids don’t go play there before Christmas! Have a lovely time John, and thank you for the mention.
Pauline recently posted..Friday recap, a last sunset and a tropical Christmas
That’s exactly what it’s like Pauline, it just is never ending. It’s definitely making the minimalist in me cringe.
20 steps to purchase stocks? Lol, how does this person know it takes exactly 20 steps? I don’t plan to go anywhere over the next couple of weeks. Will just relax at home
Happy Holidays!
Liquid recently posted..Swing Trade, Round 6: Buy – Santa Claus Rally
I know, that’s quite the system to narrow down a stock selection. Happy Holidays as well to you!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a mention of the Griswold family. Thanks for completing that circle.
We don’t have a cousin Eddie either, but we do have a cat that knocks down Christmas trees.
Best holiday wishes.
Terry recently posted..Follow Schwarzenegger’s Advice to Put Fuel on the Fire
Not a problem Terry, glad I could find my part of the circle.
Happy Holidays as well to you!
I love “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”! This reminds me that I need to add that to our list of movies to watch. Great list!
Deacon @ Well Kept Wallet recently posted..Thirty Things I Learned Before 30
As do I. I think it’s going to be in our Blu-Ray tonight.
Have a great weekend!!
Mackenzie recently posted..Link Love: Christmas is Almost Here Edition!
You as well Mackenzie!
Thanks for the mention John! We’ll be heading to the relatives to enjoy the Holiday Festivities and to be fat and Merry on booze and food… can’t wait! I’ll be around though! Happy Holidays to you and your family… P.S- yay to no more diapers… = cost savings! Mr.CBB
Canadian Budget Binder recently posted..Budget-Friendly Christmas Decoration Ideas For The Home
Not a problem Mr. CBB! Sounds like a fun time. Happy Holidays as well to you sir!
Don’t diss the UPS Santa! Getting packages is one of my most favorite parts of the holidays! Just think how popular your neighbors must think you are
Thanks for the mention and have a Merry Christmas!
Joanna @ Our Freaking Budget recently posted..Our One Year Debt-iversary!
It is quite nice. Though our 5 year old thinks that every time the Brown Santa comes it means that she gets a gift.
They either think we’re popular or are spending money like crazy. 
You have a Merry Christmas as well!
Glad to hear the bootcamp is coming along. Also thanks for the Man Up App shoutout!!!
John recently posted..6 End of the World Movies The Mayans Wouldn’t Want You to See
Not a problem John, happy to do so.
My post for Monday is called financial lessons from Clark W. Griswold, so you beat me to the punch, but I think it will be very different. I’ll be around next week and put some things up but won’t be commenting a whole lot. I’ve slacked the last couple of weeks on that as well. I’m gone the first week of January and have a couple of good guest posts lined up. I am going to try to unplug for the whole week, but I’m sure I’ll check in. I’m anal that way. Enjoy your family!
Sounds like an interesting post! Yea, I won’t be commenting much at all either. I am looking forward to some “unplugged” time. Though my wife thinks that’s not really possible, so I hope to prove her wrong.
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Thanks for the top share! I should have included Griswold’s Christmas in my list of movies to watch as the world burns…
Todd @ Fearless Men recently posted..6 End of the World Movies The Mayans Wouldn’t Want You to See
Not a problem Todd. It’s a must see movie this time of year. Way too many quotes that can be used.
Thanks for the mention, have a Merry Christmas!
Brick By Brick Investing | Marvin recently posted..How to Identify Support & Resistance
Not a problem Marvin, you as well!
Thanks for the inclusion and Happy Holidays! Hope You have a great week.
Brian recently posted..Pay Off Your Mortgage – Ludicrous Speed Edition
Not a problem Brian, you do as well!
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Way to go with the mentions and the potty training boot camp. Our youngest is in pull ups and having moderate success. I can’t wait until she is potty trained all the way!
Melissa recently posted..Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Thanks Melissa! It is encouraging to see our little one have some small successes. He’s able to make it about an hour which is a big step for him. Definitely looking forward to removing diapers from our regular budget.
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Thanks for including my post, I hope that you and your family have a great Christmas.
Roger @ The Chicago Financial Planner recently posted..Merry Christmas and Thank You
Thank you for the mention on my Guest Post! on EyesOnTheDollar. I hope you found it useful or entertaining
I hope everyone has a healthy, happy and safe 2013!
Joe@IGotOuttaDebt.com recently posted..New eBook back at #1 on Amazon
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