As the popularity of popular financial blogs such as ZeroHedge and Mish’s Economic Trend Analysis grows, it also becomes more clear that the message continues to grow in its difference when compared to mainstream media such as CNBC.
Throughout the last year or two, especially in the midst of the rally of 2009, CNBC has been little more than a cheerleader for U.S. economic policy, market fundamentals and more (save Rick Santelli perhaps).  I talked recently about the reaction on CNBC to Caterpillar’s earnings and the difference in the actual numbers.  …

Who wants to play Monopoly? This question is usually followed by a chorus of moans and groans. After all, who really wants to commit the next four hours of their life to something that seems to inevitably end in a brawl? I happen to love Monopoly, but finding players to participate in this historical game always proves to be a difficult task. But if you look past all the ordeals such as fighting over the rules, trash talking amongst family, or that friend that suspiciously must …

With an economy full of a lot of ugliness (see financials, autos, housing, etc.), technology is hitting on all cylindars.  Technology and innovation is still a huge advantage that America has.  Hopefully, it continues.
Recent earnings announcements from the big hitters such as Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), Google (GOOG) and more show that these companies are earning cash hand over fist even in a terrible economy.  Let’s take  a look at a few of these companies:
Apple (AAPL)
One of my favorite companies as a consumer and an investor, I absolutely …

Getting married is one of the things that many people experience for the first time during their 20s (I’m still a newly wed).  Financial issues are some of the most common issues that people have to work out when you get married.  Merging finances, salaries, spending habits, saving habits and everything else can easily cause tension.  There is a way to methodically get through this transition and be able to focus on your relationship rather than your finances.
Tip #1: Understand Each Other’s Spending Habits
I personally think this is the toughest …

Caterpillar (CAT) is widely known as a huge global economic barometer since it is involved internationally and will do well when economic activity is high.  I recently did a post on the reality of Cat’s recent earnings announcement despite CNBC’s glee over “amazing numbers”.  The reality was that their quarter really wasn’t that great.
Now, Cat is announcing that 2,500 of their laid off workers will be permanently cut.  I view this as a clear indicition thatwe are not returning to pre-crisis economic levels.  Chief Executive Jim Owens said:
It’s important to …

Today, every dime you can save is a good thing. Some jobs offer opportunities to save more than others. I’m gonna discuss here two jobs that allow people to save a ton of money.
Traveling Consultant
Having first hand experience with this one, I can attest that you can save a great deal of money while working as a traveling consultant.  The travel can get old, but the increase in your savings account can make it worth it.  Being on the road every single week typically means that you get …

Here are articles that I would recommend from this past week:

This is a must read article entitled “America’s Soul is Lost, Collapse Inevitable.“
This article entitled “Where the Hell is the Outrage?” is a fantastic article from Mish’s Global Economic Trend Analysis.
Thanks to you and me, sales in the Hamptons have skyrocketed!
Information you need to see about the first time home buyer credit and the fraud that comes with these kind of programs.
Over at Darwin’s Finance, check out 5 Reasons Living Paycheck to Paycheck Can Cost you Big Bucks.
Here at 20smoney, …

The Stock Market
Interestingly, the stock market finished the week with a weekly loss despite some “blowout” earnings reports, mainly in the tech sector (Apple, Amazon).  This could potentially be the sign of a market top (the market selling off on good news).  The S&P definitely failed to breach the 1100 mark.  We will see what next week holds.

Friday Night Plans
I have a big night planned tonight.  Eating at home, a $1 movie from redbox, and a bag of popcorn.  Low key and inexpensive.  Sign of the times, no?
Have a good …