OK, so I read a LOT more than just these articles, but these ones spoke to me the most.

This first article was one I stumbled on through my Twitter feed, and although not a traditional personal finance site, it still covers the basics. After the whole Occupy movement this past year, and with the economic woes of so many people around the world, this article takes another poke at the 1% (the Canadian 1% this time!). We don’t make enough money to be considered part of the 1%, but we do make a very good living. I actually agree with what the author says – making the money we make, we live a very good life. Our debt is because of decisions we have made, and we do not have problems making ends meet. I consider us hard working – but also very fortunate. And yes – people who make $200,000 a year, even in Toronto, should be able to live comfortably! Stop trying to keep up with the neighbours – you have no idea where their money came from (and it might have been the bank of Mastercard or Visa).

It’s funny, but even though I figure we have a 15+ year age gap, Daisy over at WLGYL Add Vodka really appeals to me. This week she wrote about Life’s Do-Overs. I had kids pretty young compared to a lot of my peers – I was 24 when my first was born. Other than within Canada, I haven’t travelled much, and I want to. I wish I’d gone to graduate school in my 20s, not my late 30s. But we don’t get do-overs, and I love my kids, so now I try to find ways to do the things I want to do anyway!

Although the topic is serious, Nick at Step Away From the Mall makes death funny, as he can’t even die right! The devil is in the details, and having a will, life insurance, and other decisions made in advance can make things a lot easier for your family if and when your time comes.

Over at Canadian Finance Blog, the topic was the Generation Gap – specifically, pensions. This was a recent hot button issue in Canada, as the government made some initial noises about raising ages for benefits, then quickly backed down when the screaming started. I turn 40 this year, and I really think there will be next to nothing left for me. Bruce is 55 now, and believes it will still be there for both of us… we’ll see.

Finally, Andrea’s post about the High Cost of Poor Financial Choices just hit me hard. I wasn’t a teenage mom, but still had my kids young, got divorced young and have struggled to make ends meet. I’ve been fortunate that I have never been in a position where I cannot provide something crucial for my children, that would make their lives significantly better. I hope I never have to make that choice.

There are some really good writers out there, and I love sharing their work!