It’s dark and stormy here in the Pacific Northwest. Some wet and windy storms have begun to move across the region, and we’re getting even more rain than normal. I worry that another one of our trees might fall over. (We lost one a couple years ago, and it was a pain.) Meanwhile, here’s a quick round-up of some of the best articles last week across the Money Blog Network:

• The Mighty Bargain Hunter continues to advocate investing in yourself. This week he encourages readers to invest in yourself by learning things of value. I love the moral here:
  

  The gratification and payoff is further down the road for things of value, so don’t be unduly or extensively tempted by challenges that just ultimately sap you of your precious time.

• At heart, JLP is a numbers nerd. Recently at All Financial Matters, he’s been comparing the performance of a total market index fund to investing in ten sector-based funds instead. Yes, it’s geeky, but I actually find it kind of interesting.
• Jim at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity wonders which is best for an emergency fund: money market account or high-yield savings?
• At Consumerism Commentary, Flexo debunked a retirement income rule-of-thumb. Nickel also takes a look at retirement, exploring the lies that financial advisers tell.
• One commenter at Free Money Finance left the inside scoop on getting your property taxes reduced. Interesting reading.
• No Credit Needed wrote about making a break with the past, changing habits and thinking long-term about personal finances.

In the morning, I need to remember to check that the sump pump is working…

This article is about Spare Change  Sunday, 2nd December 2007 (by J.D. Roth)