I’ve added a new feature to the comments at Get Rich Slowly. Whenever I spot a reader contribution that I particularly like, I’ll highlight it so that others are more likely to notice it. My choice of great comments is entirely subjective, and dependent on time. (I’m highlighting comments manually.) Some days, I may highlight a dozen comments. Other times, I may go a week without highlighting one.

For now, great comments can be identified by their grey background and dashed red border. You can see examples here, here, and here. If you have suggestions for other ways to improve the site, please let me know!

Meanwhile, here are a few great personal finance articles from around the web:

Nickel shared an interesting way to add 10% to your economic stimulus rebate. The Kroger grocery chain is offering a promotion through which customers can exchange their economic stimulus rebate checks (or any checks, actually) and receive gift cards for the equivalent amount plus an extra 10%. Despite the drawbacks of gift cards, some readers may find this a convenient way to save 10% on their groceries. Sears and Kmart are apparently offering a similar promotion.

Ever wondered what happens with the info stolen by identity thieves? A 2005 article from The New York Times explains how the black market in stolen credit data thrives on the internet. “Despite years of security improvements and tougher, more coordinated law enforcement efforts, the information that criminals siphon…is boldly hawked on the Internet.” Sobering stuff.

Frugal Dad has some thoughts about the language of the perpetually poor. I believe there’s a lot of truth to what he says: the things we tell ourselves help define our existence. Rather than rationalize poor choices, why not look for ways to succeed?

Finally, a reader sent me a story from The Canadian Press about a unique Manitoba tradition that helps couples raise money for weddings. “Virtually every young couple that gets married has a social beforehand,” says the article.

Socials — pre-wedding parties that let engaged couples raise thousands of dollars for their nuptials — occur in other parts of the country under names like Jack and Jills or Buck and Does. But only in Manitoba are they a rite of passage.

I think it sounds like a great tradition, one that draws not just on financial capital, but on social capital as well.