While pressure-washing the sidewalk on Friday, I disturbed a nest of bees (or hornets or wasps — they’re all the same to me). Two of them stung my right hand. Within 24 hours, it had swollen like a balloon. Even after the doctor prescribed medication, the swelling spread to my forearm. It was like I had a meat claw!

Swollen Hand

Fortunately, things had mostly returned to normal by Sunday evening, which gave me time to piece together this morning’s post. The side effects of the bee-sting medication — alertness — also gave me a chance to stay awake until 3 a.m. Allow me to share some of the stories I read to occupy my time:

First, at the Wall Street Journal personal-finance blog, Isaac Yoder writes about trying to correct a bank’s $25/month mistake. It’s not a pleasant experience. His conclusion, though, echoes one of my money mantras: Nobody cares more about your money than you do. Always check your bills and statements, and always stand up for yourself if you spot a problem.

While doing research for a future post, I found a fantastic niche blog: 60 & Single will only be applicable to a handful of GRS readers, but I believe it’s a great resource for its intended audience.

At Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, Jim has come up with an idea that intrigues me: the financial network map. He writes: “A financial network map is a one-page diagram that shows the links and relationships between each of your financial accounts, which include but are not limited to bank, brokerage, mutual fund, retirement, credit card, and service accounts.” Jim’s visual aid makes the concept clear.

Finally, the latest issue of The New Yorker contains a long article about Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke and his approach to the global financial crisis. This is required reading, up there with the two episodes from This American Life that I mention repeatedly at GRS: “The Giant Pool of Money” and “Another Frightening Show About the Economy“. Bernanke is brilliant, and a good man, and he’s doing the best he knows how. Unfortunately, in some cases he’s just been dead wrong. Fortunately, he’s learning. Highly recommended.