Weekly Roundup – Saving Too Much Edition?

I’ve noticed that my checking account balance has been dropping quite a bit this week. It’s not due to rampant spending or anything, but rather the large amounts I’ve transferred to savings.

Part of the reason is I made a big push to finish the emergency fund. Normally, I contribute $150 per week. This week however, I upped it to $200 to finally achieve my goal of $1000 in emergency only cash. Still, I wonder if I’m spreading my paycheck too thin by saving for so many other goals….

On to some of my favorite financial articles:

Social Security System Changes provides some interesting commentary on the Social Security situation. Without a doubt, SS simply has to go through an overhaul at some point. As for me, I don’t worry about it for two reasons. A: I’m so far away from receiving benefits that the system today will most likely not resemble the system in another 40 years (if I’m even alive!). B: Relying on SS alone is simply dangerous. I’ll use whatever payments I get on even more travel or things like the iPhoneXXXExtreme.

Dodging Real Bullets: Revolutionary Behavior & Violence in the Real World really opened my eyes up to how sheltered most Americans are. (Yes, I realize this isn’t exactly finance related.) I want to travel extensively, but I was reminded as I read this of how truly different the rest of the world can be. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. The pictures alone are incredible.

Fed Issues Final CARD Act Rules-Limits Credit Card Late Fees makes me wonder if credit card rewards programs are about to dry up. It’s no secret that card companies make millions (billions?) just in fees. If those fees are restricted, I would expect rewards to be lessened, if not eliminated.

Ding. Dong. The witch is dead. is a feel good post. Student loan debt? Gone! As someone who just accepted some student loans today, I can’t wait until I get ‘em paid back.