Last week I wrote about the right and wrong ways to network. But today, successful networking is more than just exchanging business cards at cocktail parties. Online tools like LinkedIn, Doostang, and Facebook are an important part of a solid networking strategy.

Here are five tips for leveraging online networking tools in your career. [...]

“Trader” by killthebird.

You don’t have to be a math whiz – or a millionaire – to invest in the stock market.

In fact, the sooner you get comfortable buying and selling stock (and start investing in some solid companies), the better you can leverage stocks in your portfolio as your net worth grows.

Here’s an explanation of the three most common trading methods new investors should understand. [...]

“Startup” by phitar.

Astute readers of this blog will know that I advocate increasing your income more often than reducing your spending. It’s time to put my money where my mouth is with ten real business ideas (not cheesy work-at-home ideas) that require little or no money to start up.

I’m not saying these ideas will make you rich, but with a little hard work you might end up with a nice second income. [...]

Photo by Boston.com.

A bus rolls over.

An axel falls off.

A bus catches fire.

Scary as hell? Or just par for the course when you get a New York to Boston fare for just $10?

How much are you willing to risk to get a really, really cheap ticket? [...]

I’ve had a lot of fun following start-up Shoeboxed, the service that lets you organize receipts electronically and mail-in receipts to be scanned. I just signed up for the service and can’t wait to get started with them to help me keep track of my business travel expenses and more. Here’s a closer look at some recent changes at Shoeboxed and how it helps you organize receipts. [...]

Untitled by grittycitygirl.

Have you ever diligently set aside money in a savings account for a few months only to take it out when an unexpected expense came up?

I’ve done it more than I care to admit. I don’t have trouble making depositing money to savings, I have trouble keeping it there!

Here are some ways to keep your savings in your savings account. [...]

I was busy posting last week, as this week’s carnivals show! Here’s this week’s personal finance roundup. [...]

I am pleased to announce that Money Under 30 will host the Carnival of Personal Finance on Monday, May 12, 2008. That happens to be the day after Mother’s Day, so don’t forget mom as you polish up your submissions that week! [...]

After criticism from customers and personal finance bloggers, social saving startup SmartyPig has dropped the $5 fee for users to contribute to other users’ savings goals. [...]

Vacations, whether on a local beach or exotic foreign city, are important rewards. Getaways both motivate and rejuvenate, and after a year of hard work, we deserve it.

Unfortunately, what we deserve and what we can afford can be two entirely different things. Here are six ways to save on your next vacation, so you don’t have to say: “I’ll have another Mai Tai and $623.94 in finance charges please.” [...]