This week, the weather gods were unkind to the fair city of Chicago.  We had rain, we had ice, we had snow that felt like rain, we had rain that piled like snow.  I was quite pleased that I was able to work from home a few of the days and not have to brave the elements just to get to work.  If I was to go back and choose a major again, I think I’d choose a job that’s completely location independent…

I got some wonderful news on the salary front. I didn’t get a promotion, but I did get a 6% raise.  It’s rather refreshing to work for a company that understands you have other options, but is willing to pay more to keep you around.  They really take the time to treat their employees with respect and help them develop.  It’ll be tough to leave when the time comes to move on to a new company.

Anyway, here are my top 4 favorite personal finance post for the last week of February.

• Paula posted an awesome treatise on how financial decisions should be based on spreadsheets and not emotions called Why Hope Is Not A Plan.
• John at Frugal Rules shared some of the negative aspects of being self employed.  I think I’d like to take the plunge someday, so I’m always interested in feedback like this.
• Mrs. POP gave us an interesting analysis of her husband’s concerns with Airbnb even though it can save her a bit of money on hotel costs.  She’s almost convinced me to try it now.
• Kraig at Young, Cheap, Living pondered all the things he could buy if he decided to spend all of the money he earned instead of investing aggressively.

A big thanks to Daisy at Add Vodka for letting me guest post this week about ways to outsmart your energy costs.

Also, don’t forget to vote for my post in Free Money Finance’s March Madness PF tourney! (Mine is code named “Freedom”)

I hope Everybody has a good March!