Welcome to the 195th edition of the Carnival of Debt Reduction! The theme of this carnival is building something solid. As I mentioned yesterday, finances, like construction involves putting time and energy together to make a success.

Having the right tools can make all the difference.

Lots of wonderful posts about building your finances up, so let’s check them out!

Editor’s Choice

• Man Vs. Debt submitted a wonderful post on “Pay Off Debt” iPhone App Review. BTW, Baker is traveling to Australia so I hope his family has a safe trip!
• Looking for ways to gather some money to pay down debt?  Coupon Tip – Making Sure It’s Always Available has advice from Money Ning.
• Free Money Finance has some practical tips with Seven Ways to Wreck Your Credit.

Actionable Debt Reduction Plans

• Debt Free Adventure wrote a great post on Simple & Strategic Plan for Debt Repayment and Emergency Fund Savings.
• Wealth Pilgrim submitted a post called, My Kid Starts College in September & My Savings are Gone. Now What?
• How to Develop a Plan to Repay your Credit Card Debt is detailed step by step at AmericanConsumerNews.

Planning ahead can save you time and money.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

• 5 Great Reasons to Have Less Debt is explained at Prime Time Money.
• Money Help For Christians shares a plan for a Debt-Free Christmas in 2009.
• Automatic Finances points out some of The Best News Coming Out of the Recession.
• Credit crunch means talking about money and the lack of it is a conversation started by Money Saving Tips.
• My Journey to Payoff half a million in debt is chronicled at Money Stance.
• SuccessHound asks if you are Having Trouble Trying To Pay Down Debt?

Credit Card Debt Reduction

Seeking the help of others can give you a leg up.

• Raag Vamdatt shows us How to use a credit card the financially prudent way.
• Looking to pay down debt without having a lot of interest? 0% APR Balance Transfer for 12 Months has a list from The Dough Roller.
• PF Credit Cards also has Zero Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers listed.
• The Digerati Life offers very helpful infromation with Prevent Identity Theft: Some Credit Report Monitoring Services and Options.

Reviews and Questions on Debt Reduction

• Christian Debt Help did a book review of the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting out of Debt.
• The Smarter Wallet answers the question. Should You Use Credit Cards To Reduce Your Mortgage?
• Ask Mr Credit Card interviewed Broke Ass Student – A Debt Reduction Story .

Follow guidelines, not hard and fast rules. One size does not fit all.

Misc.

Wonderful posts that defied a category, so they got their own!

• Debt Freedom Fighter presents Increase Your Savings with 5 Simple Tips.
• Savings Toolbox asks, Are you Saving For a Job Loss or Job Change?

Photo Credit: wools, billjacobus1, jphilipg, and Todd Ehlers

Structured settlements are a common way for insurance companies and workers’ compensation departments to offer payment for injuries, damages or other types of cases. Instead of a lump sum payment, a plaintiff’s damages are paid by regular periodic installments. This can sometimes be a good thing, but in some cases it can prove to be inconvenient. A structured settlement company can buy future settlement payments in exchange for a lump sum of cash now.

• May 2008: Progress Update Photo Credit: ivanx A new month means an update of the progress we've made on my goals so far this year. I'm hoping that by sharing it, it holds me accountable. Let me first review my goals for this year: Income: I would like to earn $37,000 for the......
• Financial Guru Review: Dave Ramsey If you’re looking to get out of debt, handle your finances, and build long term wealth; you may be tempted to see what the financial gurus are saying on what to do. One of the most popular financial gurus out now is Dave Ramsey. He has reached millions with his......

• Debt reduction vs. retirement savings: which first? Liz Pulliam Weston wrote a nice article recently describing nine money priorities.  She lists them from top priority on down: Pay your bills Save $500 Start saving for retirement Pay off "toxic" debt Bolster your emergency fund Check out long-term disability insurance Enhance your retirement savings Start saving for college......
• Some windfall psychology First off, a big thank you to The Consumerist and The Simple Dollar and others for linking to my article on seven prudent things to do with a small windfall.  I'm glad you found it worthwhile!The Consumerist linked to an article on CNN Money that discussed this issue as well. ......