Sensing financial freedom; 26 freebies; Fixing what's broken; The greasy KFC food fight; and meatier reading for the financially well-versed

1) Financial freedom

Financial freedom has such a great ring to it. But what does it really mean and how much do you have to have in the bank to declare yourself financially free?

Because financial freedom lies in the eye of the beholder, a one size budget and goal setting plan does not fit all. That said, there is loosely marked trail to follow.

Moneycrush.com follows the crumbs.

2) Free stuff

On the subject of freedom, the path to liberation comes more easily to those who spend less. 

In the spirit of saving, here are 26 suggestions on how to have fun for free. Some are obvious but it's good to be reminded over and over and over again to find diversions away from the cafe and shops.

3) Fixing what's broken

Getting out of debt is the No.1 priority in my books. Equally as important, if not more, is understanding (truly) how you got there without blaming someone else or making excuses for it.

Why? Because if you don't, you're at imminent risk of going straight back into debt hell.

You can preach as much as you like about the evils of debt but if the receiving party doesn't grasp the errors of their own behaviour, it's sort of like rescuing a person who can't swim from the deep end of a pool, only to watch them dive back in again.

Read more on fixing what's broken on this blog by thedebtmyth.com who also gets credit for the 26 freebies.

4) Healthy eating

I was interested to come across this blog posted on getrichslowly.org challenging the argument that eating healthy was more costly than dining on cheap take-aways. There's a reference to the KFC challenge where a writer decided to take on the fast-food giant's claim that a consumer could not make the equivalent 7-piece "meal" (which consists of greasy, deep-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, a white bun, and something resembling coleslaw) for less than US$10 at home.

The writer who took up the challenge found that in fact they could undercut the cost, and made the rough equivalent of the 7-piece wonder for US$7.94. As the article comes from the U.S. where I would argue food prices are way cheaper than NZ, I don't doubt this finding. If the same could be said of New Zealand, I'd be pleasantly surprised. I guess I've just challenged myself to another test.

Whether you can replicate a KFC meal at home for less than $10 or not, I would argue the value of eating healthy is not strictly financial.

1)You'll feel better for it

2) You'll look better for it

3)You'll be far less a burden on the health care system for your troubles.

5) Meatier reading for the financially fluent

I'm stepping on Bernard's toes today but I'm a light-weight so he won't feel it. No disrespect BH.

Here's a link exchange from The Economist with their top four recommended economic readings on Peak Oil, the eurodebate, long bonds and NBA (National Basketball Association) Economics.