It’s time for another trip around the personal finance blogosphere. As usual, there were a bunch of very useful articles that can help you get a better handle on your personal finance situation. Here are some highlights from this past week:

Pregnancy Expenses in the Second Trimester from Fiscal Fizzle.
3 Alternative “Investments” for Long Term Enjoyment and Appreciation from Wise Bread.
What Are Your Options for a 401k Rollover to IRA from Good Financial Cents.
Do you have to be wealthy to be financially independent? from Funny about Money.
Is Your Emergency Fund Big Enough? from Prime Time Money.
Fear, Responsibility, and Investing from The …read more

I am a little under the weather, and so I appreciate that I have this guest post from TJ Valenzuela at Trust Administration Services today! It’s about waiving retirement RMDs. Enjoy!
With the passing of The Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, the penalty for not taking an RMD, or required minimum distribution from retirement accounts, for individuals 70 1/2 or older will be waived for 2009. This can have a number of benefits for people nearing retirement.
In the past, retirement account owners who are at least age 70 1/2 have been required to withdraw the RMD from their …read more

Would you give up part of your retirement account for an annuity?