Weekend Linkage – January 4, 2009

Market Recap

U.S. stock markets kicked off 2009 with the most gain in 5 weeks. In the holiday-shortened trading week, stocks got a boost from rising oil price and the first batch of bailout money for GM, the troubled automaker fighting for its life. On Friday, General Motor rallied 14% after receiving $4 billion from the Treasury. Meanwhile, crude oil jumped 3.6% to climb to $46.34 a barrel, lifting oil stocks such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron. Adding a piece of good news to the rally was the government’s weekly jobless claim, which dropped to 472,000 after reaching 26-year high the week before. For the week, the Dow Jones gained 6.1% to 9,034.69, the S&P 500 added 6.8% to 931.8, and the Nasdaq rose 6.7%  to 1,632.21, while crude oil soared 23%.

Weekend Readings

How to Judge Compensation @ Brip Blap

Top Financial News and Business Stories That Shaped 2008 @ The Digerati Life

Would You Sell All Material Possessions For Debt Freedom? @ Frugal Dad

How to Keep Your Job While Unemployment is on the Rise @ Generation X Finance

Uncrunch America with Change.org @ Lazy Man and Money

Seven Real Estate Myths Busted Wide Open @ Million Dollar Journey

Best Ways to Save on Prescription Drug Costs @ Money Smart Life

Donating Bodily Fluids for Cash @ My Dollar Plan

Paying for a Car with a Credit Card @ Free Money Finance

My Economic Predictions for 2009 @ My Wealth Builder

The “one Big Lump” Theory of Your Money @ Wise Bread

Fidelity mySmart Cash Account @ Personal Finance Reviews

Carnival Participation

• 44th Money Hacks Carnival – The Merry Christmas Edition
• The Carnival of Personal Finance #184: From the Land Down Under
• Money Hacks Carnival – New Year’s Eve Edition