Yesterday was America’s birthday and even though lots of people have tough realities to deal with here, we’ve still got plenty to be grateful for and proud of.

Sure we’re in a spending/budget/leadership/environmental crisis…but so what? We’ve got plenty of crisis’s ahead of us! This is nothing….

And so, with great honor, I present to you the Best of Money Top 10 for this week.

Flikr, Arturodonate

1. Second Chance Checking by Doughroller. If our country is about anything, it’s about second chances. Anyone can dust themselves off and get back in the saddle here. If you’ve had some checking account problems, here’s a way for you to get your second chance.

Flikr, Au Snap

2.  Without the brave men and women in uniform back in 1776, we would speak English with a funny accent and drive on the wrong side of the street. Who needs it?  Since then , our soldiers continue to keep us safe from tyranny and fanatics bent on destroying our way of life. Horah!

Ryan tries to show his graditude by explaining the financial benefits of a VA loan.

Flikr, Greg66

3.  Ace of Wealth reminds us that we can achieve great things if we focus and take one step at a time.  We put a man on the moon using this model….you can achieve your financial goals using the same strategy.

4.  One of the very best things about living in the USA is that if you want to make a difference you can .  Here’s how Joe Plemon got public school to start teaching personal finance.

Flikr, Wm Jas

5.  America is a great place to re-examine “common knowledge” and test theories. That’s how we advance.  We have few “sacred cows”.  Oblivious Investor puts Morningstar rating system under the microscope to see if the star system they use really helps investors.   (Hey Mike……I came to your conclusion long ago….gald you’re starting to see things my way!)

6.  We’re not a nation of perfectionists….but we do “get ‘er done”.  Here’s Adam’s approach to “perfection” vs “good enough”.

Flikr, Parvin

7.  Need additional reasons to love this place I call home?  How’s this…..anyone can be happy regardless of how much money they make.  You don’t have to live in a castle or have a horse drawn carriage to feel successful. And you don’t need an oil well in your backyard if you want to have a smile on your face.  Free Money Finance explores the issue of money and happiness further.

Flikr, Jan Tik

8. Contrary to what some folks around the globe think, American’s are not lawless cowboys.  We usually settle disputes amicably without resorting to ugly alternatives — unlike some other places in the world I could mention and would love to but won’t. If you’ve got a beef with a creditor, Jeff Rose has a few suggestions on how to negotiate debt relief.

9. As great a country as this is, we’re still not perfect.  But we’re also not above calling ourselves out.  Budgets are Sexy explores how our friends influence our spending.

Flikr, Image Nation

10.  Canadian Finance Blog rounds out the top 10 with his suggestion on how to prep for Christmas.  You might ask what a Canadian is doing in the “What I love about America” edition….eh? It’s not because Canada really should be part of the USA or because they secretly want to be.

First, Americans live by the motto “Be Prepared” and this post is a great reminder.  There’s another reason why it was important to include an international post in this edition of Best of Money.

We’re a cultural melting pot.  We explore the best ideas – regardless of where they come from or who they came from.  Our highest ideal is to embrace freedom and truth regardless of where it may lead.

We don’t execute all these 10 ideas perfectly but we do carry them in our hearts.  That’s what I love about America.  I have faith in our country despite difficult times.  I sincerely hope you share these sentiments as well.

Flikr, CJ Sorg

Happy Birthday America.  I love you.

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