With baseball season in full swing, we decided to tear a page out the sports section for this installment of The Festival of Frugality.

Here’s a look at our roster.  I think you’ll agree that this team would be a favorite to win any championship!

CATCHER

On a baseball team,  the catcher is an on-field leader.  The catcher calls the pitches, corrects infield alignments and occasionally calls the team together on the mound for a conference.  These posts discuss individuals in the world of personal finance and frugality who serve similar functions.

KC Lau pegs out a runner at second with Why Robert T. Kiyosaki is a best-selling author? posted at KCLau’s Money Tips.

NtJS is doing the Dave Ramsey thing while calling a perfect pitch and offers FPU Week 8: That’s Not Good Enough! posted at not the jet set.

Four Pillars visits the mound and asks, Is Dave Ramsey A “Financial Expert” posted at Four Pillars.

Heather Levin field a tough bunt and supplies Frugal Living Tips From America’s Cheapest Family posted at The Greenest Dollar.

FIRST BASE

In most cases, teams want a heavy-hitting first baseman.  Defense is secondary to the ability to put the ball into the bleachers.  These posts did a great job of hitting their subject matter square on, hitting the sweet spot by making a great argument or providing valuable information.

Alex goes deep with Best Auto Insurance Companies in the United States Top 10 posted at Home Life Weekly.

Pamela is “pumpin’ Citgo” by supplying 10 Tips for Financially Struggling College Students posted at Creative Dubuque.

Patrick @ Money Saving Deals goes yard with FREE iPod with Mac Computer posted at Money Saving Deals.

Roshawn Watson whacks a three-run homer with ls Recession-Induced Frugality Sustainable? posted at Watson Inc.

plusEV elicits does her “shot heard ’round the world” impression with With Pensions, Do You Even Need RRSPs? posted at Colourful Money - Helping Canadians Achieve Financial Independence In Any Economic Climate.

SECOND BASE

Your second baseman needs to have graceful feet, capable of doing that “dance and hop” necessary to turn a double play.  A little offense and speed is a bonus. It’s one of those positions that requires an all-around talent and a steady presence. These bloggers aren’t about to get bowled over by an advancing base runner.

One Family flashes some leather with Kids Video Game Software and Consoles – An Introduction for Frugal Families posted at One Family’s Blog.

Barry turns a perfect 6-4-3 pivot by telling us about Successful Investing In Certificates of Deposit posted at Associate Money.

MLR advances the runner with a line-shot to right with FHA Financing to Begin Real Estate Investing posted at My Life ROI, Getting the Best Return On Life.

Susan makes a slick play with 4 Tips for Thrifty Home Decor posted at Practicing Thrift.

Katy covers first just in time by providing Save Money On Energy Costs posted at The Financial Spot.

Darwin is in position for the cut-off throw from right field with 40 Year Mortgages - And 50 & 60 Year Mortgages While We’re at it posted at Darwin’s Finance.

THIRD BASE

They call third base “the hot corner”.  That’s because the balls hit in that direction come hard and fast.  You need great reflexes and a willingess to confront the tough stuff to play there.  These bloggers demonstrate a willingness to deal with that tough stuff.

Savings Toolbox stabs a line drive with Are you Saving For a Job Loss or Job Change posted at SavingsToolbox.com.

Chris Lang makes the long throw by giving us Expenses that come with owning your first home posted at Home I Own.

Chris McClelland charges the bunt in The Top Five Worst Things to Do When in Debt posted at Lucrative Investing.

Credit Shout justifies a spot in the starting lineup with Closing Credit Card Accounts: Can It Lower Your Credit Score? posted at CreditShout.

SHORTSTOP

Some people will tell you that the shortstop is the most important player on the field day in and day out.  In recent years, we’ve seen shortstops become offensive powerhouses, as well as defensive wizards.  These posts exemplify that by demonstrating an all-around soundness–the kind of thing upon which you could build a team.

Money Saving Advice makes a run for team captain by giving us Payment Premium Insurance (PPI) to be axed by the big banks posted at Money Saving Advice.

MatthewPaulson displays uncanny grace on the field with Save Money On Property Taxes with Appeal posted at FineTunedFinances.com.

Wealth Pilgrim shows some offensive clout by hitting us with Let Uncle Sam Boost Your Retirement Savings And Fund Junior?s College Costs Too posted at Wealth Pilgrim: Money Management Advice, Financial Stress Management, & Resources.

LEFT FIELD

Most managers want corner outfielders with “pop” in their bats and decent defensive mobility.  These bloggers made a strong statement, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the offense in a meaningful way.

Super Saver knocks in a few runs with More Free Summer Activities for Kids posted at My Wealth Builder.

Madison makes the sliding catch with Shopping Insurance and Landing at Allstate posted at My Dollar Plan.

Investing School lines one into the gap and gives us TradeKing vs Scottrade - Online Stock Trading Comparison posted at Investing School.

Stingy Student makes the ballclub with More Cashback with ShopDiscover posted at Stingy Students.

Jason goes 4 for 4 with Why Cash for Clunkers Will Hurt Low-Income Drivers posted at Automatic Finances.

MoneyNing cuts down a runner at the plate with Coupon Tip - Making Sure It’s Always Available posted at Personal Finance Blog by Money Ning.

CENTER FIELD

If you’re in center, you need a good set of wheels and the ability to flash some leather.  It’s great to have an offensive force out there, but it’s essential to have someone who can chase down those fly balls.  These posts exemplify that kind of speed by covering a lot of terrain.

Silicon Valley Blogger tracks down 55 Best Ways To Save Money: Frugal Ideas From Our Readers posted at The Digerati Life.

Sara makes a diving catch with Thrift Talk posted at Polliwogs and Doodles.

Patrick @ Cash Money Life scales the wall and steals a homerun in Freebies, discounts, and savings posted at Cash Money Life.

Buck Weber makes an unforgettable circus catch in The 10 Best Freebie Sites posted at THE BUCK LIST.

Nancy Miller will be on ESPN’s “web gems” thanks to 25 Simple Tricks to painlessly cut $100 /mo from Your Spending posted at Online University Lowdown.

FMF easily fields Free Money Finance: 14 Ways to Save Money posted at Free Money Finance.

RIGHT FIELD

Most teams would love to have someone in right who could bat clean-up–someone with the ability to drive in runs and to clobber home runs.  It’s also been home to some of baseball’s greatest characters, ranging from the Babe himself to outspoken Reggie Jackson. We’ve decided to put a few of our most opinionated blogs out in this critical position.

Curt may not claim to be “the straw that stirs the drink”, but he does give us The Folly in Believing the Government Can Fix the Economy with Quick and Thoughtful Action posted at PennyJobs.com.

Britannica Blog isn’t afraid to talk to (and about) the press with NY Times: “Buy American” Is a Terrible Idea posted at Britannica Blog.

Money Saving Advice makes a statement with Credit crunch means talking about money and the lack of it posted at Money Saving Tips.

DESIGNATED HITTER

The DH only does one thing–hit.  That means he has to do it well.  There are generalists and there are specialists.  Here are a few bloggers who made their case as true offensive specialists by tackling precise subjects in some detail.

Make it from Scratch gets its average over .300 with Firsts on the First - Making a Purse from Jean Legs posted at Make It From Scratch.

Don’t Buy It is part of the lineup every day because of posts like Don’t Buy It: Wedding Bands posted at Don’t Buy It.

Passive Family Income drills a 3-2 slider into deep left with Why Multitasking Leads to Inefficeincy posted at Passive Family Income.

Craig Ford works the count like a professional hitter with Fifteen Ways to Save Money When you Fly on your Family Vacation this Summer | Money Help For Christians posted at Money Help For Christians.

Jim takes a cut and connects with Buying Discount Postage Stamps posted at Bargaineering.

Lazy Man doesn’t look lazy in the batter’s box when going deep with Save Money with Yard Sales posted at Lazy Man and Money.

Deposit Accounts makes great contact with Don’t Forget to Plan for Windfall Money posted at Deposit Accounts.

Dawn shows off a sweet swing with Ways to Cut Down on Plastic Food Containers posted at Frugal For Life.

Tushar Mathur demonstrates fast hands and good bat speed with Long Term Investing posted at Everything Finance.

STARTING ROTATION

You need to have pitchers you can rely upon on to start every game.  These solid posts exemplify the kind of consistency and writing skill necessary to take the mound with a pennant on the line.

LAL boasts a great ERA, as demonstrated in Should you start living leaner? posted at LivingAlmostLarge.

The Smarter Wallet knows how to keep a team in the game with posts like Managing Debt Wisely: Should You Give Up Credit Cards? posted at The Smarter Wallet.

MBR befuddles opposition hitters with Are Some Bank CD Rates Risky? posted at MonitorBankRates.com.

Debt Freedom Fighter throws another scoreless inning with Increase Your Savings with 5 Simple Tips posted at Discover Debt Freedom.

Billeater hurls a shutout with How to Save Money on Fashion and Clothing posted at Billeater.com.

ABC takes the mound and gives us Stock Prices Do Not Represent Stock Value (or Company Value) posted at ABCs of Investing.

BULLPEN

When the going gets rough, the manager makes a call to the bullpen.  The fireman takes the mound in hopes of providing his team with a way out of a tense situation.  These bloggers earned spots in the bullpen because they offer the kind of actionable advice that can get you out of a jam.

Jim DeSantis works out of a bases loaded situation with Don’t Be A Sucker! Avoid These Debt Consolidation Scams! posted at The Money Matters Blog by Jim DeSantis.

Woman Tribune mows ‘em down in How Newlyweds Can Minimize Financial Stress posted at Woman Tribune.

Tom Drake earns a save with 10 Ways To Reduce Your Water Bill | The Canadian Finance Blog posted at The Canadian Finance Blog.

Aryn gets the critical double-play groundball with posts like How to Request a Property Tax Reassessment posted at Sound Money Matters.

MASCOT

Philadelphia has the Phanatic.  San Diego once had the chicken.  The Mets have a weird face on a baseball, Mr. Met.  The Royals have Sluggerrr the lion.  Youppi disappeared with the Expos, but Bernie the brewer is still making beer in Milwaukee.  Every team needs a mascot–someone to keep the fans motivated.  That’s exactly what these bloggers do–they provide that motivation.

Baker gets the crowd personally involved with May’s Budget Recap, Net Worth Update, & Future Battle Plans | Man Vs. Debt posted at Man Vs. Debt.

D. Ninja gives a great show, presenting Im richer than I was a month ago! posted at Punch Debt In The Face.

Miss M. makes the fans go crazy by posting Hey Big Spender posted at M is for Money.

CJ gets the applause for Fear destroys investments posted at Wise Money Matters.

Story represents the team well with Define splurge posted at My money and my life.

Everyone from the kids to the oldsters in the crowd love Ross B for posts  like My Journey to Payoff half a million in debt posted at MoneyStance - Money Making Opportunity Reviews.

PLAY BALL!

Hi Everyone,

Here are the Blog Carnivals that we participated in over the last 2 weeks.  Enjoy!

- Carnival of Debt Reduction #180 (The Quotable Quotes Edition) was hosted by Ask Mr. Credit Card and you can find our post entitled Packing a Little Extra Snow on Your Snowball listed there.

- Money Hacks Carnival #53 (The Bailout Edition) was hosted by Personal Finance Ology and you can find our post entitled How to Value a Charitable Donation listed there.

- Festival of Frugality #166 (The Winter is Almost Over Edition) was hosted by Student Scrooge and you can find our post entitled Easy Button in Full Effect: Finding a Staples Coupon is a Breeze listed there.

Hi Everyone,

Here are the Blog Carnivals that we participated in over the last 2 weeks.  Enjoy!

- Carnival of Personal Finance #191 (The Wizard of Oz Edition) was hosted by Dollar Frugal and you can find our post entitled What is a Good Credit Score? listed there.

- Carnival of Debt Reduction #177 (The Friendship Edition) was hosted by Simply Forties and you can find our post entitled Pay Yourself Second, Pay Your Debts First listed there.

- Carnival of Debt Reduction #179 (The Firefly Edition) was hosted by Green Panda Treehouse and you can find our post entitled Pay Yourself Second, Pay Your Debts First listed there.

- Carnival of Money Stories #96 was hosted by Funny About Money and you can find our post entitled Borders Coupons Leave Money for Chai Tea Lattes listed there.

- Money Hacks Carnival #51 (The Office Edition) was hosted by Your Money Relationship and you can find our post entitled The Best Free Budget Worksheets on the Internet listed there.

- Festival of Frugality #164 (The Singles Awareness Edition) was hosted by Broke Grad Student and you can find our post entitled Saving with a Sears Coupon listed there.

Hi Everyone,

Here are the Blog Carnivals that we participated in over the last week.  Enjoy!

- Carnival of Personal Finance #190 (The Buddy, Can You Spare A Dime Edition) was hosted by Funny About Money and you can find our post entitled Trying to Make a Little Sense Out of Credit Default Swaps listed there.

- Carnival of Debt Reduction #176 (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Edition) was hosted by Rocket Finance and you can find our post entitled Pay Yourself Second, Pay Your Debts First listed there.

- Carnival of Money Stories #95 was hosted by Dividend Tree and you can find our post entitled In Search of the Perfect Pizza Hut Coupon listed there.

- Money Hacks Carnival #50 was hosted by Curious Cat Investing and you can find our post entitled How to Become a Millionaire. Seriously. listed there.

- Festival of Frugality #163 was hosted by My Journey To Millions and you can find our post entitled Save Even More with an eBay Coupon listed there.

Hi Everyone,

Here are the Blog Carnivals that we participated in over the last week.  Enjoy!

- Carnival of Personal Finance #189 (The Superbowl Edition) was hosted by Taking Charge and you can find our post entitled Ten Ways for Teens to Make Money listed there. - We were chosen as one of the Editors top picks for this post!

- Carnival of Money Stories #94 (The Chinese New Year Edition) was hosted by The Suns Financial Diary and you can find our post entitled In Search of the Perfect Pizza Hut Coupon listed there.

- Money Hacks Carnival #49 (The Frugalista Style Edition) was hosted by Little Miss Know It All and you can find our post entitled In Search of the Perfect Pizza Hut Coupon listed there.

- Festival of Frugality #162 was hosted by Gather Little by Little and you can find our post entitled Borders Coupons Leave Money for Chai Tea Lattes listed there.

Hi Everyone,

Here are the Blog Carnivals that we participated in over the last week.  Enjoy!

- Carnival of Personal Finance #188 (The Jane Austen Edition) was hosted by Pecuniarities and you can find our post entitled Can You Really Opt Out of a Recession? listed there.

- Carnival of Debt Reduction #175 (The Historic Moment Edition) was hosted by No Debt Plan and you can find our post entitled Television News’ Split Personality: Pay Off Debt vs. Spend, Spend, Spend listed there.

- Money Hacks Carnival #48 (The Presidential Edition) was hosted by Pimp Your Finances and you can find our post entitled The Pell Grant: 2009 and Beyond listed there.

- Festival of Frugality #161 (The Frugal Businesses Edition) was hosted by Money Ning and you can find our post entitled Seeing Savings - Online Glasses listed there.

- Festival of Stocks was hosted by Contrarian Value Investing and you can find our post entitled Investment and Gambling (Part Seven): Why Erasing the Distinction is Valuable listed there.