This week's top 10 blog round-up

This was an exciting week in the personal finance world: Another rate cut, Fed approval of rules to end unfair credit card practices and an announcement that the stimulus checks are out early. Accordingly, I have found great questions, advice and thoughts in the personal finance blogosphere. Here is this week's round-up, including topics such as personal debt being sold on eBay, why credit cards are handy for paying bills and a scam from 1-800-Flowers.

1)    Flexo at Consumerism Commentary wonders how hefty a bonus must be in order to convince you to sign up for a new credit card.
 
2)    Over at Walletpop, Ken and Daria Dolan teach you how to avoid seven tricks credit card companies play.

3)    Consumers Union has a credit card quiz you can take to see how well you understand your credit card contract. OK, so this isn't a blog, but I thought it was too great to pass up. So what's your credit card IQ?

4)    Nick Slade at Caveat Emptor is hopeful that the tides are turning against mandatory arbitration.
 
5)    Mrs. Micah ponders a perk of shedding debt that isn't often mentioned: You are more available to help others in need. 

6)    Credit Withdrawal explains why credit cards are so useful for paying your bills automatically.

7)    I've Paid For This Twice Already contemplates why somebody thought it was a good idea to sell his or her personal debt on eBay, and who the heck would buy it.

8)    Matt at The Penny Saved asks, "Are you a credit slave?"

9)    Money Blue book writes extremely thorough posts on how to make money from balance transfer credit cards  and how you can get a free extended warranty by paying for merchandise with a credit card.

10)    Bought flowers lately? The Consumerist warns of a sneaky trick that 1-800-Flowers has been using to charge unsuspecting customers $11.99 a month.