Emily's List: Friday the 13th Edition

On average, there is a Friday the 13th once every 212.35 days. But this year, we had a Friday the 13th two months in a row; one in February, and one today. Some people believe 13 is lucky number, but most Americans view the number and Friday the 13th with fear. What better way to face your fears than trying to take control of your finances! Enjoy this week's Friday the 13th edition of our weekly credit card roundup.

1. Trent at The Simple Dollar discusses whether you should aim to pay off personal debts, such as money borrowed from friends or family, before other debts. Make sure you make good on what you owe, or they might come after you like Jason did in his hockey mask.

2. Mrs. Micah features a guest post that reminds procrastinators about the importance of saving an emergency fund. One big perk of doing it? It helps ward off future debts. If you want to ward off bad luck on Friday the 13th, don't walk under any ladders or break any mirrors.

3. Kacie at Sense to Save says even once the recession ends, she plans to live like we're always in a recession to keep her debt and spending in check. That doesn't mean to live in fear, but always be prepared for financial emergencies. Speaking of fear, did you know that if you fear Friday the 13th, you have paraskavedekatriaphobia? It's not exactly taught in medical school, but it's scary just trying to pronounce it.

4. Generation X Finance finds it amusing that the Federal Trade Commission has chosen to fight back against the FreeCreditReport.com commercials, which have received tons of consumer complaints. Friday the 13th is a very popular day when it comes to videos; pick out one of the 12 movies in the "Friday the 13th" franchise tonight.

5. My Dollar Plan lists some aspects of personal finance you should know. A is for credit card arbitrage, and M is for financial mistakes. Another mistake? Not checking to make sure all your work is backed up, especially on a superstitious day like Friday the 13th. Use today, which happens to be International Verify Your Backups Day, to alleviate any fears you might have about losing all your data.

6. Wisebread ponders how the recession is challenging conventional economic beliefs and examines whether some advice he's getting will work in these tough times. Do you believe that Friday the 13th brings bad luck? A study found that 17 to 21 million Americans believe so. Guess we won't try to talk them out of it.

7. No Credit Needed walks readers through the steps of envisioning what they want in their economic futures. Here's my advice for getting ahead: Don't waste your money on wretched horror movies such as "Resident Evil 5," which premieres today. I guess it really is a day of bad luck...

8. Ask Mr. Credit Card explains what happens when your credit card debt is sold to a collection agency and offers advice on bankruptcy. It's not as gruesome as a slasher film, but dealing with debt collectors can certainly feel like torture.

9. Flexo at Consumerism Commentary finds it ironic that Citi, which has been experiencing plenty of financial distress, is offering cardholders rewards for good financial behavior. Also ironic? The director, writer and producer of the original "Friday the 13th" flick chose not to participate in any of the subsequent films in the franchise. Little did they know there would be 11 more, which could have bagged them scary amounts of loot.

10. Frugal Dad discusses some factors you need to consider when deciding if you should put inheritance money toward paying off your debt. It's important that you make the right decision so you aren't haunted by bad ones. (Much like Jason did to the camp counselors who let him drown.)