Emily's list: iPod birthday edition

I'm going to guess that you have an iPod. No? Then I bet your significant other, child or best friend does. There aren't many people without these portable MP3 players; they are a staple for college students walking to class, people working out at the gym, travelers stuck at an airport and subway riders.

Despite consumers spending less, the $249 iPod classic remains a music-lover's favorite.

On this day in 2001, Apple unveiled the first iPod to the press. It then went on sale to the public on Nov. 10 of the same year for a hefty $399. There was criticism at first of the steep pricetag, but that didn't deter electronics-hungry consumers: In April 2007, Apple announced that it had sold 100 million iPods.

The tiny device has evolved; at first its screen was black and white, and it could only play music. Then it got a color screen and could play videos. Now there's an iPod that is essentially an iPhone without calling capabilities. Ironically, the next version of the iPod is going to finally have AM/FM radio capability. I guess they finally realized that we would not let go of that medium.

Sometimes it's hard to decide when to splurge on a cool purchase like an iPod and when to save or put that money toward paying off debt. I think if you are responsible with money and make payments regularly, it can't hurt to splurge every once in a while.

Read on to discover some of the best personal finance blog posts from the past week. Enjoy!

1. Is credit card debt a part of daily life for you? It doesn't have to be. Christian PF lists the four steps to control your spending.

2. It's no surprise that some debt collectors do not know (or choose to ignore) the law. Bargaineering explains what happens when these rogue debt collectors violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

3. Clever Dude recounts a recent experience that many of us have dealt with: When you receive money for a special occasion, should you use it to pay off debt or purchase something you have been coveting, such as an iPod, or in his case, a flat-screen TV.

4. Budgets are $exy reminds readers that despite the temptations to spend like crazy, saving money today will give you a much better future with more opportunities.

5. Man vs. Debt lists 92 quotes about debt that will make you think and some that will make you laugh. They are all under 140 characters, so they are easily tweetable as well!

6. Debt Free Adventure asks readers to rethink credit card rewards.

7. Mighty Bargain Hunter thinks that new credit card legislation will hurt everybody -- especially those of us who carry a balance -- and explains why.

8. Get Rich Slowly ponders if you should stop funding your retirement account in order to pay off your debt.

9. Master Your Card explains how closing a credit card account can affect your credit score and discusses the common conundrum of "to close or not to close?"

10. WalletPop discusses the pros and cons of using the low-cost, PIN based Revolution Card, which scored a coup by signing up a major regional bank, Fifth Third, as an issuing partner.