Emily's list: Haiti edition

Right now, our lives seem petty and mundane compared to the recent devastation in Haiti. While we may be bummed out that we may not have a vacation in the budget and whether we have enough money to pay off our HD televisions and student loans, Haitians are worrying about whether their loved ones are still alive and if they will have clean water to drink.

Although we would all love to donate a truck full of supplies to those in need, many of us just can't afford it. Fortunately, there are little things we can do. Many grocery stores currently have boxes next to the registers where you can drop in some coins or cash to help. You can also text HAITI to 90999, which will donate $10 to the Red Cross. Haiti is already an impoverished country, and its residents are in a major crisis, so every little bit truly helps.

For more information about how you can help with relief efforts, visit the American Red Cross Web site or the Clinton Foundation Web site. I think it's also wise for us to take a little time to be grateful for what we have, no matter how big or small. And if you do decide to contribute, be wary of charity scams.

We go onward now with our roundup of 10 of the best personal finance blog posts from the past week. I hope you enjoy them!

1. Are you ready? Studenomics lists several questions you should ask yourself when you receive your next credit card bill.

2. Money Crashers explains which six New Year's resolutions will help you save money this year. It's not a surprise that becoming debt free is on the list!

3. CardRatings.com explains why donations made with credit cards offer relief to victims much sooner than donations made via cell phone text messages.

4. Enemy of Debt asks readers what they plan to do with their tax refunds -- pay down debt, save it, invest it or waste it.

5. Money Ning helps readers understand the differences between 0 percent purchase credit cards and 0 percent balance transfer credit cards.

6. The Simple Dollar discusses that feeling of wanting something new but not knowing what you want. This only fuels more debt, he says, and explains what to do about it.

7. Cash Money Life explains the importance of taking a financial inventory and offers a list of what you need to include.

8. Christian PF helps readers understand the new laws governing bank overdraft fees and overdraft protection.

9. It can be harder than it sounds! Dual Income No Kids Finance gives 10 tips you can use to stay out of debt.