Monday personal finance highlights...

1. This one's new to me. According to this blog, you can get primary auto insurance coverage from a Diner's Club card, so an accident with a rental car won't affect your personal auto insurance rates.

2. I mentioned last week my unhappiness that Visa allows its card issuers to give your credit card number straight to businesses you pay via monthly recurring credit card charges when the credit card expires. As this article notes, it's often hard to remember what you're paying for anymore--which is why I WANT my credit card to expire every so often.

3. In my mind a fifty-year mortgage is no better than renting. How 'bout you?

4. I've already voiced my skepticism about financial planners, and while this writer agrees to an extent, he offers some tips should you decide to go that route.

5. What kind of saver are you?

6. I can't think of any valid reason to raid your 401(k), but some experts disagree.

7. Have a home equity loan to pay off? You could use a zero-interest credit card offer, but be careful!

8. Are you a Quickenhead?

9. I like this story of getting 70 two-liter bottles of Sierra Mist for $10.50. It doesn't meet my Zen ambitions, but if it works for you, I won't knock it.