The evil forces of rate-hiking credit card companies, job-slashing employers and fee-doubling banks are always scheming to lighten your wallet, so the just and good defenders of Debtbeat nation must be ever vigilant in protecting you. Luckily we’re not alone. Scanning the seedy underbelly of the Interwebs has revealed a network of freedom fighters broadcasting the intel that will set you free. From debt.

Here are some of the most compelling recent articles from around the web. They may not help you get out of debt, but they may take your mind of that Visa bill.

- FreeCreditReport.com won a key legal battle against cyber squatters trading off its good name. Kinda like Bernie Madoff winning a legal battle against perpitrators of smaller Ponzi schemes. Speaking of… An auction was held to sell off the personal possessions of the disgraced financier, with CNN documenting some of the more interesting items up for bid.

- Slate’s Daniel Gross thinks that the job market will rebound sooner than people think. Good luck with that.

- The Wall Street Journal reported on the latest move by the Federal Reserve to protect consumers, this time cracking down on banks and their ability to charge outrageous overdraft fees.

- With tax time rapidly approaching, WalletPop.com offers tips on e-filing.

- But before we get around to the tax man, we have to pay the Xmas man. SmartMoney brings the ruckus with their guide to getting the best deals on holiday shopping.

- Finally, we have Self magazine telling us how to save $656 a month. For me that would be to simply not visit the liquor store every weekend. But then life just wouldn’t be worth living.

As we get going with another week of work and knowing that most of the money we make will go towards our bills, at least we can take some time off and enjoy these postings. Happy Monday, everyone.