The Carnival of Personal Finance for Dec. 1 was hosted by Mighty Bargain Hunter. Here are some of the posts you’ll find on all things financial:

• Studenomics presents Are you cash strapped just before the holidays?: “Nobody wants to get rid of their cable. However, drastic times call for drastic measures.” In the Monroe area, this is not so bad. You’ll be able to pick up broadcast channels from both Detroit and Toledo. Just make sure you have that digital TV converter box before February.
• PennyJobs presents What can I cut back on? “If you have not done so, I think everyone should begin preparing for the coming recession.” The recession is already here in Michigan – and getting worse. It’s time to be frugal with your money.
• Monagamoney presents Five things to do if you get laid off. “Don’t wait to apply for jobs that are slightly different from the one you were doing before.” You may end up with a job that is WAY different than you did before. It’s a paycheck. Take it. You can look for other opportunities while you are at least earning some dough.
• My Family’s Money presents Pay day loans and the elections. “Instead of charging these people up the whazoo, we should be seeking to educate them and help them overcome the economic disadvantages that have created the situation that makes legal loan sharking necessary.” You can follow my post and some very lengthy comment rolls on this topic at my archives. I figured if the military families could learn to do without that service, so could the civilian families. After all, the military families have a lot more emergency expenses to worry about in addition to the routine household details that everyone else does.
• Monroe on a Budget presents 70-plus practical Christmas gifts. “They’ll either save you from making a purchase later out of your household budget, or save you money in the long run.” It’s a popular thing to save money these days.

The Festival of Frugality for Dec. 2 was hosted by Living Almost Large. Here are some of the posts you’ll find on frugal living concepts:

• Ask Mr. Credit Card presents Extreme Christmas Shopping. “Find an item that you want, and use your coupon or rebate code. If you don’t have a coupon code, then search for one on Google, or at least get free shipping.” I keep my coupon code postcards along with other coupon books in a manila envelope – ready for my next shopping trip.
• The Smarter Wallet presents Quality cookware to save you time and energy. “My bread machine keeps my family fed, too. Each week, I make my own pizza dough and bread.” This gadget sounds like a great idea. I do use my slowcooker, electric grill and electric fry pan frequently.
• How To Me presents How to sew a simple purse, tote or bag. “This might just be the fastest and easiest sewing project that I’ve completed in months. It took less than an hour from the first cut to the last stitch.” If you’re looking for a project to start with as a sewing beginner, this looks like a good one.