The Carnival of Personal Finance for Dec. 8 was hosted by Free From Broke. Here are some of the posts you’ll find on all things financial:

• Almost Frugal presents How old are you financially? “A toddler is characterized by her interest in the world… and her full scale temper tantrums when she doesn’t get her way.” Very interesting analogies!
• Debt Goal presents Watch TV, go into debt? “As we watch TV, we start to identify with the actors and lifestyles of the shows.” Hmm … the majority of my TV watching time these days is WTOL TV 11 local news, CNN, CNBC and football. But I don’t think it’s just the entertainment choices involved here. Consider the commercials. Tune to a channel you don’t normally watch, or a show that’s out of your demographic, and you’ll notice the targeted marketing real quick.
• Stumble Forward presents Save more money – 10 ways to fill your emergency fund fast. “If you have high speed internet you can save a bundle by cutting this luxury out of the picture.” I realize the “downsize the home” tip isn’t a realistic option for many of us in southeast Michigan given the housing market, … but keep reading because some of the other tips would work for local families. Example: did you know you can use the Monroe County Library System’s wireless Internet for free if you bring your own laptop?
  

The Festival of Frugality for Dec. 9 was hosted by Greener Pastures. Here are some of the tips you’ll find on frugal living concepts:

• Penelope Pince presents Beautiful homemade Christmas ornaments from eggshells: “Nail polish is the best paint because it dries quickly and has a pretty shine. It also strengthens the shell and reduces risk of breaking if the ornament is dropped.” I have seen Monroe community education craft classes feature eggs in other Christmas ornament styles.
• Make it from Scratch presents Chocolate covered gifts: ” If you are new to this, start simple with items like pretzels, nuts, or coffee beans.” Chocolate covered pretzels are SOOO good! Local readers – you can find  suitable chocolate candy melts at Crafts 2000.
• Dollar Stretcher presents Finding a job in a bad economy – Main Street Meltdown “Expand your circle of friends by joining civic and professional organzations, charities, chuch groups … anyplace you might find people who work in your industry that may be in a position to help you should the worst happen and you need to find a job.” The temptation if you are a long-time resident of a close-knit community (yes I am talking to Monroe, Mich., residents whose families have lived here for generations), is to assume your peeps network has been built up sufficiently. Wrong. Get involved in something new at least once a year – the goal is to get to know people who are OUTSIDE your immediate circle.