Let’s kick off this week’s Carnival of Financial Planning, Kids Ain’t Cheap Edition!

I’m excited to be hosting the carnival this week, and it’s great to be able to provide some great articles from around the web!

BUDGETING AND ECONOMICS

Jacob @ AllPersonalFinance writes Five Great Tips For Cutting The Cost of Owning a Business – Every business has a certain amount of overhead that cannot be avoided. These expenses make it possible to produce products or deliver a service. Many other costs, however, can often be lowered. Lowering ownership costs can increase margins and revenue over time. There are five great tips for cutting the cost of owning a business.

Kyle @ The Penny Hoarder writes 4 Ways to Save Money on Your Small Business Expenses – If you have a small business, it is almost just as important to minimize expenses, as it is to generate more revenue. If you don’t watch your expenses, you could easily find yourself running a deficit and struggling to maintain your business. Here are some simple tips to save money on your small business expenses.

Harry Campbell @ Your PF Pro writes Am I Ready for a Career in Financial Planning? – One of my goals during my three month work hiatus was to look into a career in financial planning. Even though I majored in aerospace engineering during college, it wasn’t until after I graduated and started working that I found out how much I liked helping people with their finances. People are usually surprised to discover that I’m so into personal finance considering my educational background. But I think the two go hand in hand; I base a lot of my investing principles/techniques off f

Daisy @ Suburban Finance writes Cheap Things to Do on New Years Eve – New Year’s Eve is notoriously expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are some fun things to do at home to ring in the new year, too.

Oscar @ Money is the Root writes Shop a Little Smarter This Holiday Season – Tis the season of giving, right? Wrong! It’s more like the season of shopping and buying things for others.

Danielle @ Saving Without a Budget writes What you should be Teaching your Teenager about Credit – One of the basic goals of every parent is to teach their child the lessons they need to know to be able to make it on their own when they become adults. Of all those lessons, one of the best that you can teach to your kids is how to handle credit.

Jack @ Money Saving Ethics writes Old Fashioned Money Saving Tips that Still Work – These days everyone is looking for newfangled ways to save money and, in the rush to do it, some people overlook old-fashioned tips and tricks that have been around for ages.

Lenny @ Best Money Saving Blog writes Frugal Habits that you can Copy from the Rich – We put together a number of frugal habits that the upper class have taken to using. Use them yourself and you will build financial independence and long-lasting wealth.

Andrea @ So Over This writes More Money, More Gifts: Effective Ways to Save on Holiday Shopping – There are so many people looking to save money during the holidays while also getting the gifts that they want for their family and friends. Fortunately, there are several effective ways that this goal can be accomplished.

Bob @ Dwindling Debt writes How Much Do You Actually Need for Retirement? – It might seem rather difficult to determine exactly how much money you need for retirement, as there are so many variables that come into play.

Sam @ The New Business Blog writes Not All Mortgages are Created Equal: Three Reasons Why – In 2013 fewer Americans than ever put pretax dollars a way to cover future medical expenses but changes in 2014 will make these flexible spending accounts bit more attractive. These new changes will actually give taxpayers a bit of extra time to use their money.

Marissa @ Thirty Six Months writes Conference Planning: Not for the Weak – The days were still long and humid when I first sat down to plan out the idea of Canada’s first fashion and beauty conference in Toronto. My first call was to Anjali, our content and programming Director, who sat down and listened to me without judgement. I was scared. I tend to get these crazy ideas in my head, and recruit people who I think would be great.

Aaron @ Aaron Hung writes How to Get a Credit Card for Your Startup – Some argue that the best way to avoid debt is to pay it down right away. This is not always the case. If you dream of running your own business someday, you have likely weighed the option of using a credit card against using capital for financial needs.

Monica @ Monica On Money writes It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas! – I personally have decided to skip Black Friday shopping this year, mostly because in the past I have spent a lot of money on Black Friday for random things on sale that I did not need. It is tempting to buy something just because its on sale.

Read more at http://www.krantcents.com/the-best-small-investments-for-future-cash-flows#b4xkBhmrVefF01tY.99 @ KrantCents writes The Best Small Investments for Future Cash Flows – As many of us are averse to risk when it comes to money, here are a few of the best small investment options that are best for your future returns.

Andy Prescott @ Art of Being Cheap writes Why credit cards are the best way to pay – The fact of the matter is that credit cards are the best way to pay for all of your purchases. They are the most convenient way to pay, they are the cheapest way to pay, and they are the safest way to pay.

Sustainable PF @ Sustainable Personal Finance writes How Mobile Banking Can Help You and the Environment – Thanks to technology, it is possible to stay on top of your banking anytime you want. Not only is this helpful for you, but it can also be helpful for the environment.

Jason @ The Money Makers writes Olivia Wilde is Having a Baby: What are the first-month expenses? – Olivia Wilde recently announced her pregnancy with fiance Jason Sudeikis as she is due with her first child in the coming year. Although the couple have declined to reveal their due date, they likely are expecting to set aside a budget for their baby, even with their high incomes.

Adam @ Money Rebound writes Finding the Balance Between Saving Money and Living Life to the Full – Working through the challenges of enjoying life on a budget while finding that perfect middle ground.

FI Pilgrim @ FI Journey writes Avoid Overspending When Throwing A Pity Party – Do you have a tendency to spend money when you are having a pity party? Trying to make up for lost time, or make yourself feel better?

Mr. MWD @ My Wealth Desire writes Credit Card Common Mistakes: 3 Worst Reasons To Avoid Cash Advance – Getting a cash advance from a credit card is the easiest way to get money in time of emergency. However, you should be aware to not be a victim of bait-switch of your credit card providers

Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence writes Why I Will Not Leave an Inheritance – This is a guest post from Snarkfinance. Talking about the concept of inheritance is similar to running a marathon and then having to walk home.

Brian Fourman @ Luke1428 writes Be Intentional: How to Develop a Giving Plan – Feel like giving has become an obligation? Unsure about where to send your money? This five step plan will show you how to become intentional with your giving and maximize the return on your donation. Experience the joy and freedom that comes from giving wisely.

CAREER AND INCOME

Brent @ PersonalFinance-Tips writes Make More Money: Real Estate Tricks to Flipping Houses – Flipping real estate for a profit is not nearly as easy as some of the TV shows might suggest, but there are many professional house flippers who can attest to the profitability of this income opportunity. By following a few helpful tips, flipping houses can become a profitable and exciting income source for you.

Stu @ Poor Student writes Why You Should Graduate ASAP – Graduating from school as soon as possible can do a lot for your finances. It benefits a lot of people to be able to do so.

Adam @ Money Bulldog writes How Long Could You Live Without Your Salary? – The importance of having a backup plan when you suddenly lose your job.

Dollar @ Easy Extra Dollar writes 5 Tips For Choosing An Affiliate Program – One of the most popular and successful ways to make money online is with affiliate programs. Also called referral programs, affiliate marketing programs are commission based contracts. The concept is simple. When you send a surfer to a merchants website, you will earn a commission based on what that surfer spends on their site.

Little House @ Little House in the Valley writes Cash in on Your Creativity – If you’re the creative type, here are a few more ideas to make extra money that might take more time, but could turn into stable income:

DEBT AND CREDIT

Mike @ Personal Finance Journey writes Christmas time and your credit card spend – Do you understand completely your credit card and its features this Christmas before you begin spending? Are you using the right card for you the right way?

Tony @ We Only Do This Once writes Debt to Income Ratio Calculator – If you are trying to get a loan or a line of credit you may want to check your Debt to Income Ratio with an online debt to income ratio calculator.

Ted Jenkin @ Your Smart Money Moves writes Why Does Generation X Have Lifestyle Envy? – It’s official. For years and years everyone has labeled my generation (Generation X) the slacker generation.

Jon Haver @ Pay My Student Loans writes Five student loan repayment programs – You can get help if you are worried about paying back the student loans that are mounting with interest and keep growing every time you look at the bills that come in. You make payments, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference.

INVESTING AND SAVING

Dominique Brown @ YourFinancesSimplified writes Do This Not That! Obamacare Scams to Watch Out For – this dysfunctional federal website has spawned a range of Obamacare scams all over the internet.

Lauren @ L Bee and the Money Tree writes Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets (Giveaway!) – Do you give your pet a gift every holiday? It may sound weird to some, but for as long as I can remember, my family has been gifting our dog a present. Usually just one or two that stays wrapped underneath the tree. My mom is really good at remembering to always gift the family.

Mrs. Accountability @ Out of Debt Again writes Why Should You Stop Payment on a Check? – Checks are being used less by ordinary people, but the check business is alive and thriving in businesses.

CAPI @ Creating a Passive Income writes Single Day Jobs: Making Money Quick – Your demand for extra cash need not be dire to be worthwhile. There are a number of legitimate ways to make money quick – read here for a few ideas.

Hank @ Money Q&A writes The Three Best Online Shopping Tips And Tricks I Have Heard All Year – Scott Elling from CouponPal.com has several incredible online shopping tips and tricks for saving a ton of money this holiday season with coupons and other shopping life hacks.

Eva Baker @ TeensGotCents writes Faithful With a Few – Khaleef Crumbley – Khaleef Crumbley of ‘Faithful With A Few’ shares the story behind starting a biblical finance website and gives teens tips and ideas on managing money.

Luke @ Learn Bonds writes What Recent Bond Market Volatility Means For Investors – Here’s what you need to know.

Minimalist @ Minimalist Finance writes Batch Cooking to Save On Your Grocery Bill – Batch Cooking to Save On Your Grocery Bill has been published on Minimalist FinanceThere are many ways to cut back your grocery budget, such as shopping at discount stores, using coupons, and even shopping at stores like Costco to buy in bulk.

Tushar @ Earn More and Save writes How to Find Good Deals on Last Minute Christmas Gifts – Christmas is quickly approaching. If you’re like me you’ve done a little bit of shopping but still have quite a ways to go. I, for one, am not the type to battle the crowds on Black Friday to find a few deals.

IMB @ Investing Money writes Investing in Drone Technology – Ten years ago, the US had 50 drones in service. Drone technology is spreading quickly from the military to the private sector.

Bargain Babe @ BargainBabe.com writes My Christmas Shopping Secret to Save Extra 10% Off Everywhere – My Christmas Shopping Secret to Save Extra 10% off Everywhere – discounted gift cards!

Tushar @ Start Investing Money writes What Has Happened With Twitter’s Shares Since the Launch Date? – When Facebook launched their IPO it went through more than its share of teething troubles. Twitter took heed of those mistakes and was decidedly more cautious when it came to launching its own IPO.

Wayne @ Young Family Finance writes Easy & Best Way to Do Your Christmas Shopping – It’s almost Thanksgiving, and while that means a lot of things, it means, perhaps most importantly, that Christmas shopping is in full swing. Regardless of whether you are planning to hit the shops on Black Friday or not, you need a plan to do it the right way.

Mr.CBB @ canadian budget binder writes Comparing the comparison sites in Canada – If you love a good deal then you know you can compare prices using comparison sites online.

Chad @ The Stock Market and I writes The Coming Challenge to Diversification – With stocks and bonds appreciating at the same time, investors will have to make some tough decisions as pricing in both bonds and stocks will likely decline together.

JC @ Passive-Income-Pursuit writes Owens & Minor (OMI) Dividend Stock Analysis – I take a closer look at a budding health care company, Owens & Minor, to see how they stack up for a dividend growth investor.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE

Adam @ The Cheapest Cars To Insure writes What Does Fully Comprehensive Insurance Cover? – How you can make sure that you’re buying enough with the right insurance for your car.

Paige @ Modest Money writes Different Types of Insurance For Different Businesses – Most business owners need to be aware of the various types of insurances that apply to their particular businesses. This is to ensure proper protection of their businesses in case any damage occurs.

RETIREMENT AND TAXATION

John @ Frugal Rules writes My Retirement Dream: To Keep Working! – Many want to follow the traditional retirement dream of working until 65 and then leaving the workforce completely. My retirement dream is different – to continue working. With frugal living and an aggressive investing strategy I believe many can pursue that dream and eventually work for yourself in retirement.