Every year for the past 11 years, I’ve filled in for Clark Howard on the day before Thanksgiving and on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. We always have a lot of fun on these shows.

Traditionally, I talk about the Thanksgiving I’m going to cook and provide recipes for everyone. If you’re interested in myThanksgiving Turkey Recipe, you can find it here: www.thinkglink.com/blog/2007_11_18_archive.html.

We also talk about strategy for Black Friday — this year, I think it’ll still be Red Friday, since there are very few retailers (other than Wal-Mart) that are having a good holiday season thus far. The trees and tinsel may be up, but people are holding fast to their wallets, waiting for the great deals.

Which may be here. Today, we’ll go over strategies for holidays, and ask these simple questions: Are you spending more or less his holiday season? And if you’re spending the same amount, are you allocating it in different ways?

Yesterday, the Federal Government announced it would spend $800 billion to shore up consumer finances, including $600 billion to buy the debt or mortgage-backed assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The initial boost: Mortgage interest rates dropped nearly a full percentage point in overnight trading. Is NOW a good time to refinance? We’ll talk about that on the show as well.

Melamine was found in some baby formulas — we’ll give you the scoop on that — and I’ll talk about my latest videos featuring cool, new and inexpensive gadgets you may want to give to someone this holiday season.

I’m on for Clark Howard from 1 to 4pm EST. You can call the toll-free hotline at 800-WSB-TALK if you want to be on the air. Or, listen live online at www.wsbradio.com.

Nov. 26, 2008.