Many Iowans may enter the Holiday season carrying heavy debt burdens. The Iowa Journal profiles a Des Moines family that embraces the joys of simple living. Although Phil and Cindy Blobaum's thrifty financial practices are born of necessity, the holiday traditions they share with their four children fit their personal philosophy. The Blobaums create bounty and avoid debt by sticking to a budget and focusing on creating memorable experiences. Other guests on the program are Dr. Tahira K. Hira, an Iowa State University professor, and Adam Carroll, financial educator and author. The Iowa Journal also looks back 50 years to Russian dictator Nickita Khrushchev's visit to Iowa. (27:47)