5 Affordable Warm Winter Getaways

According to a recent poll on winter travel trends, more than half of the people responded that they planned on hitting the road—or the air—between December and the end of March. After all, ‘tis the season for gift-giving and splurging—as long as you’ve been good and spent the previous 11 months saving money and not wasting it. So, if you’ve been saving, here are a few fantastic destinations to help you ring in the New Year, escape the winter and, of course, take advantage of some great deals.

Going to California

No, not the chilly northern part of the Golden State where the weather is reliably unreliable. Head straight to the sunny, Mediterranean-like Hollywood (there’s a reason why the original movie moguls moved to southern California to build their empire). Stay at the luxe Sheraton Universal Hotel, which recently underwent a $30 million renovation, for only $239 per night. You’ll feel like an A-lister. Enjoy the free breakfast and chill out poolside with the would-be starlets; then use the money you saved from the free breakfast and go window-shopping—emphasis on the window part—at nearby Rodeo Drive…

Be Wary of Credit Card Offers in the Mail

The recession hasn’t only lightened our wallets but our pile of mail, as well. Credit card deals offered through the mail are quickly drying up. Because of the economy, credit card companies have made cutbacks in direct marketing, which has decreased the number of new credit card offers mailed to consumers by 71%. Not only are people receiving fewer credit card offers in the mail, but the ones still going out are becoming less and less desirable and legitimate. As a result, chances are that the offers mailed to your house aren’t the best.

The marketing agencies that send the deals choose to make offers that you are most likely to accept, not the ones that are best for you. The perks in unsolicited offers—cash back, awards points, free flights—often obscure the hazards, tricking you into accepting credit that could seriously threaten your financial health…

Saving Strategies Part 72

With unemployment in the double digits and the holiday season kicking into high gear, saving money has never been more important—or simpler. And these days, sometimes the easiest way to save money is to simply ask. Really. Here are some tricks that we are thankful for, this holiday season:..

Swapping is the New Shopping

For the past month, I’ve had to close my eyes every time I pass the window of J. Crew because I am absolutely dying for an oversized, button-down boyfriend sweater – but it’s so not in my budget! But I got one in the end – and I didn’t pay a dime for it!

How did I do it? By swapping.

Swapping is the new shopping – only better! Why shell out your hard-earned cash for something when you can just swap something of yours for the item you desire.

Not only do you get cool new stuff, but it doesn’t cost you a thing…

Curbing Fido’s Financial Strain

Having a pet is a fine balance: We love our pooches, but we know that pet hair isn’t a fashion accessory. They burrow in our purses, poke out of our car windows, and try to lick our face masks away. We’ve compiled the best insider tips to help you scratch away at your pet’s expenses—you and Junior won’t remember how you coexisted without us!

Look For Veterinary Colleges. Money isn’t a reason not to bring your pet in for regular checkups, but vet visits are expensive. Do a quick Google search or refer to this list to see if there are any veterinary colleges in your area. If so, they are probably looking for new patients and likely offered reduced rates. Don’t worry about putting Mr. Fuzzy in the hands of students—they are supervised and accredited for treating animals!…

Why that Headhunter Won’t Call You Back

Recruiters can be like cads: They lead you on, pretend to be interested, and then never call you back. Lots of people have horror stories about recruiters who reach out for their resumes, interview them in-office, and then never speak to them again.

There’s a reason. And, it’s not pure malice. Generally. But I might need you to thicken your skin for a moment.

1. They Don’t Have Anything For You Right Now. The simplest answer is often the truth. Why, you ask, would they waste everyone’s time if they don’t have any positions for you? It’s in their interest to find out what you’re all about so that you’re good to go when a position does arise for your background…