Blog Posts by SavvySugar

SavvySugarSource: The Best Job Hunting Tips of the Year

Some of the best news to come out of 2012 was that the economy had improved and that more jobs were being created. More openings meant more job search tips - and within the year, a new LinkedIn format, new ways of looking at cover letters, and more all made it onto our list of things to keep on our radar. The job hunt may have its ups and downs, but with a positive attitude (see slide nine) and the help of these tips, you'll soon be able to kiss the search goodbye.

• Write a Standout Email : On top of having to perfect résumés and cover letters, we sometimes forget that there's an accompanying email that also makes an impression. One Google recruiter has some great advice about writing the ideal introduction note. A couple of tips? Being specific in the email subject line and keeping it short and sweet.
• Make the Most of LinkedIn: The profesional network recently got a makeover, so it's even more important to make sure you're

SavvySugarSource: A Value Destination For the Holidays

If you want to go somewhere for the holidays but are hesitant because of the prices during this high-traffic travel season, there is still one option that may be affordable. We talked to travel expert Chris McGinnis, a spokesperson for Chase Sapphire Preferred, who shared this nugget of information about a bargain holiday travel destination:

"If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive way to spend the Christmas holiday, consider a trip to Las Vegas. The last two weeks of December are typically the slowest weeks of the year in Las Vegas, and prices drop dramatically for both flights and hotels. For example, rooms at the four-star Mirage or Mandalay Bay resorts are as low as $65 per night during Christmas week-but if you plan to go over the popular New Year's weekend, rates soar to almost $300 per night."


Related Content:
39 Tips That'll Save You Hundreds on Your Next Trip
The Best Value Destinations of 2013
Travel Agents May Become

SavvySugarSource: 11 Things Not Worth the Money

You work hard for your money, so spending it on things that just aren't worth it is a cruel thing to do to yourself. When it comes down to it, you're better off putting your cash toward some expenses than wasting it on others. I'd rather put my money elsewhere than spending it on these 11 things that aren't worth it to me.

• Bottled Water: You need to drink enough water on a daily basis to keep yourself properly hydrated, but you don't need to drain your wallet to do so. Avoid buying bottles of water that are only good for a few uses; it's better for your wallet and the environment to invest in one that's ready for endless use.
• Brand Name Cleaning Supplies, Meds, Etc.: So many of the store brand options at the supermarket are just as good as the brand name products. Sure, there might be a certain item or two that you consider to be better quality than the store brand, but in general it's usually a wash - except for the prices. A word of

SavvySugarSource: 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season

Splurge is the word of the season, whether pertaining to eggnog or gifts. The holiday music and displays make it a festive time of year, but it can also be a pretty pricey time if you're not careful. No need to forgo celebrating all together this year, just follow some of my tips on spending less this month.

• Plan a Pollyanna : What do Pollyannas, Secret Santas, and White Elephants have in common? They're all types of gift exchanges that allow you to buy one gift instead of several. Plan one of these events made for giving with your friends or family (or both) and you'll all end up spending less this season.
• Swap Party Dresses: If you're not excited about repeating last year's party duds at this year's soirees, call your girlfriends who are the same size to see if they're up for trading attire this year. You can always put your own touch on a piece with your own accessories, shoes, and festive attitude.
• Make It

Source: Expert Shares Two Ways to Save on Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning can run up a hefty bill, especially when it's holiday season and you're attending parties galore. Annie Ladino, a celebrity stylist who recently worked with Harper's Bazaar to give MBA women wardrobe makeovers, shared with us how to extend time in between dry cleaning, which she says is really the key to saving money on professional laundering.
Here is her advice:

• Keep it stain-free. "Keep portable stain removers such as Shout wipes or Tide to go pens in your purse. You can use them right away and prevent a stain from setting into the fabric."
• DIY. "Try at-home dry cleaning kits which are very easy to use. Each comes with a spot remover and a special bag that generates steam. You can clean up to four garments at a time and while they don't eliminate the need for the cleaner altogether, but they get rid of wrinkles and odors, allowing for extra use."

Source: 10 Nice Things to Do For People That Won't Cost Much

Although it's good to focus on your own happiness, it's always beneficial to spread the joy around. In fact, studies have shown that people who perform kind acts see a boost in mood. Since today is world kindness day, let's celebrate by doing some nice things for people.

• Send a postcard. Send a postcard to a friend or family member who doesn't live in the same city, updating them on your life and telling them that you're thinking of them.
• Give affirmation. Praise someone about a quality that they have that you really appreciate. Make sure it's true for you or it won't sound genuine!
• Help someone with their belongings. If you see an elderly person struggling with their belongings or even groceries, offer to help carry them. Perhaps you can help them load the bags into their car, or if you live in the same neighborhood, you can drop them off at their door.
• Aid someone with their job search.

Source: 7 Hotel Hacks You've Never Heard Of

There seems to be a spike in hotel dwellers in the areas hit by Hurricane Sandy. It's hard to live out of a hotel room, but here are some tips that may make living conditions more bearable.

• Make grilled cheese with an iron. If you're looking to heat up your cheese sandwich, wrap it in aluminum foil, the press an iron on top of it. Use the highest heat setting, then press each side for 30 seconds and check to see if the sandwich has been toasted.
• Sterilize items with a microwave. Other than the obvious use for a microwave - heating up food or cooking - you can use the microwave to sterilize items like sponges, toothbrushes, dish clothes, and cutting boards. Remember to dampen them with water, lemon juice, or vinegar first before nuking. Also, don't microwave the items for more than a minute.
• Use towels to humidify and cool the air. Hang a wet towel to dry in your hotel room, and you'll have an instant humidifier.

Source: Plan Your Sale Hit List With These Black Friday Store Openings

Friday, Nov. 23, marks the date many retailers have been planning for all year: Black Friday. While the day of in-store super savings may not get you a steep discount on everything you need for the holiday season, the day after Thanksgiving certainly provides amazing prices on a select number of enticing products.

That is, of course, if you're one of the first customers through the door, and many people take that status very seriously, lining up hours or even days in advance in order to snag that cheap flat screen TV or video game console. Whether you plan to join them or to take your chances and show up when the store opens its doors, check out our list of major retailers and their store opening times. Happy shopping!

Best Buy: Nov. 23, 12 a.m.
Target: Nov. 23, 12 a.m.
Macy's: Nov. 23, 12 a.m.
Walmart: Nov. 22, 8 p.m.
Kohl's: Nov. 23, 12 a.m.
Toys "R" Us: Nov. 22, 9 p.m.
JC Penney: Nov. 23, 4 a.m.
K-Mart: