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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
December 8, 2008
/ 11 Kislev 5769
No money for gifts? No problem
By
Kara McGuire
Times are tough; but you still have options
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT)
The recession has many families cutting back spending on gifts this year. But with a little resourcefulness, those of you whose bank balances lack holiday cheer can give presents without adding to your debt or picking up a glue gun.
My favorite strategy of the lot is to use what Mark Lacek calls "the other American currency": loyalty points or miles earned through credit card rewards, store frequent-buyer clubs and airline mileage programs. Lacek, a partner at loyalty marketing company Denali Marketing in Minneapolis, estimates that more than half of the consumers who have earned rewards take advantage of them. But "it is very viable that a consumer could look at the balance in their credit card program and probably find many, many options" for gifts, he said.
I redeemed my credit card points for several gift cards this season. You can use your airline miles not only to send someone on a trip, but also to shop online or to buy magazine subscriptions.
To figure out the value of your rewards, points and airline miles generally equate to 2 to 3 percent, Lacek said. So if you have 100,000 points at 2 percent, you're sitting on the equivalent of $2,000. But many of my programs redeem more at the 1 or 1.5 percent level. Learn the ropes of your reward program quickly so you can be sure to receive the gift before the holidays without paying for expedited shipping.
• Look for deals on gift cards.
Here's my favorite dollar-stretching strategy for 2008: Several restaurateurs are tempting hungry shoppers with deals where you buy one gift card totaling, say, $100, and you receive another gift card for a smaller denomination. Keep one of the gift cards for yourself, especially if the card is for a place you frequent, or give both away as presents.
A similar marketing tactic I've seen: Spend a certain dollar amount and receive a free gift. This can pay off, but don't be tricked into spending more than you planned in order to receive the "freebie."
• Plan your credit card strategy.
Planning to use credit this holiday season for the convenience factor? Be strategic about which card you use. I recently went to Barnes & Noble and bought a book for half price by using my bookstore membership card with a 40-percent-off coupon I could use only with my MasterCard. I also received credit card rewards points for the purchase.
• Layaway is back.
Waiting for your next paycheck? The retro concept of putting an item on hold and making regular payments until you're paid up made a comeback this year. Burlington Coat Factory, Kmart and Sears are among stores offering layaway. Most layaway programs charge a service fee, but it's not even close to a credit card finance charge; for instance, Kmart charges $5. Some items — cell phones, computers and paint thinner, for example — can't be set aside.
Layaway also isn't a good fit for last-minute shoppers (Kmart says no new layaways after Dec. 12), but if you're low on cash until next payday, it's worth considering.
• Barter, swap and sell.
No points, no cash? Get creative. Use your strengths as your currency. Trade your talent or time for gifts — a knitted scarf for a massage or a night of babysitting, for example. Head to Craigslist.org and try bartering your unwanted items for the gifts you need. Dust off unloved toys and gather your friends for a toy swap. Or sell your unwanted clothes, textbooks or collectibles. Your trash could top another man's gift list.
• The 'regifting' route.
Finally, consider thoughtful "regifting." It's environmentally conscious and free. But it can be socially disastrous if not done with finesse. Wrapping up your old junk is not thoughtful regifting, and giving your expired gift cards is unforgivable, so read the fine print, and make sure the store's still in business. Whatever you do, the golden rule of regifting is to make sure the person receiving the item will like it.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in Washington and in the media consider "must reading." Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Comment by clicking here.
Kara McGuire writes about personal finance.
© 2008, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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