10 Ways to Reduce Your Holiday Expenses

As the holiday season ramps up, I'm trying to follow the advice of experts like Suze Orman, who helped me come up with 10 ways to spend less during the holidays. I especially appreciated Suze's cautionary advice that sometimes gifts can become burdens -- for example, if you're spending beyond your means, that $50 sweater can end up costing a lot more if you're not able to pay the credit card balance in full. Frightening, but true if your finances aren't in order.

And though it's easier said than done, it may be worth reminding ourselves why we're giving gifts in the first place. For ideas on how to stay within your budget this year, check out this GoodHousekeeping.com slideshow featuring 10 ways to cut costs on gifts, food (entertaining isn't cheap!), and yes, even decorations.

Photo by Amy Chen

How to Weatherize Your Home: 7 Busted Myths

After living in a newly-constructed Brooklyn apartment with radiant flooring to help me get through the (dreadful) New York winters, I'm now renting a two-bedroom house in Berkeley that was built in 1926. Though the Craftsman-style bungalow has been renovated, the insulation isn't great. So what's a renter to do?

I talked to several energy experts for this Bankrate.com piece about the myths of winterizing your home -- and learned a thing or two. From getting the scoop on air vent deflectors to discovering that ceiling fans have a "winter mode," I'm relieved that to find that there are blessedly inexpensive strategies to keep my energy bills from going through the roof. No construction required.

How to Score a Free Travel Upgrade

If you’re not a business traveler with elite status, getting upgraded can seem like a long shot. Want a better seat on the plane? These days, extra legroom or an aisle seat will cost you extra. Want a nicer hotel room? You can pay a bit more at check-in for a room on a higher floor.

So how exactly do you ask for a complimentary upgrade without coming across as a demanding customer or a complete cheapskate?

I asked travel experts with the power to grant or deny an upgrade -- including a front-desk manager, a car-rental agent, and airline experts -- for tips on how to score that coveted upgrade and other perks even if you’re an infrequent traveler.

Check out my "How to Score an Upgrade" story on CNN.com or pick up a copy of the October issue of Money magazine.

UPDATE: "How to Score an Upgrade" has been picked up by Yahoo! for the homepage carousel. Thanks to everyone who noticed and let me know about it!

Photo by Amy Chen: An ocean-view room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Oahu.

Design a pair of free KLM luggage tags

I first heard about KLM Royal Dutch Airlines giving away free luggage tags on Twitter last month, so I had to try it out. Yes, I'm well aware of the fact that I have way more luggage tags than actual luggage, but who can argue with free?

I uploaded a photo that I took of San Francisco's Bay Bridge, filled in the form with my home address, phone number, and e-mail address, and waited for the set of two labels to arrive a few weeks later.

Of course KLM now has my info so since then, I've received some e-mails about fare sales. If you're cagey about giving out your personal info, then these free tags probably aren't worth the spam. Also, I know some people who never write their home address and phone number on these tags. If you prefer to use an office address instead, you can do that as well.

Tips: You'll need one hi-res image, or you can pick from KLM's photo gallery, which includes airplanes (KLM of course), nature (mountains, beaches), and iconic skylines (Paris, Venice, London). The labels will each be printed with the same photo and the same address, and you can only use one name per order. You can also customize a set as a gift, but you'll need your recipient's personal info, including an e-mail address. I'd check with your friend/spouse/relative before giving that out since they'll be the ones receiving the KLM e-mails.

Photo: Amy Chen