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

Duty-Free Shops: Deal or No Deal?

Are airport duty-free shops a rip-off -- or is it actually possible to find a decent travel deal at one of those ubiquitous duty-free stores?

Freelance writer Lisa Cheng (formerly of Travel + Leisure) tackled the tough topic for Frommers.com, which gained the attention of both USA Today and Rudy Maxa of the radio show "Rudy Maxa's World."

Since I edited the piece, I was asked to share some of Lisa's findings on last Saturday's "Rudy Maxa's World" broadcast. Listen to learn if it's worth buying designer bags, watches, cosmetics, cigarettes, or other items at airport duty-free shops. (I come on at the 23-minute mark).

Photo Caption: Duty-free cigarettes and alcohol are for sale by the departure gates at New York's JFK Airport. Photo by Amy Chen

New beauty site sells TSA-friendly products

Finding travel-size toiletries is now a cinch, thanks to a new beauty site called 3floz.com.

It's like a Sephora but only carries products that fit TSA requirements of 3 oz. or less.

The available products are on the higher end though: for example, The Art of Shaving sells a 1.7-oz. canister of shaving cream for $15, and Malin+Goetz makes a starter kit with 1 oz. bottles of facial cleanser, face moisturizer, body cleanser, body moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner ($30).

If you search under "sunscreen," only two choices show up so far: the Sunshield Travel Kit ($25) or the Sun Kit ($35). For travel-size suncreen, I usually end up squeezing the amount I need (and the brand I like) into these great GoToob reusable containers.

There are some bargains on 3floz.com: For $7, you can buy a Yes to Carrots set with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. If you live in New York City, you can add $9 for courier delivery. Otherwise shipping costs at least $10 for UPS Ground. By the way, many Walgreens and Duane Reade locations carry Yes to Carrots products, so I'd recommend just going to your local pharmacy if you can't justify paying more for shipping than the actual product.

Still, 3floz.com is a fun site with a novel concept if you're short on time and can afford tiny luxuries.

Tip: TravelandLeisure.com's blog Carry On has a promo code "tl10" for 10 percent off all 3floz.com products through Feb. 7.

Photo: 3floz.com