When Cash Goes to Job Search, Try These Valentine's Day Freebies

Cash is tight. Anything extra goes to bills or dry cleaning those interview suits. But February 14th looms and your significant other is dropping hints. Jewelry commercials that disappeared after the December holidays are creeping back into TV line-ups. According to data from BIGResearch conducted for the National Retail Foundation, in 2009, Valentine's Day spending was down more than 15% to $14.7 billion. People spent $20 less, or about $102 on the holiday. That includes significant others, children, and anyone else to whom you might express love. If you can't drop $35 or more on a 3-course prix fixe dinner that's likely a limited menu in a crowded restaurant, you can roll the dice now.