Amy Lindgren

News about the job market these days is as discouraging as it is omnipresent. It seems as if every headline, podcast and social media post hits the same note: Things are bad.

I don’t want to join the chorus, and here’s why. While things are indeed difficult for job seekers right now, the challenges are not insurmountable.

In last week’s column I presented 10 best practices for job search that are evergreen. That is, they are best practices regardless of the market or current technology. Embedded in the list are steps such as identifying your job goal, establishing a timeline and checkpoints, and balancing the outreach to favor personal contact rather than online applications.

Which of course brings up the question: How would one find people to contact? These steps will help.

• 1. Drop the term “networking.” Not because it’s inaccurate; it’s just bad marketing. Too many job seekers associate the term with glad-handing, using people, or just plain lying. It’s none of those things, but let’s start fresh anyway. Instead, call this process “making contacts” or “conducting outreach.”

• 2. Don’t worry about postings. At least, not when it comes to this process. You can apply to postings as desired but remember that the absence of a posting doesn’t mean a particular company isn’t hiring. Managers frequently delay or forgo postings while they’re shaping an opening.

• 3. Use your job goal as your guide. For example, if you want to work as a mechanical engineer for a mid-sized manufacturer, you need to meet managers for that role in firms you’ve chosen. That’s your gold standard, because those are the people who can hire you. Your outreach needs to be guided by the goal of reaching those people, or reaching the people who can lead you to them.

• 4. Build, then triage, your list of desired contacts. Top of the list would be the appropriate managers in 25+ companies. Next on the list would be people who might know these (or other) managers. Last on the list would be already-established contacts from other fields known to have a broad outreach themselves.

• 5. Start easy. Those well-connected people you already know who work in different fields? That’s an easy email or phone call to make — as long as you’re specific. Asking if they know anyone at ABC Company is specific. Asking if they know anyone in manufacturing could also work, although it’s broader. Asking about job leads in general? Not as fruitful in most cases.

• 6. Find more names. Even with help from your well-connected contacts, you’ll likely need more names for managers and others in the field. This may surprise you, but you can have a lot of success online. Start by searching: the company website (all pages); related professional associations; newsletters, blogs, podcasts and magazines in the field; adjunct instructors at related training programs; and of course, LinkedIn.

• 7. Reach out. In this example, your goal is to briefly introduce yourself to new contacts as someone seeking work as (an experienced, entry-level, specialized, etc.) mechanical engineer and then to request a conversation if they’re interested. (Or, if they can connect you to someone who is.)

• 8. Be findable. It’s time to think like an employer. If you were a manager who didn’t want to post yet (or ever), where would you look for workers? Most will start with LinkedIn or a professional association in the field or perhaps a training facility. Trusted contract houses are also useful for employers wanting to try out the worker before hiring. With this knowledge, your steps are clear: Strengthen your LinkedIn page and introduce yourself to these “finders” that managers rely on.

• 9. Check your progress. If you’re not seeing an increase in the number of quality conversations within a few weeks, you may need stronger follow-up steps, or perhaps outside assistance.

As I wrote last week, you’re right if you think this kind of focused, deadline-driven job search sounds intense. This process requires far more from the job seeker than the online system of applications.

But please don’t tell yourself that it doesn’t work, or that it only worked in the past. Human nature hasn’t changed, even if the tools and norms constantly do. People still want to hire people they know and they do it every chance they get. The more complex the front-door hiring process, the wider the back door opens.

You don’t have to believe me, but you should believe your own eyes. If you’re seeing people get jobs you didn’t even know were available, it’s worth giving this process a shot.

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Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.

By Katie Kelton, Bankrate.com

The winter holidays are a time for dusting off decorations and observing traditions — but they’re also rife with money decisions.

Americans are choosing how much to spend on travel, gifts and decorations in today’s economy, along with how they’ll make those purchases. Some holiday shoppers and travelers plan to use credit cards, but debit cards; buy now, pay later services (BNPL); and rewards points are other popular payment options.

Bankrate’s key findings on holiday spending

Fewer Americans will travel for holidays this year, compared with last year: 21% plan to fly or stay in a hotel or short-term rental for Thanksgiving or the December holidays, compared to 27% in 2024.Source: Bankrate’s 2025 Holiday Travel Survey

Around 2 in 5 holiday shoppers expect higher price tags this year: 41% say they’re concerned winter holiday gifts will be more expensive this year. But only 24% will budget for holiday spending.Source: Bankrate’s 2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey

Roughly half of holiday shoppers will begin before the end of October: That includes 13% who started shopping or planned to in August, 11% in September and 25% in October.Source: Bankrate’s 2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey

Home for the holidays? Fewer Americans plan to travel this holiday season

If you’re opting out of a flight to visit Grandma and Grandpa or a trip to Disney for the holidays in 2025, you’re not alone. Fewer Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving or the winter holidays this year versus last year, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Holiday Travel Survey.

Around 1 in 5 U.S. adults (21 percent) say they plan to stay in a hotel or short-term rental or travel by airplane for the upcoming holidays. That’s compared to 27 percent in 2024.

Younger generations, men and parents of young kids are most likely to plan for less holiday travel this year

Interestingly, the people who are overall most likely to travel for the holidays are also the ones responsible for the biggest declines in travel this year.For example, Gen Zers (ages 18-28) and millennials (ages 29-44) are overall the most likely to travel at 30 percent and 29 percent, respectively, compared to 16 percent of Gen Xers (ages 45-60) and 12 percent of boomers (ages 61-79).But the percentage of traveling Gen Zers dropped the most from last year, by 14 percentage points, followed by traveling millennials, who dropped by 9 points. Gen Xers dropped by 5 points, and boomers are traveling at basically the same rate this year as last, with a 2-point difference.

And while 21 percent of both men and women say they plan to travel this holiday season, that’s down 10 percentage points from 2024 for men and down 2 points for women.

Let’s look at parents — 33 percent of parents with children under the age of 18 plan to travel this holiday season, down 13 points from 2024. In comparison, 21 percent of all parents plan to travel this season, down 7 points from last year.Lastly, higher earners are more likely to travel for the holiday season. Twenty-nine percent of those earning $100,000 and above say they plan to travel, compared to 23 percent of those in both the $80,000 to $99,999 and $50,000 to $79,999 income brackets and 16 percent of those earning below $50,000. Still, all of those income brackets are traveling less than or about the same as they did last year, with drops of 9 percentage points, 2 points, 8 points and 8 points, respectively.

“While many Americans appear to be scaling back their travel plans this year, we’ll have to see if that actually happens,” says Rossman. “Consumer sentiment has been depressed for a while now, thanks mostly to worries about inflation and tariffs, yet people are still spending. The disconnect between what people say and what they do has been growing.”

Holiday travelers prefer credit cards

Among all the ways to pay, credit cards are the most popular method for holiday travel (63 percent) — either paid in full (40 percent) or with a balance paid over time (23 percent).

Debit cards and/or cash is the second most popular option (44 percent), followed by rewards points (32 percent), asking friends/family to pay (13 percent) and BNPL services (10 percent).

Both credit cards and rewards travel are more popular this year. The number of adults who say they’ll use each method of payment are up 4 percentage points and 8 percentage points, respectively, from 2024.

“Don’t forget about your rewards points and miles,” Rossman advises. “Many people have accumulated more than they realize.”

Nearly 1 in 3 holiday travelers plan to take on debt

Adjusting for overlap between those who plan to carry a credit card balance and those who will use BNPL, nearly 1 in 3 travelers (31 percent) are likely to take on debt.Millennial holiday travelers are most likely to accrue debt, at 39 percent. That’s compared to 30 percent of Gen X, 25 percent of Gen Z and 21 percent of boomer travelers.And debt usage for holiday travel peaks among middle-income earners of $50,000 to $99,999 (39 percent). The lowest income bracket, those making less than $50,000, is next (34 percent), followed by 23 percent of $100,000+ earners.Learn how to travel smart and stay out of debt.

Around 2 in 5 holiday shoppers, especially boomers, fear high price tags this holiday season

Loren Jerae, a 26-year-old stay-at-home mom in Charlotte, North Carolina, has already begun Christmas shopping. She’ll frequent thrift stores, online marketplaces and clearance racks for the next few months until she’s curated the perfect pile of presents for her 5-year-old son.

As a young mom, “I didn’t want our finances to determine his holiday,” she says. “Ever since he was born, I have always been budget-friendly.”

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When it comes to holiday shopping, Jerae is in good company.

Most Americans (79 percent) plan to holiday shop this year. And about half of holiday shoppers (49 percent) have already begun or plan to begin shopping before Oct. 31, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey. Jerae starts even sooner.

She says she sets money aside during the first half of the year. Come July, she takes advantage of summer clearance sales and back-to-school deals to snag some early Christmas gifts. By August, she’s tackling her entire shopping list for her son, fiancé, parents and other friends and family.

Two in 5 shoppers (41 percent) are concerned that holiday gifts will be more expensive this year, which may be why they’re getting a head start. “I absolutely feel like [prices are] higher,” Jerae comments.

A few years ago, she and her fiancé tried shopping the month before Christmas and ended up spending around $700 on “a bunch of junk.” She told herself she’d never do that again.

“I am not spending that type of money on one or two items,” she says. By shopping early, “I can make $100 stretch, and we can get several things.”

Boomers and middle-income earners are most concerned about higher holiday prices

Notably, that concern over high prices is highest among boomers (46 percent, ages 61-79) and decreases with age. Forty percent of Gen Xers (ages 45-60), 39 percent of millennials (ages 29-44) and 37 percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-28) noted the same concern.Concern about high holiday prices this year is also more prominent among middle-income households. Forty-nine percent of $80,000-$99,999 earners and 45 percent of $50,000-$79,999 earners say they’re concerned, versus 38 percent of both the highest and lowest earners ($100,000+ and under $50,000, respectively).Rossman says the higher earners are easier to explain, as more disposable income allows for some wiggle room in the budget. But lower earners may have already tightened their holiday budgets after high inflation and interest rates in the last few years. It could still be a tough financial season — but they’ve adapted.On the other hand, Rossman explains, middle earners may be newly disenchanted by higher prices and feel like their paychecks aren’t stretching as far as they used to.

Concern about high prices may be warranted

Money woes are top of mind for some holiday shoppers

More than 1 in 3 shoppers say inflation will change how they shop (36 percent), and more than 1 in 4 say holiday shopping will strain their budgets (29 percent) and are stressed about winter holiday shopping costs (27 percent).In fact, only 11 percent explicitly said they’re not concerned about the cost of winter holiday shopping.

More holiday shoppers will make their purchases online

Nearly 2 in 5 shoppers (38 percent) intend to make most of their purchases online, versus 1 in 5 (20 percent) who plan to make most of their purchases in person. Perhaps surprisingly, boomers are the most likely to make most of their purchases online (45 percent), compared to just 33 percent of Gen Zers.Jerae, a Gen Zer, tends to shop more in person. “I’d rather just hit all the thrift stores in my area,” she explains.And roughly 1 in 6 shoppers (16 percent) expect that gifts will be harder to find this year.

Around 1 in 4 shoppers expect to spend more this holiday season

Twenty-seven percent of holiday shoppers expect to spend more this holiday season than they did last year, compared to 30 percent who expect to spend less. Forty-three percent expect to spend about the same.

There could be a couple of factors at play.

First, those who plan to spend more may anticipate higher prices this year, Rossman explains. Or, they could simply be earning more income and feeling generous.

Meanwhile, Rossman says those who plan to spend less might be more optimistic about prices this year. Or, they might be shortening their gift lists to save money.

More than 1 in 4 shoppers plan to take on debt this season, but debit cards are the top pick for payment

Sixty-one percent of holiday shoppers expect to use debit cards for at least some of their purchases, avoiding debt but likely sacrificing rewards potential.

Credit cards are the next most popular option, with 57 percent of shoppers planning to use them. Among those users, 35 percent plan to pay in full and 21 percent plan to carry balances over time.

Cash remains a popular option, with 49 percent planning to pay with cash. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services (12 percent), checks (5 percent) and some other method (3 percent) round out the ways people plan to pay for their winter holiday shopping.

Gen Zers are the most likely to use debit cards (70 percent) and cash (55 percent). Boomers are the most likely to pay with credit cards (62 percent), and millennials are the most likely to use a BNPL service (17 percent).

After adjusting for overlap, more than 1 in 4 shoppers (28 percent) may take on debt either with a credit card they will pay off over time or BNPL. But just 4 percent say they are “willing to take on debt” in another survey question — revealing a possible disconnect between what Americans say and what they do.

Nearly half of shoppers will start before Halloween

You’re not behind on holiday shopping yet, but nearly half of shoppers (49 percent) will have started or plan to start before the end of October.

That includes 13 percent who started or planned to start by the end of August, another 11 percent in September and another 25 percent in October, leaving 37 percent who plan to start shopping in November and 14 percent in December.

Rossman thinks the early bird might get the worm.

“While some consumers shake their heads that holiday shopping seems to start earlier each year, the early start gives you more time to spread out your cash flow and find the best deals,” he explains.

5 ways to save money this holiday season

You don’t have to go into debt to pay for the holidays. Instead, try these tips to be a smart shopper this season.

Set aside money ahead of time. Half of Americans are in credit card debt, and the holidays make it easy to spend more money than you have. Instead, try building a holiday fund before you start shopping or booking travel. From January to July, Jerae puts between $30 and $50 weekly into a high-yield savings account that she’ll later use for Christmas gifts. Only around 1 in 4 holiday shoppers (24 percent) expect to budget for the holidays, but you can be one of them. Learn how to create a sinking fund to avoid going into debt.

Start shopping early. The thought of buying gifts in July may sound like holiday creep, but it can actually lead to better deals and help you dodge the December mall frenzy. Take advantage of sales throughout the fall and compare prices without feeling rushed. You could have every item on your list checked off weeks before the holidays, leaving you more time to nosh on cookies and celebrate with your family.

Stay flexible with your travel schedule. “You can save on travel costs by going a few days before the holiday and/or coming back a few days later,” Rossman explains. “Or even traveling on the holiday itself. You could also consider nearby airports, connecting flights, less popular flight times and staying with family instead of booking a hotel room.”

Try secondhand shopping. Jerae found a play kitchen for $40 resale, well below the brand-new $100+ price tag. She says kids don’t know or care if a gift is secondhand — and she can find better prices for items with higher quality and more character. Learn how to thrift to help your budget.

Use a rewards credit card. You could earn cash back or points on your holiday purchases, flights or hotel stays with one of the best rewards cards. And those rewards could go toward future gifts or a family vacation. Learn how to choose a rewards card.

You can also combine money-saving methods. “Starting early and stacking discounts are strategies that shoppers can deploy to save money,” Rossman advises.

The bottom line

Many Americans are holiday shopping early this year, and possibly with good reason — they’re worried about rising prices and want more time to find the best deals. Just don’t fall prey to impulse shopping during those extra months.

By sticking to a list and a budget, it really could be the most wonderful time of the year.

MethodologyBankrate commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the surveys. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.2025 Holiday Travel Survey: Total sample size was 2,529 adults, of which 498 plan to travel this holiday season Fieldwork was undertaken between Sept. 2-4, 2025. The survey was carried out online. It gathered a non-probability-based sample and employed demographic quotas and weights to better align the survey sample with the broader U.S. population.2025 Early Holiday Shopping Survey: Total sample size was 2,567 adults, including 2,020 who expect to participate in winter holiday shopping. Fieldwork was undertaken between July 28-30, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+).

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

What to know when the Vikings travel to play the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon:

Vikings at Lions
When: 12 p.m. Sunday
Where: Ford Field
TV: FOX
Radio: KFAN
Line: Lions -9.5
Over/Under: 48.5

Keys for the Vikings

— Success for the Vikings hinges on getting quarterback J.J. McCarthy confident. He’s making his return after missing the past month and a half with a high ankle sprain. Can Kevin O’Connell get McCarthy easy completions? That has to potential to unlock everything else the Vikings want to do on offense. It’s also important that the Vikings establish the run so McCarthy doesn’t feel as though he has to win the game with his right arm alone. That would be a recipe for disaster.

Keys for the Lions

— The Lions simply have to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. If they can get running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and/or David Montgomery going, they should be able to do whatever they want on offense. On the flip side, if they can stop the run with regularity, that will help them pressure the passer on defense. The only way the Lions are locked in a close game with the Vikings is if they turn the ball over. They must avoid doing that.

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Pioneer Press staffers who cover the Vikings take a stab at predicting Sunday’s outcome against the Lions in Detroit:

DANE MIZUTANI

Lions 31, Vikings 17: This doesn’t seem like a fair fight. There’s an argument to be made that the Lions are the best team in the NFC. It’s hard to imagine how the Vikings even keep it close.

JACE FREDERICK

Lions 41, Vikings 20: Minnesota’s upcoming schedule: Week 9: at Detroit. Week 10: Baltimore. Week 11: May as well be Cancun.

JOHN SHIPLEY

Lions 38, Vikings 10: The Lions smoked a much-better team in Detroit last January. The difference this time is that everyone expects it.

CHARLEY WALTERS

Lions 31, Vikings 10: It’s hard to imagine a tougher start for J.J. McCarthy’s 10-game Vikings QB audition.

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