Why the holidays matter to your career

While the holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, it's also a great time to make new business contacts and reconnect with old ones – even those disguised as a cousin or an uncle.

Research indicates half or more of all jobs are gotten through informal channels – family, friends, colleagues, friends of friends. There's also plenty of opportunities to build stronger relationships with coworkers and maybe get to know the boss a little better.

In this week's Money Quick Tips video, USA TODAY contributor Regina Lewis looks at how to leverage the holiday season to set yourself up for a successful 2014.

MONEY QUICK TIPS: Money-saving strategies for holiday shopping

Regina Lewis is a national television contributor and host of USA TODAY's "Money Quick Tips" videos. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaLewis.

Previous Money Quick Tips:

Five benefits of a 529 college savings plan

Smart ways to handle small business finance

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Where to turn to for financial advice