3 Tips to Get the Most From Your Holiday Spending

Many folks look forward to the holidays and the generosity it invokes. While it's critical to set a holiday spending budget and stick to it, if you are going to plunk down a substantial amount of cash on gifts this season, it pays to get a little something out of that holiday shopping in return.

Last year, U.S. consumers spent an estimated $929 apiece, on average, during the holidays, so if you're looking at a similar number this season, you'll want to approach your shopping strategically. Here are three ways to capitalize.

Some people shy away from using credit cards during the holidays because they lack self-control and don't want to risk racking up debt. But if you're smart about using a credit card, you'll benefit big time by charging your purchases rather than paying for them in cash. This especially holds true if you sign up for a credit card with a generous cash-back rewards program. This way, you'll snag free money for the things you were planning to buy already.

Source: Fool.com