4-Week Holiday Savings Plan

Three Weeks to Go: Start Shopping

Use cash: When they charge purchases, consumers tend to spend 30 percent more than if they use cash, according to Robert McKinley of Cardweb.com. “Cash makes people think twice or buy sale items,” he says. If you prefer credit cards, use the one with the lowest interest rate. Or pay by debit or check card. But some banks deduct anywhere from 10 cents to $1.50 from your checking account every time you make a purchase with a debit card (check with your bank to find out if it charges a fee), so you might want to avoid using that card.

Get paid to spend: The online-coupon site fatwallet.com offers cash back when you make purchases with partnered vendors through its website. Search for coupons and promotions at your favorite retailers and, if they’re FatWallet partners, sign up to receive cash rebates. Rebates build up in your FatWallet account, and when you’re ready to cash in, request a check (minimum of $10) or get cash back via PayPal.