Happy Holidays from CreditBloggers.com!

We're going to be posting at a reduced frequency over the next week as our credit experts take time off for the holidays. Feel free to send your dreams or questions to us at tidbits@credit.com while we are away. Here are a few last minute tips to help you have a happy holiday season:

• Plan to use any gift cards you receive within a few weeks. This will reduce the risk of loosing or forgetting about the card or being charged expensive fees.
• Pack an extra credit card in your suitcase in case your wallet or purse is lost while traveling.
• Be sure to check the return policies for any gifts you want to exchange after the holidays. Most retailers allow a few extra weeks for returns in January.
• Request a mail hold to keep identity thieves at bay.
• If you are staying in a hotel, lock any sensitive documents or credit cards in a safe if you leave them in the room unattended.
• Leave photocopies of your credit cards, driver's licenses and other important documents with a trusted friend at home. If your wallet is stolen, you can retrieve important contact information from the copies.
• Learn how to save money or avoid scams with your rental car.
• Don't forget to pay bills that might be due over the holidays. Credit card or loan late payments could damage your credit scores.
• Avoid becoming your own Santa before the holidays. If you do want to splurge on yourself, wait until after the 25th for the big sales to start.

Happy Holidays! We'll back at full steam after the New Year to talk about financial resolutions like getting out of debt, improving your credit scores, building your savings and buying a home.