This year, skip the malls and enjoy the benefits of holiday shopping from home. Shopping online for holiday gifts can save you time and money – and help you earn rewards. Here are some tips to shopping safely, saving money and getting rewarded for your efforts.

Think about your financial goals for a moment. Do you picture yourself buying a home or taking a much-needed vacation? Are you focused on building a financial safety net or saving for retirement? Although challenges and setbacks may throw you off course, it’s easier to bounce back when you have a plan for reaching your goals.

If you’re overwhelmed with high-interest credit card debt, or if you want to simplify your finances, you may want to consider a balance transfer. A balance transfer occurs when you move the amount you owe from one or more credit card accounts to another credit card, preferably one with a lower interest rate.