Get the most from the gift cards you give or receive

For some folks, engaging in hand-to-hand combat over a discounted flat-panel TV is a holiday tradition. Others would rather walk barefoot over hot coals than go anywhere near a mall between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If you fall into the second category, you may be a fan of gift cards. They are easy to buy, don't need to be wrapped and always fit.

Americans spent more than $18 billion on gift cards last year, and nobody got hurt. The National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend nearly $25 billion on gift cards this holiday season.

But the popularity of gift cards has led to problems. Some cards expire in as little as six months. Others come with inactivity fees that reduce the value of the card if it's not used within a specific period.

Read more at: Get the most from the gift cards you give or receive