Haggle for holiday deals? Why not?! In a survey done last spring by Consumer Reports National Research Center, 66 percent of Americans said they'd bargained for everything from hotel rooms to furniture, and most walked away with better deals. Here, Tightwad Tod talks about the benefits of this age-old practice.

As with many business interactions, haggling has own its tricks and tactics. For instance, before entering your store of choice, research prices at various retailers, including online vendors. Be polite. Choose an out-of-earshot area on the sales floor where you can talk face-to-face with a salesperson. An be prepared to walk if you can't strike a deal. For more details and advice, check out this article from Consumer Reports Money Rebuild Your Finances, published earlier this year.