Don't Forget to File Your Rebates

Your Christmas shopping is probably all finished now, and if you purchased any consumer electronics this year, you probably ended up with at least one rebate slip in your tote bag.

Fight the urge to throw it away. In recent years (largely thanks to a few high-profile lawsuits), rebates have gotten easier to file, faster to pay out, and easier to track when they're being processed.

The best way to handle rebates is to file them immediately after you make the purchase. The deadline clock starts ticking immediately after you swipe your credit card, and the sooner you file, the sooner you'll get your check.

Check the receipt: Most electronics stores print rebate information right on the bottom (complete with web addresses you can use to track your filing). Remember to save all your paperwork until you've received payment. Six to eight weeks (and sometimes longer) is still the norm.

A few sites also exist, designed to help you track multiple rebates from different companies. I haven't used them very much, but at least one is worth a look: RebatesHQ.com.

Got any rebate tips and tricks? Post 'em in the comments section below!

Check out this story I wrote earlier this year for more information about rebates.