A new customer recently shared her plot to beat the SmartyPig system. It was so genius, we had to share it.

I had heard about SmartyPig before, but when I read about the new redemption program recently I decided to check it out for myself. Holiday bills were already piling up, so I signed on for a SmartyPig savings goal to cover next year's gifts. But it was while tooling around the site, I realized I could actually "game" the system THIS CHRISTMAS by depositing money into a goal and taking it out on gift cards a few days later.

So I started a goal, deposited $500, waited for the money to clear and then loaded up on cards.

My gift list:

• Mom and Sister-$100 Macy's gift cards - I get $24 back in cash for getting them through SmartyPig
• Brother-$100 GameStop card - I get $3 back
• Dad-$100 at Sears - I get $4 back
• Niece-Baby Gap $100 Gift Card - $5 for me!

I "earned" $36 in free money and finished shopping for my family all at once! Plus, I've still got the account set up for next year's gifts, so no headaches there. I'm also opening up a spend account for the ordinary stuff I have to buy, like socks and underwear. Since I already shop at Macy's I might as well buy them there and make a profit.

We applaud the creativity! After all, our goal is to wean customers off plastic and stoke their love of saving by making the process easy, social and rewarding. If you can also get some real cash in the process, why not do that too? It sure beats paying 18% in credit card interest. Whether it's gifts this holiday, next summer's vacation, a down payment for your dream house, or regular purchases of underwear and socks, we're here to help you make it happen, and rewarding you with cash incentives for the things you want and need most.

It's the SmartyPig difference. And we always love to hear from you! Thanks!

- The SmartyPig Team