FREE REWARDS

You have to buy groceries and gas anyway, so why not use those purchases to get a little more green in your wallet? Sign up for a rewards credit card and get free money, gift certificates, airline miles or other perks. (Of course, it's only free if you pay the balance in full each month without incurring interest charges.)

Many retailers also have customer loyalty programs that can pay off, too. For instance, with Regal Cinema's Crown Club, you earn credits for each dollar spent on admission, to go toward free popcorn, drinks and movie tickets.