Give old toothbrushes a second lease on life. They're great for cleaning hard-to-reach places, especially around faucets and fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your plants to keep squirrels away.

Why pay top dollar for commercially distributed video games when even cooler ones

are out there for free? The Independent Games Festival allows gamers to download

games contestants have submitted for judging at www.igf.com.

Next time you forget to return your library books, don't panic. Call to renew them by phone or log on to the library's Web site to renew them online. There is usually a 24-hour grace period for fines.

When possible, avoid using the air conditioning in your vehicle. Using it eats into your gasoline faster.

Keep an eye on your bank statement. Some banks charge a monthly fee regardless of your balance, while others will zap you only if you fall below a minimum balance.

Turn off the TV! Not only will you save money on your electrical bill, you'll be exposed to fewer ads designed to make you spend your much-needed cash.

Give up expensive habits, like cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. Such habits spend money without giving you anything useful -- or healthy -- in return. Kick the habit, and you'll start finding more money in your pocket.