If you are like most in today's economic times, you probably have a credit card balance. And, if you are like me, you tell yourself every month that you will throw a few extra dollars at it to make it go away, but it seems to never happen that way.

Today I had a break-through. I have always been aware of the reward points I have earned over many years, but always thought that you could only redeem them for useless junk out of their catalogs. But, after going online today and realizing that my rewards could ACTUALLY be used to pay down my balance had me jumping for joy and not screaming into my pillow like I usually do.

So, if you have never checked to see how many rewards points you have earned over the years, I suggest looking into it. But, don't waste them on Starbucks cards!