It still pays to have a cashback card. Even if you spend just $5000 annually and get $75 back, it's found money: your cash reward for being responsible with your card. They're available from all the major banks. Just be careful about fees. There are plenty of free cards, but the benefit has to make economic sense if there's an annual fee.

Also, you should check into your present cards. A lot of people sign up for a CC without knowing it rebates cash points. If your statement shows a points balance, call the card company and find out how to redeem it. Another thing you want to do regularly is to log onto their website: many companys have special short term offers, but you have to go their site and opt-in.