Ever read a personal finance book or article that suggested the best way to take control of your budget and spending is by earning more? Duh. But how?

I came across some great tips on HOW to earn more money on FreeMoneyFinance. Besides the obvious suggestions — like asking for a raise or switching jobs — the post gives some smart advice about tapping into your hobbies and using credit cards strategically. It also has a lot of great links to sites I never knew existed, like Missing Money, which is a database of unclaimed property and assets that may be owed to you. Check it out; maybe a past employer owes you back pay. I’d imagine discovering money you never knew about on a site like that would feel as good as finding a wrinkled up $20 bill in the pocket of an old coat.

It’s a new year, so stop putting it off. Make more money now.