this wasn't in the plan |but life is still pretty good

I saw a billboard advertising CFL discounts from the local electricity/gas company.  I looked into it, wasn't too impressed, but found something else more exciting.  They also offer rebates for purchasing programmable thermostats and blankets for your water heater.  We had bought the blanket in November and - hooray! - I still had the receipt.  So I filled out a simple form and soon I will be receiving a check for $10 for purchasing something I was getting anyways.  

Maybe your local utility companies offer similar programs.  It certainly can't hurt to explore their web page a bit to find out.