Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums and TVs, plus eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in ...

Know the rules, then use them fast: Balances last 5 years; inactivity fees after 12 months; some states cash out small leftovers (e.g., CA $10) Buy low, sell smart: Warehouse clubs = easy 20% off; ...