Most millennials (especially college-aged millennials) think of credit cards like a terrible disease. We’ve heard far too many stories and statistics of credit card debt that can be as bad as student loans, but with a way higher interest rate. At the same time, though, most of us are in a place where we need all the financial help we can get.

As it turns out, there are a lot of great ways to make and save money using credit cards with rewards systems, and it doesn’t take a ton of financial savvy to get started. I’ve managed to make several hundred dollars from credit card rewards alone, without ever accumulating a cent’s worth of debt, and it's pretty easy for you to do the same. Here's how:

1. Start small; spend responsibly.

I cannot stress this one enough. If you’ve never had a credit card before, don’t go crazy when you’re just starting out. Many people rightly fear credit card debt, but there are really only two ways to get stuck with it: financial irresponsibility or unfortunate circumstances. If you’re worried you might get in too deep, start with just one card that has a low credit limit and learn responsible use through practice.

2. Don’t spend money you don’t already have.

Seriously. This is where people get into the most trouble—they see something expensive that they want, and the put it on a credit card thinking they’ll just “pay for it later.” The problem is, when you pay for it later, you pay a LOT more for it later. Interest rates on outstanding balances will run you anywhere from 10-30 percent yearly, and credit card debt has a way of snowballing out of control. Moral of the story: treat it like a debit card. If you end up spending money you don't have by putting things on your credit card, you're doing it wrong. Period.

3. Use cards with good rewards programs.

Rewards cards with referrals can be your best friend. The very first card I ever got, the Discover It Student Card, gives you between one and five percent cash back monthly on everything you already spend. Even better, every time you refer a friend who gets and uses the card, you both get an additional $50 in rewards, up to $500 per year, and then they double your total reward earnings after the first year. It adds up fast.

4. Take advantage of opening bonuses.

This one is much easier if you have to spend a lot of money in a short amount of time (super easy if you're paying for something like a wedding), but for people with longer credit history and higher expenses, there are many cards that offer lucrative opening bonuses. For example, I opened one card that gave me over $250 back for putting $1,000 of wedding expenses on it within the first month, and that was money I already had to spend.

5. Use financial management tools.

Once you open up more than a couple of credit cards, things can get both confusing and messy. If you're not really good with details and don't have help, it's all too easy to miss a payment and lose money to late fees. Personally, I use Mint.com to keep track of every single account that I have, from multiple checking accounts and credit cards, to stock brokerage accounts and even student loans. It gives you the whole picture of your financial life, tracks every transaction and even tells you when the bills are due.

Now that you're in the know, get out there and make some extra money!