More than ever, folks are watching their wallets. And here at News 3, we're always happy to help by focusing on deals only locals can get. During these tough economic times, any way to save is a welcome sight. News 3's Marie Mortera tells you a few ways to cash in when cash is hard to come by.

Stepping out into a new career can be challenging. No one may know this better than Raja, who first tried real estate before switching to restaurants. The credit crunch had really tightened, and that one sign of a tough economy led to another: a recession.

At his Eat-N-Run Sandwich Shop in Summerlin, Raja introduced a buy-one-get-one free sandwich deal called the "Recession Special." Raja says he came up with the idea after needing a new method to attract customers. It's a way for locals to save some money and help save Raja from closing his doors like many other tenants nearby.

"If all the tenants are leaving, we've got a problem because we need the traffic. So this is really helping," says Raja.

A deal for a deal is a similar strategy being implemented at ShowTickets4Locals.com, the only for-locals web site which hands out free tickets to locals who sign up online.

"Mainly, it's free," says Bucky Buchanan of ShowTickets4Locals.com. "Come online, get free tickets, bingo..."

Locals receive a break when times are hard to come by, and in return, entertainers receive priceless publicity.

"Locals bring in friends and family. Those friends and family are tourists, so if they got to see the show during the year for free and say wow this is a great show, this is the best advertisement you can ever have," explains Chip. 

There are plenty of other deals out there at other Strip properties. Casino executives say it's always a good idea to call ahead and let them know you're a local. You may just get a great deal out of it.