Paying for Certs

DataGrid Girl was complaining about the cost of MCSD certification testing, a common refrain amongst techies on the certification treadmill. Something that might be news to any US veterans out there is that Uncle Sam might help - the GI Bill will pay for certification testing.
I know that it's saved me a pretty penny - I'm working on an MCSA / MCDBA / MCSD combo, something I don't think that I'd really consider if this was all coming out of my pocket.
Also, try bugging your employer - There really are benefits to having at least a couple of MCPs on staff, including the Microsoft Certified Partner program.  For less than price of an MSDN license, they actually get over $10,000 worth of software licenses, including all the MSDN goodies.  Having MCSDs on staff is a good marketing gimmick, too.
I don't usually plug MS stuff, but there are pretty good arguments for your employer footing the certification bill.