For college students like myself, buying textbooks can be a real  drag! Textbooks can cost hundreds of dollars and may only be used once or twice.  Unfortunately, we all have to buy them; however, shop wise and you can save yourself thousands over the years.

First, do research. There are several onilne bookstores that are much more cost efficient than buying directly from you college or university. Check out www.textbooksrus.com  or www.bluerectangle.com. Simply search by either the books ISBN number or the name and editon. This tip can be time consuming but it’s worth it in the end. Take if from a pro! Also, the beauty of these type of stores it that they also offer buyback deals so at the end of the semester you can sell them back.

 Next, shop early to get the best bargains.  Don’t procrastinate! If you are buying textbooks at your school’s bookstore go as early as possible to view the “used” selection. This tip alone will save you hundreds.

Lastly, for those of you familiar with sites like Ebay and Amazon.com check here too. Ebay allows people to sell used textbooks and they are often sold for a fraction of what they would be sold for at a book store. You must have an account with Ebay to make any purchase though and be ready to bid away!  Similarly, Amazon.com also allows people to resell textbooks without the idea of bidding on them.

If you are a poor college kid or just want to save an extra dollar, check these sites out for some great book bargains!

I have found the easiest way to organize my coupons is by category. I purchased an envelope that has alphabetized slots and a rubber band like closure. This allows me or organize my coupons by category and then file them away in my speacial envelope. On shopping day, I simply pull out my envelope and check my list to see what I am purchasing. Once I go through m y list, I can then check each category for a corresponding coupon.

Not only does this tip save time but it helps save money too! It’s easy to overlook coupons when they are sitting in a stack so…. Get busy and start organizing!

Does the thought of buying a new car make you cringe? Are you afraid of  buying a lemon? Well, don’t be a fool! Sales people often seem intimidating and pushy so do your homework and know what you want before you go and jot down these tips from a pro who has owned numerous cars…. Including a lemon!

 The first step in buying a vehicle is figuring out what you want. You need to decide what kind of automobile prefer ie. a van, a station wagon,  or maybe a luxury sedan? Once you have figured that out the rest is cake!   Each of the websites mentioned below will help describe these for you if you need assistance.

 Next,  gather information on the vehicle. I’ve found the easiest way to do so is the internet. There are so many different websites you can use for various aspects of your research like www.kbb.com, www.edmunds.com, or www.nada.com. First, I would consider finding the values of the vehicles you’ve decided are most interesting to you. Sometimes this can be difficult if you have not already browsed at a local dealership,  but it can still be done easiest online by “Googling” vehicles for sale. After you have a value you should read reviews on the vehicle at sites like Edmunds. If I had done this three years ago, I could’ve saved myself thousands of dollars! Don’t make the same mistake I did. Take the reviews you read seriously. Generally, they are accurate from a buyer’s perspective.  When you head out the door to shop locally, make sure you have your research with you and don’t discount letting your fingers doing a little walking by finding your favorite car either in classifieds online or in your local paper.

 Now, here comes my favorite part… negotiating. At this point, you simply need to let the numbers do the talking. There isn’t very much you can’t negotiate when it comes to buying a car. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try anything once. Most people don’t know that not only can you negotiate the price of the vehicle but you can also negotiate the interest rate on the loan. This is a way dealerships make additional money above and beyond the sticker price of the car. If you have a question about the interest rate, ask to see the bank sheet. If you aren’t happy with the outcome, leave.  More than likely, the salesperson will chase you out the door asking you to come back so they can make the deal right!

 BUYER BEWARE… Make sure you read each section of the invoices, carefully, before you sign away! Read the fine lines too. It will save you in the long run!

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090427/NEWS/904270331/1006&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL

First things first, do an inventory.  Ask yourself what you really need and make a list. Stick to the list! I often find myself buying one black top after another because I simply forget that I already have 5. Boy does that make for a dreary wardrobe and an empty wallet…

Next, which is one of my favorites, clip coupons! Who would’ve guessed you can clip coupons for clothing? Believe it or not you can. Check out the newspaper for your local department store coupons or visit sites like www.retailmenot.com, www.wow-coupons.com, or www.couponcabin.com for the smaller stores! For bigger savings join your favorite store’s mailing list. It’s simple. For those computer savvy shoppers simply visit your favorite store’s website and sign-up or for those not so savvy, ask to join at the checkout!

Finally, check out resale shops! Many people are reluctant to do so but resale shops have come a long way. Start with places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. If you aren’t a fan of those, check out Plato’s closet which is a “brand name, gently used” resale shop that is geared more towards the younger crowd. There are also retail boutiques that offer a higher end selection of gently used merchandise for the career minded individual. Check out www.resaleboutique.net.

For those of you that like to add a little pizzazz to your wardrobe but can’t afford those expensive designer handbags or jewelry check out www.bagborroworsteal.com. It’s the latest and greatest way to spice up your wardrobe without the expense… RENT them! This site allows you to choose from your favorite designers and offers accessories ranging from handbags and jewelry to sunglasses and watches.