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Budgeting & Savings

The Best Ways to Save Money on Textbooks

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College can be very expensive especially when it comes to purchasing textbooks for your classes. If you’ve never purchased a textbook before it’s likely your jaw will hit the floor when you see the prices. It’s not uncommon for some math and science textbooks to run well over $175 per book. When you have to buy 4 or 5 of these a year plus other required materials, it can seriously hurt your wallet.

There are many viable ways to save money on this necessary expense. If you’re looking to save the maximum amount of money possible, consider trying a variety of different methods until you find the solution that works best for you.

You may save money on textbooks for college by using a few simple tips, and each item listed below will ensure that you have taken the necessary steps to save money. You will find that saving cash in college is quite easy when you cut corners in a number of significant ways.

Saving on textbooks is one of the most common, and it will ensure that a number of people have access to the money they need for their daily lives. This blog post gives you a few money-saving tips that will go quite a long way in keeping with your budget.

Save Money On Books You Don’t Need –

You will find that certain books you are supposed to have for university classes are those that you do not actually need. You may avoid spending money on these books because they are not strictly required for the class. You will notice that certain people have told you to avoid these books, and you will save money simply because you never bought them. Just double check with your professor on whether or not having the book is a requirement for the class.

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Buy Used Books Only –

You may purchase used books when required, and you will find that it is quite simple to hunt down a used version of the volume you need that is much cheaper than the original. You may go back a few editions, but you will uncover a book that is much cheaper than what you are required to buy. You may buy books from someone who is in possession of them, and you may buy from a used book site.

Rent Books –

Rent books that you believe are not worth the money, and you will find that renting books is a significant discount. You may need to return the books at a specified time, but it is still cheaper than purchasing the books outright. You must search first for a rental, and you may move to used books before buying a brand new book.

If you don’t want to purchase your college textbooks in full online or from your college bookstore, consider renting the textbooks online instead. Renting your college textbooks, instead of purchasing them outright in full, can save you a substantial amount of money. Not only is renting college textbooks a great way to save a lot of money, but it can also be beneficial to the environment.

Sell Your Textbooks –

You may sell your textbook when you no longer need it, and you will recover much of the money you spent on it. You are not guaranteed to get all your money back, but you will do quite well when you sell your books to the highest bidder. This may become a ritual for you, and it will ensure that you have money coming in at the end of every term. Someone who wishes to buy your books may find you on an auction site, or they may buy from you through a bulletin board or college book service.

Use The Disk Code –

There are many textbooks that come with a disk that contains all the same information, and you may find locations online that will help you purchase the code without purchasing the book. You will receive access to the material when you make the purchase, but you will spend a fraction of what you spent previously. This is a much simpler way to get the code or CD material you need, and you may avoid the book entirely.

Purchase Textbooks Online –

Online websites, such as eBay, Amazon, Half.com, eCampus, and Cheapbooks.com, allow individuals the opportunity to purchase college textbooks online for an inexpensive price. Many websites that offer college textbooks for sale online don’t require the buyer to pay taxes, but only shipping costs. Whether you plan on buying your college textbooks used or brand new, buying them online is the best way to go if you want to save the most money possible.

Post Ads And Notices –

Former students may still have their previous college textbooks in their possession and may be willing to sell them to you for a fraction of the price that they’re currently being sold. If you want to find used textbooks, consider placing an advertisement or notice in your campus newspaper or online on websites like Craigslist or Facebook Reselling Groups.

Highlight the specific college textbooks you need and what you’re willing to pay for them in the advertisement. Be sure to add the textbooks specific name or ISBN number to ensure you get the correct textbook. Also, post the highest amount of money you’re willing to pay for the textbooks in the advertisement. You can always add that you’re willing to negotiate with the price if you don’t want to disclose the amount you’re willing to accept for the textbooks.

If You Need More Help –

There are many courses that will require you to purchase books when you get to your university, and you must ensure that you are saving as much money as possible on each new purchase. Use the helpful tips above to ensure that you are saving money, and you will find that the books you have purchased will be far easier to manage when you use them as objects to control cash flow. Buy, rent, and sell as much as possible to save money.

If you are a college student concerned about debt and spending, contact Advantage CCS today. Our experienced credit counselors are available online, via telephone, or in person to help you work out a debt management plan and a spending plan to keep your debt manageable.

Author: Lauralynn Mangis
Lauralynn is the Online Marketing Specialist for AdvantageCCS. She is married and has two young daughters. She enjoys writing, reading, hiking, cooking, video games, sewing, and gardening. Lauralynn has a degree in Multimedia Technologies from Pittsburgh Technical College.