Friday, August 2, 2013
Fresh Start Outreach Ministry Clothing Closet at Fresh Anointing Christian Center
Clothing Closet Donations
18 million for Credit Report Errors
Woman to Get $18M Because of Credit Report Errors | Money Talks News
http://www.moneytalksnews.com/
Save Money on College Textbooks
Save Money on College Textbooks
When I was an academic advisor, I used to just cringe when I saw the lines of students that wound through the campus bookstore and around the corner.
The college bookstore is THE most expensive place to buy your college textbooks.
Now, let me say that I understand why many students choose to buy their books at the college bookstore. It’s incredibly convenient, and if you’re planning to use financial aid to pay for books, it can make financial sense, too.
But when I was in college, I was caught in the middle class…. my family made too much money for me to get much financial aid, but not enough for me to afford college comfortably. My budget was extremely tight.
So, if you’re stuck in the middle like I was, here are some ways to save money on college textbooks.
How to get free college textbooks
Trade books with a friend. One semester I took Environmental Science, the next semester, Psychology. A good friend of mine did just the opposite and we were able to trade books. You may also be able to borrow books from a friend.
Borrow the books from the library. One of my former students told me she would borrow her literature books for English from the public library. Sure, you can’t write in it and you may have to renew it, but it’s free.
Check to see what resources your academic learning center has. At some campuses, students can read many college textbooks at the library. They have to stay in the library, but that just means you will have to study! Some academic learning centers will also allow you to borrow recorders or calculators, too!
Try Freecycle. Put a request out on Freecycle. You may find that someone has the books you need just collecting dust on a shelf and would be willing to let you have them for free.
How to get cheap college textbooks
Buy used. Whenever possible, buy used textbooks. A brand-spanking new textbook is nice, but it’s like buying a new car – it loses value the second you buy it. Look for used textbooks in good condition and you’ll save.
Check out the college bulletin boards. Many times you can find used textbooks for less than what the college bookstore sells them for. Plus you’re helping out a fellow college student.
Check out what’s available online. When my husband was in grad school, he saved a ton of money on his books by buying them online. A lot of great retailers have gotten into selling used textbooks. Check outBarnesandNoble.com, Textbooks.com and Amazon to see how prices compare. You should also investigate whether it’s better to buy or rent textbooks from a place like Chegg.com 
And don’t forget to put the word out on Facebook and Craigslist. You may be able to score a great deal using social media, too.
A final piece of advice on saving on college textbooks
Remember, great deals on used college textbooks will take some time. You can’t wait until the last minute to save some money. You’ll also need to know the name of the book, author, edition, and ISBN number, in order to make sure you’re getting the exact books you need.
Fortunately, the savings is well worth the time invested.
For more articles like this visit: http://www.northerncheapskate.
Back to School Shopping at the Thrift Store
6 Back-to-School Items You Should Always Shop for at the Thrift Store
by Tisha Tolar on 30 July 2013
Wise Bread Picks
Thrift store shopping is not a passion shared by everyone, and some people can be intimidated by it, thinking that you need a lot of time or skill to find a great deal. While it does help to have the right mindset and an eye for a find, just about anyone can score real deals on quality stuff at thrift stores. And during the coming back-to-school frenzy, a thrift store deal is exactly what parents need to help save some much needed time and money. (See also: 10 Things to Look for Every Time You Visit a Thrift Store)
From designer jeans to new-to-your-kid dorm furniture, your local thrift store probably has lots of ways to save you a bunch of cash during your back-to-school shopping spree. Consider these six.
1. Jeans and Uniforms
The price of jeans for kids who are still growing is almost obscene. They often cost as much as the adult-sized versions but only may be useable for a single semester of school. The good news is that because kids grow out of jeans so quickly, many pre-owned pairs donated to the local thrift store are still in like-new condition but priced for just a few dollars. Designer names can often be found at a steep discount, and no one but you would be the wiser. If your local school district enforces a dress code, be sure to see if any uniform pieces have been donated to your local thrift store each time you stop by. Families that no longer have small children often donate any clothing in good condition including school uniforms.
2. Sporting Gear
Parents with kids no longer involved in sports or kids who have outgrown their gear will often donate it to the thrift store. Before you go shopping at the pricier sporting goods store, check in with the local thrift store to see what is available. When your own family outgrows their supplies, consider a donation to help other families save money, too.
3. Winter Gear
Winter coats are another necessary expense that can often prove too costly when trying to clothe multiple children. As with jeans, the price of winter coats, insulated boots, and snow pants can be high for clothing that kids will soon outgrow. Check the local thrift store, especially in the fall and spring when people are cleaning out the clutter from their homes and making donations. Keep an eye out for some fun winter accessories like sleds, skis, and snowboards, too.
4. Office Supplies
Personally there is nothing like making a trip down the pen and paper aisles while back-to-school shopping. But if you are trying to cut back, check out your local thrift store to see what supplies you can find. When people are clearing out their clutter, they often find things they have too much of in the school/office supply department. They will keep what they need but donate the rest. You can often buy pencils, folders, and other supplies in bulk amounts for a very reasonable price.
5. Containers/Dishware
Students headed off to college will be in need of household supplies for their apartments or dorms. The thrift store is a great place to find quality pots, pans, dishes, and glasses. Many times you can even score vintage pieces that look as cool as they are functional. It’s a great way for your child to get some starter pieces for cheap.
6. Furniture
In my local area, there are several thrift shops that have opened recently, and all of them showcase some great looking furniture on their Facebook pages for incredibly reasonable prices. Sure, a lot of the items are mismatched, but they are still in great shape. Why buy new stuff for a college apartment? Many times the furniture will get damaged from frequent moves and the wear and tear of visiting friends. Spend money on good quality linens and comforters, but check out the local thrift store for bed frames, tables, and bookcases on the cheap.
How do you save on back-to-school supplies?
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