For What It's Worth: Textbooks

WSVN -- Paying for your education is anything but cheap, especially when it comes to buying textbooks each semester.

Laura Hlohinec: "I'd say anywhere from $300 to $600 if from the bookstore."

And students are looking high and low for ways to save.

Michael Berger: "I look for any used books I can buy, but if I have to buy new, I will buy them at the bookstore."

Laura Hlohinec: "I actually did buy this book from the bookstore because I thought I needed it this week, but I checked online, and it actually is much cheaper, so I'm going to take it back and buy from Amazon."

Seven's Financial Expert Allie Jablon says, the key to saving on books, buy used whenever you can.

Allie Jablon: "It's really important to shop around and purchase used if possible because you can look to save hundreds of dollars.

But before you start scanning the racks, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, shop early.

Allie Jablon: "You'll be the first in the store, and you'll have the option of buying used."

If you do decide to go used, make sure you know the book's ISBN number.

Allie Jablon: "When you look for older textbooks or older versions this is the number that you need to match up to make sure you're getting the right book."

Next, Allie says shopping online is a great way to find deals you can't find in stores.

Allie Jablon: "For instance, Amazon and other sites might offer you textbooks at half the cost."

But, beware, clicking your way to the register does have its downside.

Allie Jablon: "One caveat of online shopping for textbooks is that you'll be responsible for the shipping, and, as we know, these textbooks are awfully heavy, and shipping can be a big burden."

Also, you might be able to save a lot of cash by looking for an older version of the book you need. Just make sure it passes the test before you buy it.

Allie Jablon: "It's important that you speak to the professor first to make sure it's OK to use an older version."

Finally, once you buy your textbooks, use them with the future in mind.

Allie Jablon: "Take good care of your textbooks so that when it's time for you to sell them, you can pocket a lot of cash."

Craig Stevens: "Allie says to take advantage of your surroundings by checking out campus bulletin boards. A lot of students are willing to get rid of old books for cheap during that beginning of the year rush."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.amazon.com/ 

http://www.half.com/ 

Allie Jablon
http://www.alliejablon.com/