Tips from the Diva!

College students can be faced with having to spend hundreds of dollars on textbooks each semester. You should try ordering those textbooks online instead of purchasing them directly through college bookstores. Students usually get a book list before classes start, so they should arrive in time, and a lot of money can be saved by purchasing the books at online discount stores.

Don't overspend on supplies that your children don’t actually need. Many schools or individual teachers will be happy to provide a list of materials needed for the school year. This is especially true for younger children who may need things like safety scissors, crayons and glue for creative projects. It's also good to know if students can use a single binder or notebook for all courses, or if each class requires its own.

Take advantage of clearance sales as soon as you see them advertised! Some stores stop back-to-school sales within a week or two of kids starting school. By buying just enough for those weeks early on, you can stock up on supplies for the rest of the year at half off (or even more) those already-discounted back-to-school prices.

With the rising costs of food, gasoline and basic living expenses, it’s important to accept that your buying power has changed. Consumers must alter their spending habits to accommodate the change in the cost of living. Prioritize those expenses that must be covered each month – mortgage, auto payments, utility bills, groceries and credit card payments – and put the brakes on unplanned spending on non-essential items.

Now is the time to stop digging deeper into debt. If possible, try to increase your monthly payments to become debt free faster. If you are relying on your credit cards to help make ends meet, you must reorganize your spending habits and look for ways to cut out or reduce the cost of extras like cable television, mobile phones, eating out and recreational travel.