If you are sending your adult children off to college you know that there are three school related expenses which make up the bulk of your budget: tuition, room and board, and textbooks. The first two expenses are mostly fixed and predictable costs, while the third is impossible to predict as well as a potential budget buster. You may not be able to predict textbook expenses, but you certainly can reduce them by following these three important steps:

1. Shop Online. Your college bookstore has an ironclad grip on textbook inventory, right? Well, at one time that was a true statement. Today, thanks to the internet, websites have sprung up that sell new and used textbooks at prices much lower than those found on campus. Shop with those retailers who have clearly outlined payment, shipping and handling, and return policies. Scan auction sites too for additional savings.

2. Shop Retail. The big bookstore retailers as well as some of the office supply stores carry some titles. At the very least

3. Shop Used. Your campus bookstore knows that having used textbooks on hand will keep them somewhat competitive. The trick with textbook publishers is that yearly updates can make used copies obsolete: planned obsolescence in action! Still, when I was in school I had one professor who encouraged students to pick up the “outdated” copies of one book since he knew the cost was outrageous and he planned on referencing it sparingly. Your student may also learn that some of the titles on the professor's list are optional, not mandatory purchases.

Students today no longer have to feel as if they are being “held hostage” by outrageous textbook prices. Have your student shop wisely and your budget will remain on track.

Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on just about any and every issue imaginable. You can preview samples from his high performing site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com

• Handling a Hurricane; Part 1 - The Threat of a Hurricane - Are You At Risk?


• Remove Chewing Gum From Carpet - How To


• Environmentally-Friendly Earth Homes


• Make Your Family Tree Come Alive


• Bleach – Our Reliance on It is a Mistaken Belief; Part 3


• Kool Aid Stains In Carpet - Removing Them


• Moving Home: A Guide


• Remove Permanent Marker From Carpet


• The Destruction of an American Family


• Move-it Yourself: Five Steps to Success


• DIY House Moves: Five Ways to Make Sure Your Stuff Stays Intact


• Hassle-free House Moves: Five Strategies For Success


• Cedar Chest│Hope Chest│Chest of Dreams


• Bleach – Our Reliance on It is a Mistaken Belief


• Bleach – Our Reliance on It is a Mistaken Belief; Part 2