Maybe I’ve become too frugal since I started focusing on clearing my debt, but there are two everyday items whose prices routinely irritate me: books and greeting cards.

So, naturally, I’ve found ways to pay less for them!

Saving Money on Greeting Cards

Am I the only one who thinks $3.50 is too much for a folded sheet of paper that says “Happy Birthday?” I hope not. Luckily, there are readily available alternatives:

• Multi-packs: If you’re not looking to go off the beaten path, consider buying a pack of blank cards. Most come in packs of eight and cost between three and four dollars – that’s 50 cents or less per card. These are great if you like writing personalized messages.
• Thrift stores: I’ve found new, all-occasion greeting cards for 63 cents each at my local Goodwill, and for 10 cents each (15 for a dollar!) at an independent second-hand store. I like to stock up, especially on birthday cards – that way, I’m always prepared when someone’s special day catches me off guard.
• Craft it up: News flash: cutting and pasting is not just for kindergarteners anymore. In fact, piecing together your own cards lets you really personalize them – I like to decorate with photos, old movie stubs, funny quotes and other memorabilia that’s meaningful to the person I’m giving the card to.

Saving Money on Books

I’m a book junkie. And, as much as I love browsing Barnes & Noble and drinking in that new-book smell, I can’t quite justify paying $15.00 for a paperback. So what do I do instead?

• Libraries: This is the obvious solution. Get a card and read all you want for nada. It works great. Unless (like me) you love seeing the books you’ve already read on your shelves – just in case you want to take a second look. If that’s the case, consider…
• Used book stores: These can vary widely in prices – I’ve seen discounts from the mundane to the magnificent. Your best bet? Look up used book vendors near you and comparison shop or read customer reviews. Many shops have regular sales to clear out old merchandise and make room for new stuff.
• Swap meets: Thanks to the recession, these are all the rage these days. And, if you’re like most Americans and you have some items you could stand to part with, these could yield excellent results. Do a Web search for opportunities near you.
• The digi-book: Okay, I’ll admit it: I haven’t yet succumbed to the Kindle, Amazon’s electronic book machine. But, with competition on its heels and popularity on the rise, the already-reduced e-book prices may tempt me to go over to the dark side … maybe.

Don’t let your debt get the best of you! And if you truly need debt help, be sure to explore all of your options, including filing bankruptcy.

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