It all starts out like a dream relationship. You and your spouse graduate from college, get married, and even move into your first house. Your spouse now brings up the idea of going back to school. He has always wanted to be an attorney but put it all on the back burner. Now that things are somewhat calmed down the opportunity has presented itself. Instantly, a lot of thoughts go through your head – thinking about exactly how do you become a lawyer? How much does it cost? Or how long does it take to become a lawyer? These questions are valid and important to discuss before making a decision.

What’s Involved in Becoming an Attorney?

Graduating from high school and college are the first steps to becoming an attorney. After getting your four year degree you need to apply and attend law school to get your Juris doctorate degree. After law school the bar exam needs to be taken. Finally, after passing the bar exam a newly appointed lawyer will be sworn in. Including high school, it’s an 11 year journey to become a lawyer. Law school is typically only 3 years though.

What’s The Cost Associated With Becoming an Attorney?

Some schools can be as “inexpensive” as $20,000 a year and more prestigious schools can cost upwards to $50,000 + for each year. The good news is that there are a lot of student loan options available. Interest rates are pretty reasonable and you can take out a little more then what school costs to help cover additional living costs. Some people take out loans to make up for the lack of income the miss out on if they are going back to school later on in their life.

Paying Our Bills? Where Do We Start?

Student loans are available to individuals looking to go back to school. Most student loan programs understand that working full time while attending school isn’t plausible. For the spouse not going back to school is can sometimes be difficult for them to understand but it’s an important part to recognize in order to be supportive. Bills need to be paid but you would be amazed how much you can save by just making small cuts from your normal spending patterns. For example:

• Making your coffee at home – each coffee from Starbucks costs $3-$5.00
• Readjust cell phone plans – $5-$10 per month can be saved by downgrading data & texting plans.
• Downgrade or cancel your cable – Netflix and RedBox is an extremely cheap alternative to cable saving nearly $50.00 per month.
• Call up insurance companies – Do you need full insurance on your car? Can you raise your deductible on your house? These have their pros and cons but you’re looking to cut just a little from several bills. This option can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
• Nobody said the money aspect of going back to school would be easy but outlined above are just a few options to easily save hundred dollars per year. When you’re living off of an income that is less then what your use to every dollar saved counts.

Being Supportive Is Hard But Rewarding

It’s never convenient for you or a spouse to go back to school. It’s a big commitment, expensive, and adds stress to the entire family. Knowing that your significant other is supportive of your career choice is very rewarding. They will remember that you stuck with them and you both can share stories and laugh about the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ experiences together. Life isn’t always meant to be easy, hopefully you both can get through this together and enjoy more good times later on in life.

Nicholas is a husband to a law school student and has gone through the debt and pressures of getting a family member going back to school. To help other aspiring lawyers he created how-to-become-a-lawyer.com which lists all the legal requirements and law schools by each state.

These days, with a sluggish economy and rising prices of, well, everything, everyone could use a little extra cash. But add the cost of tuition, books and beer into an already meager budget, and college students can use a lot more money. Put some cash back in your pocket by finding the best rewards credit cards for students.

Whether you need your first credit card or are swiping one already, using a card with a strong rewards program means the difference between a night out and another night of ramen.

Picking the right card will maximize rewards and minimize costs. The list below outlines how to select the best rewards credit card:

1. REWARDS PROGRAMS + CASH BACK: MAXIMIZE RETURNS WITH YOUR SPENDING HABITS

Would you rather redeem your spending points for gift cards and merchandise, or get that money credited back to your account? Some programs offer options for both, so do the math and figure out how you’d benefit the most from the kinds of purchases you make. FindTheBest’s database of student rewards credit cards conveniently breaks down the cash and rewards points for different categories of purchases, so figure out which cards earn you the most rewards on what you buy most.

2. APR AND FEES: MINIMIZE INTEREST RATES AND CARD COSTS

Not so fast, big spender. A credit card is NOT free money – you’ll have to pay back what you owe, plus interest if you keep a balance from month to month. And, interest rates can be steep. According to FindTheBest, the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, of student credit cards can range from 12% to a whopping 22%. That means that $1,000 laptop can cost you $1,220 if you don’t pay it off in time…

Read the fine print before signing up. Credit card companies can hit you with all sorts of fees and penalties. So, if you know you won’t be paying off your full balance every month, make sure to use a card with as low of an APR as possible, especially after any introductory period of lower ‘teaser’ rates.

3. NETWORK AND BANK: COMPARE ACCESSIBILITY, CONVENIENCE AND PERKS

Visa, MasterCard, AmEx or Discover? Make sure the places you frequent accept the card you carry. However, what some networks lack in overall acceptance they may make up in service or added perks.

Plan to study or travel abroad? Check out how commonly your card is accepted around the world.

If you’re a bank customer, selecting a credit card by the same bank could make transactions such as bill payment or transfers easier.

4. HEAD TO HEAD: COMPARE CREDIT CARDS SIDE-BY-SIDE

Look at credit cards in practice. For example, the Capital One Journey Student Rewards card, Citi Dividend Platinum Select Visa Card for College Students and the Discover Student More Card are three popular student rewards cards.

Compare credit cards side by side. The Citi and Discover cards boast up to 5% cash back, but Citi’s rate drops to 1% after the first six months. On the other hand, the Capital One card earns you extra cash when you pay your bill on time (which you always should). The Discover card offers higher cash back bonuses in more purchase categories than Capital One, though it may not be as widely accepted.

5. PRACTICE DISCIPLINE: PAY YOUR BILLS

Regardless of the card you choose, the key is to use it responsibly. Build a good credit score now – a strong credit history and low debt will save you a lot of money (and stress) in the future if you ever need a loan for a new house, car, etc. Already carrying credit card debt? Pay it off quickly, and don’t spend more than you can afford. While a rewards card can earn you some short-term perks, the long-term possibility of credit card debt on top of student loans may keep ramen on your dinner menu for longer.

Post Written by Jane Margaro recent graduate of John Hopkins and Writing Intern for FindTheBest, a powerful tool for finding the best of anything from a credit card to credit union.

Image by jleveque

College is a rewarding experience which can also cost a lot of cash. Understanding how to make the most value out of your time in school involves understanding the financial aid available, the importance of employment, and the ways to most appropriate regard your taxes.

The value of financial aid: Pell Grants and Stafford Loans

Financial aid is what makes higher education possible for most students. There is a wealth of information and privately funded programs which make tuition far more affordable. The government also helps out in the form of public Pell grants and other sponsored loans.

For those who meet financial necessity, the Pell Grant is a blessing. The highest award is $5,500 annually. The amount a student actually receives varies based on: cost of attendance (COA) for the particular school (COA is calculated using tuition and other living expenses,) expected family contribution (EFC), full or part time enrollment status, and length of program.

Not every student will meet the low-income requirements necessary to qualify for the Pell grant, however loans are a second option, although financial need remains a factor for qualifying for Direct Subsidized Loans, the amount of which is determined by your school. Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest until the student drops below half-time enrollment or after the grace-period following graduation.

The value of employment

A part time job can be crucial for those trying to stay out of debt. Although most part-time employment doesn’t resemble the careers for which you’re in school, there is a wealth of experience to be had in even the most entry-level of positions.

For gaining experience, work-study programs and internships are invaluable. Work-study positions are typically close to campus for the vehicular-challenged. Although internships are famous for being paid positions, some still offer stipend and parlay into more lucrative potential for future employment.

The value of filing taxes

Filing taxes correctly is a skill that should be sharpened while in school. Allocating proper credits and deductions will ensure the largest return possible.

Filing Methods

The computer has changed the financial landscape and several tax companies as well as the IRS offer free or inexpensive methods for submitting tax returns online. The copy of your filed return is retained as a .PDF file which makes filling out the FAFSA for the following year easier. However, ensure that the file remains secure, as should all digital archiving of private data, especially those which are related to your finances.

Pen and paper, there is always the old-fashioned way. Pen, paper, and a calculator―a nice date with your receipts and tax codes. The best option for old souls or those careless with sharing information, W-2 and tax returns must be postmarked by the appropriate date.

For the tech-gurus, new options are being developed for filing via your hone. The app store already hosts several apps which feature various levels of filing. Some of the fancier apps can take a captured image of your W-2 and transmit it to the forms online.

Credits and deductions

The main difference between education credits and deductions involves the ways it reduces your tax bill. Credits reduce the amount of taxes owed where deductions reduce the income which is actually reported.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a temporary tax credit which runs until 2012. Worth up to $2,500, the income cap is placed at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for joint filers) and can be used by parents of dependent children. The amount is based on the first $2,000 and supplemented by 25% of the next $2,000 spent on qualified tuition and related materials.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is for those who gross less than $48,000 annually ($96,000 for joint filers) and can be factored into a return for up to $2,000. The amount is derived from the first $10,000 in qualified expenses.

The Tuition and Fees Deduction can subtract up to $4,000 from taxable income and can be taken in lieu of the education credits listed above. The deduction is applicable for single filers who earn less than $80,000 and married filers who earn less than a combined $160,000. Parents of dependent students who meet the requirements can file.

Author Bio: Katei Cranford is a recent UNCG grad aimed at helping students understand the financial side of college life, from highlighting free tax prep programs to funding parties (and everything in between.)

Paying for college can be a nightmare. Overinflated prices, dormitory rentals or apartments off campus, a drop in the amount of work for students… that is the reality of university that we are often confronted with when the time comes to apply. What a bleak image it is, too.

While there are scholarships and grants to help pay for the tuition, there isn’t always enough left over for one of the most important items on the list: textbooks. Extremely expensive, books can costs hundreds of dollars a piece. In rare instances, those figures can actually move into the thousands. It is a lot to pay for something you will use for a semester or two and then never open again.

But, as we all know, they are completely necessary. So how can you cut the cost of these books without getting something that is falling apart and covered in unspecified stains? Just check out these five excellent suggestions for getting textbooks for less.

Amazon

This is the obvious first place to look. They have an entire section dedicated to buying new and used textbooks, as well as Kindle editions that are good alternatives for more high priced hardbacks. Used books can cut the price down significantly, sometimes as much as 75% or more. If you are a Prime member, you can also get free shipping, and of course they have the super saver on items of more than $25.

Buy.com

While they aren’t always the best, Buy.com has some decent discounts on textbooks, usually in the $10 – $30 off range. Their shipping prices are good, and they have plenty of more hard-to-find titles. Plus, there is a point system that can save you additional money if you have a large order to place, or you are a frequent shopper.

Half.com

A sister site of eBay, Half.com has incredible prices on many textbooks. They have deals that put the prices down as low as 95% off, with very cheap (or free) shipping. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all of their prices will be this low. It is usually part of a promotion or clearance. But even their other deals are much better than you might expect.

CheapBooks

If you want to compare before you shop – which is always a good idea – you should check out CheapBooks. They gather a list of the lowest prices from various sellers like the ones above, and give you a rundown. They also buy back textbooks for resell, so you can go through them next semester and just trade in for credits to use on the next class’s textbooks.

Chegg

If you don’t want to buy, you can always rent. Chegg has a system that lets you rent your textbooks, and you can get them fast with their quick shipping policy. You can also buy and sell reading and class notes, get homework help and find special deals just for students.

Conclusion

It is completely possible to get textbooks for cheap, and occasionally for a small fee. All you have to do is know where to look. So check out the sites above, and start saving money. You will need that cash for Top Ramen later.

Kate is a college student making a leaving online and blogging for Life Insurance Finder, the free life insurance comparison app and educational resource.

With back to school time upon us, here are some great reasons to reconsider purchasing those necessary textbooks and opting to rent them instead.

1. Renting textbooks is cheaper

Renting your textbooks can save you up to 80% of the cost of the book. This means that if you rent just one textbook this semester, you’ll save about $80 – $100. Think about all of the things you can use that $80 on instead of your textbooks. Eighty dollars can get you 53 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, 3 pedicures or 1 Olympus digital camera! If you rented 7 textbooks this academic year, you would save enough money to buy yourself a brand new Toshiba laptop. That seems like a better investment of your money!

2. Renting is more sustainable

When you rent your textbooks, fewer resources are consumed, which results in less landfill. The fewer new textbooks in circulation, the less trees needed to make the books. At BookRenter. We don’t have a central warehouse where we keep all the books. We use our intelligent supply chain that means the books take the shortest distance possible to reach the student. It’s faster and it keeps our carbon footprint low!

3. Renting is more convenient

When you rent your textbooks, you avoid having to deal with buyback at the end of the semester or getting stuck with the book if the bookstore won’t buy it back. Plus, BookRenter has locations at over 500 college campuses around the country so you can rent directly from your college store.

4. Rentiing is risk-free

If you drop a class within the first 3 weeks, don’t fret having to deal with your textbooks. Simply return it within 21 days for a complete refund. At any point throughout the semester or quarter, you can decide to buy the book if you need it. You will never pay more than the value of the book and the money you paid to rent it goes towards the price of the book.

5. Renting helps people in your community!

Websites like BookRenter donate children’s books every time an order is placed on the site. Fueling learning through literacy is an important cause, and BookRenter is dedicated to placing books into the hands of children. We’ve donated over 75,000 books, and that number grows each day. Do something good for the community while you save a bunch of money for yourself!

This guest post was written by Rachel Freeman of BookRenter. Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Looking fashionable in college can be difficult. With all your money going towards tuition, fees, books, housing, and occasionally, food, you probably have little left over for filling out your wardrobe with the latest styles of the season. And yet, you don’t have to tour campus looking like a pauper for the next four (or more) years. With a little effort and a lot of ingenuity you can have the fantastically fashionable aesthetic you desire. All you need are a few tricks up your sleeve. So here are some great tips to get you started on the road to a fabulous wardrobe.

1. Shop discount stores. Shopping can be pretty depressing when you’re on a budget, but you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck if you opt for discount warehouses instead of pricy department stores. And you’ll be amazed by the excellent selection you’ll find at retailers like Target, Ross, Kohl’s, and TJ Maxx (just to name a few). Many of these stores collaborate with big-name designers (Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Lauren Conrad, and more) to bring you label outfits at a fraction of the cost.

2. Stay on trend. Use fashion magazines and websites to your advantage. Find looks that you like and then emulate them with less expensive pieces. Of course, you’ll have a hard time mimicking one-of-a-kind pieces like formal gowns, but for everyday items like tops, bottoms, and accessories you can almost always find the trickle-down effect (low-cost alternatives that look a lot like the real deal). So you can easily sport “the look” you see in the media without buying the brand-name versions.

3. Reclaim. Okay, nobody really likes to buy second-hand clothing, but if you want to look amazing without breaking your budget you’re going to need to embrace alternatives. The trick is to do thrift-store shopping the right way. You don’t want to go to the bad side of town to check out the wares at the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Instead, take a bus to the shops that are near high-end neighborhoods. The people who donate there are bound to leave a few treasures with their bag of castoffs. And find out what day delivery trucks come in so you can get a first look at new arrivals.

4. Nip and tuck. There is no better way to get the wardrobe you want than with a talent for sewing, since fabric itself is far less expensive than ready-to-wear clothing. But if you’re not quite at the level where you can sew your own, then simply improve on the work of others. Find inexpensive pieces that are close to what you want and then tailor them. A loose jacket can easily become fitted, and if you can’t find a killer vest, just take a jacket you like and remove the sleeves. Loose shirts can easily become fitted with a nip of the seams and hemlines on pants and skirts are a simple fix if you know how to whip-stitch.

5. Try DOTD. If you find that you’re looking for a special piece but you just don’t have a ton of money, sign up for memberships at a fashion deal-of-the-day site like Hautelook, Beyond the Rack, and Gilt Groupe. You’ll find amazing deals on the labels you covet, with new additions on a daily basis.

This guest post was written by Leon Harris. Find out more about the t-shirt printing site he works with.

Most college students don’t have a lot of cash for extras; the rising costs of tuition, books, and related fees often requires a strict budget, even for the student that carries a part- or full-time job in addition to their schedule of classes. For this reason, having a credit card can seem like a godsend, allowing for additional funds to eat out, take a trip, or hit the clubs with friends. Unfortunately, it can also spell disaster for a kid that is away from home for the first time and has no idea about the trap that the common credit card can spring on the unwary shopper.

When you rack up debt, max out your card, and pay the minimum monthly fee (which is all you can afford on your salary), it could take you several years to pay off the debt (assuming you don’t make any additional charges) and you’ll end up paying way more than you ever intended to for your purchases. There’s no trick; it’s all in the fine print. It’s just that so few people really understand what they’re getting into with credit cards. Here’s how you can avoid the trap.

For starters, you shouldn’t have a credit card in the first place if you don’t know how to use it responsibly, and not many college students do (heck, most adults can’t use a credit card properly – how can college kids be expected to?). But emergencies do spring up, so if you absolutely must have a card, it behooves you to pick a good one. Since you probably get dozens of offers each year (that’s what happens when you start to build credit by taking out a student loan), you might have trouble choosing the best one.

There are a couple of things you should watch out for. One is an offer that doesn’t come directly from the credit company (VISA, MasterCard, etc.). If it doesn’t bear their logo, throw it away; it’s from a third-party company that will charge fees so that they can get their cut. You should also watch out for “low introductory rates”, which really only signal that your rate will go up eventually. Finally, choose a card only if it has an interest rate under 10% (7-8 is standard) and no annual fees (cash withdrawal and other fees are generally unavoidable, but you don’t need to pay a yearly fee for the privilege of holding a card).

Next you need to carefully monitor spending. Reserve your credit card for specific purchases only, and try to limit them to necessities like gas or groceries, things that you would spend your money on anyway, rather than frivolous items. In short, don’t ever spend more than you can afford to pay off in a month. The only good way to use a credit card is never to carry a balance. But if you do find yourself spiraling into debt, simply get rid of the card. Cut it up or send it to your parents for safekeeping (you can call them in case of emergency). Then pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Pay early (when you get your pay check, for example), make multiple payments each month when you can, and ALWAYS pay more than the minimum. Every month that you carry a balance means you’re putting money in the pockets of the credit company (and getting nothing in return).

Leon Harris writes for Credit Card Compare where you can check out about fees for a credit card balance transfer and browse through reviews to find the best card for you.

Image by Ben Rollman

Trying to balance the cost of living with tuition, car payments, and basic living needs while you are going to school can be tricky. With all of the different expenses students are responsible for, it is often necessary to cut back on some items and get creative with your budget. Setting ground rules and goals is imperative to putting away some extra cash.

The first rule of thumb is to eliminate excess. Excess can be defined as any extraneous or unnecessary items that you can live without. For example, do you really need cable TV? With programs like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube, you can often stream television on your computer for free or with a small fee.

Additionally, reduce the number of times you eat out during the week. Eating out can cause an enormous drain on your budget. Get creative with your meals and try new things. If you have a stove available in your dorm or rental, host an ethnic foods night. Foods like lentils, rice, and beans are very cheap and easy to prepare. Sharing with other people means you won’t waste anything and you may be able to get your friends to host on other nights saving you both time and money.

Shop at discount stores. Hit up thrift stores for vintage clothing or discount racks for reduced price items. Look for bulk bins at grocery stores or co-operatives or try to buy non-perishable items like toilet paper and paper towels in bulk. You’re going to use it at some point, so you may as well buy it at a good price.

A car can be a source of major financial drain. Gas and insurance alone can cost you a bundle, not to mention the hundreds of dollars in repairs, which you will likely need to make at some point if you own a used vehicle. Ride your bike, use public transportation, or consider carpooling to school with friends or roommates and your monetary decline will literally disappear.

Don’t make impulse purchases. This applies to everything from clothing to electronics to groceries. This doesn’t mean don’t eat or clothe yourself, just be mindful of what you want to buy before you enter a store. Better yet, make a list of the exact items you need and do not divert from that list for any reason. This will ensure that you get in and out of a store with exactly what you need, no more, no less.

Live with other people. In some cases renting a house or apartment can be more cost effective than living in a dorm. If this is the case, you should consider getting roommates. Living with roommates can be especially helpful if you want to cut down the cost of rent, share utilities, or even share rides. One word of caution: if you can, try to live with someone you already know. If your roommate bails on you mid-lease you don’t want to be financially responsible for their part of the rent or any mess they may have left behind. Having roommates can be fun and save you a lot of money, just do your research before you live with someone!

Leon Harris writes for BluWiki where you can find Fabric Softener Coupons and Post Cereal Coupons.

Times are tough. Most people find themselves tightening their belts in more than one area of their lives, and leisurely activities are usually the first to go. The economic downturn doesn’t have to mean all work and no play, though. All that’s needed for a thrifty week of fun is a few dollars and a bit of imagination.

Monday – Frugal Film Night

For an inexpensive film night, all that’s needed is a library card and a few friends. Movies that are checked out from the library don’t cost anything (as long as they’re returned on time!) and each friend can be responsible for bringing one “concession stand” item. Choosing a theme for the movies and the evening can make the night even more fun, and friends can get creative with the snacks that they bring.

Image by Ishikawa Ken

Tuesday – Wallet-friendly Philanthropy

Whether it’s offering to babysit a friend’s kids for free or working at a school bake sale, volunteering is fun, free, and fulfilling. While nonprofit organizations almost always need extra hands, many fill up fast or require a bit of coordination ahead of time, so it’s a good idea to sign up in advance. There are many websites that describe various volunteer opportunities organized by city, and most places have jobs that need to be filled, they just need someone to ask. Best of all, the good feeling that comes from helping others is priceless.

Image by vastateparksstaff

Wednesday – Reasonably-priced Repairs

The middle of the week is usually a good time to stay in, and chances are there’s a chore around the house that’s been long-postponed and is begging to be completed. Organizing closets and pulling weeds doesn’t cost a thing, and even the materials to caulk the bathtub or fix a leaky faucet are relatively inexpensive.

Image by Dagny Gromer

Thursday – Night at the Museum

Most cities that have museums have a day during the week when admission is free or offered at a reduced rate. This is an especially good deal for a family with kids, when multiple admission fees can add up fast. Because it usually takes a couple of hours to fully explore one museum and the average city has several, this is a recurring value that can be taken advantage of week after week.

Image by Visit Greece

Friday – Low-cost Camping

The weather is getting warmer, and taking time to get back to nature does a body good. Although most campgrounds charge a fee, the rate per person is usually less than $10, and some campgrounds even have a flat rate per car, which, when divided up among a few friends, is easily affordable.

Image by Bev and Steve

Saturday – Bargain Biking

The hospitality centers at most campgrounds offer trail guides (for free) and bringing bikes along on a camping trip requires little extra effort. Pack a picnic with goodies that were brought along for the voyage. Take advantage of the library again by checking out a book about local birds and other wildlife to identify along the way.

Image by Steve Jurvetson

Sunday – Economical Espresso

Although sometimes it seems as though it’s necessary to call Zurich and move some money around just to get a latte, all it takes to find inexpensive coffee is an open mind and a “go local” attitude. Independently owned cafes often have coffee drinks and homemade baked goods for reasonable prices, and it’s always good to contribute to the local economy. Bring a book, invite a friend, or just sit by the window and enjoy a peaceful end to a penny-wise week.

Image by Mike Rohde

Melissa is earning her associate degree in nursing, and enjoys writing about budget-friendly ways to have fun within a student’s salary.

Image by Paradoxotaur

Christmas Cards

1. Send letters. If you regularly send Christmas cards, think about sending letters instead. With that extra cash saved, you can include an extra picture in every letter or just save the money to buy yourself a Christmas gift.

2. Send post cards. You can also send post cards to save on postage.

Decorations

3. Buy decorations after the holiday season and save them for next year. You will save big with all the sales going on.

Gifts

4. Buy less expensive gifts. Try Amazon.com, Overstock, or many other online retailers for some great deals. Make sure to compare prices with something like Google Shopping before you buy though as there may be a better deal out there.

5. Set a budget. If you set a budget and stick to it you will save a lot of money you otherwise would have wasted during your spontanious shopping spree. You can even set aside some money every money of the year to spend on Christmas gifts for your friends and family.

6. Do a gift exchange like Secret Santa with people you regularly hang out with. Set a limit, exchange names, and have fun. Also, many families do Secret Santa to relieve some of the holiday stress.

7. Make an agreement with others to buy less expensive gifts or no gifts at all. If I’m in need I will agree with people to buy less expensive gifts as I feel that not buying gifts at all is a little depressing.

8. Make your own gifts. You would be surprised at the amount of things you can make. You can make picture albums, picture frames, knitted scarves, cookies or other baked goods, a mix CD with music picked out just for that person, a digital slideshow, a pot with a seed and soil, homemade gift certificates/coupons (e.g., one free back rub, one free car wash, etc.), and many more things. Making your own gifts really shows you care.

9. Buy used. Sometimes this one can be tricky because used gifts may not look as good and it may look like you are cheap. Just shop smart and buy gifts that look as good as new. If buying online, make sure to read the full description. If buying from a garage sale or thrift store, make sure to play around with the item enough to make sure it is fully functional.

10. Give used. Some things like books you read once and may never touch again. Why not give these things as gifts. This is a great idea with books that you truly enjoyed.

11. Regift gifts. Like the above, this option is a little tricky. If you received a gift you did not like, you can give it to someone else. Just be sure the person who gave you the gift does not find out or else he or she may be offended.

12. Wrap gifts with magazine paper or the comics section of the Sunday newspaper. People are going to throw away the wrapping paper anyway so you might as well use something recycled.