HELOISE: Research before buying textbooks
Dear Heloise: I am a college student and know that buying textbooks can be very expensive. Just last semester, I spent almost $700 on books! This semester, I decided to do some research on the cheapest way to get textbooks. My university bookstore sells used or new books, and it recently started renting books. I decided to find out the price difference between buying and renting books from the university bookstore, renting books from a website or buying them from an online store.
If I wanted to buy books used, I could save a lot of money. I also found that I can rent books from a website for almost half the price that the university bookstore was going to charge to rent the books. The university bookstore is more expensive, and you get less money when you sell your books back. They charge you for the convenience.
I suggest that all college students (and parents) do some research before buying textbooks.
Heather F. in Texas
Heather, we love your suggestions. It’s important to do your homework (pun intended) about buying or renting textbooks even before you step into the classroom!
Heloise
P.S.: If you think you might keep your book, new or used, getting one in good shape is advisable. I still have my math books from college! Yes, algebra, analytic geometry, plane trigonometry and calculus! The principles of math don’t change. Visit my website, www.Heloise.com, for a photo of my old friends.
Dear Heloise: Here is another great use for blank address labels. I am on quite a few medications, and they change. I put all of my meds on a blank label with the dose, print five or six labels and keep them in my purse. When I see the doctor, dentist or optician, I just peel one label back and hand it to the nurses. They love the labels and tell me they wish all their patients did this. It saves time, and they get the spellings correct, especially with new generics. I can make changes in the computer.
Trish in Indiana
Dear Heloise: I like to keep a pad and pen near the couch. I’ve noticed that there are lots of advertisements on TV that I like, and sometimes they will give a phone number to call or a website to check out. I jot down any information that I want to look up late or I will forget.
Kristi, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: My eye doctor told me to fill a small spray bottle with half water and half rubbing alcohol. It works great to clean eyeglasses, and it costs very little.
Debby Whalen in Tamarac, Fla.
Debby, that’s great! A mild dishwashing detergent also would work. Rub a bit on the lens and rinse well. Dry with a lint-free cloth. If you have metal frames, make sure you dry them immediately.
Heloise
Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate