One of the best ways I have found to save money on purchases has been to head to my local Craigslist website and check it out before going anywhere else.

Craigslist is an online classified ads forum where you can advertise items you have to sell, as well as things you want to buy or trade. There is no cost for the ad. There are a number of categories on the list and if you are patient, eventually you will be able to pick up exactly what you are looking for, maybe even for free.

The categories include:

• Housing
• Personal ads
• For Sale
• Services
• Jobs
• Gigs

Many times on this site I have seen great deals on homes that people were selling to avoid foreclosure. There are always rentals as well. This would be the place to check before you went to a real estate agent.

In the barter section people list what they want and what they have to trade for it. One year, when my husband was in the hospital, I advertised for someone to come and cut firewood for me for half of the wood that they cut. There are many ways to save money if you are imaginative.

Because of the nature of Craigslist you want to use caution when dealing with the people who you contact or who contact you. Common sense should be used in all transactions.

• Never agree to meet anyone alone at their home, or to have them to your home unless others are going to be there.

• Ask for cash or paypal. Do not accept checks.
• If you are buying an item check it out carefully.
• With furniture, don't assume a bad odor is the house that the furniture is in. We bought a couch that had been sprayed by cats without realizing it until we got it home.
• Never give private personal information over the phone or by email.

Saving money with craiglist is fun. It is almost like a treasure hunt sometimes as you wait for what you want to show up at a price you want to pay. Just be wise in your dealings with the people you contact, or who contact you. Always go with your gut feelings. By using the list we have been able to save quite a bit of money on both merchandise and services over the years. If nothing else, it is fun to look through when you have some time.