How to Be a World-Class Bargain Hunter

There's nothing quite as exciting as buying something really stylish and trendy. That is except buying something really stylish, trendy, and dirt-cheap.

It took several years of honing my bargain hunting skills, but I've developed a few surefire ways to always pay ridiculously below retail. And it's time to spread the shopping gospel.

All you'll need is a computer, some patience and persistence, and a handful of chump change to pay for your new acquisitions.

-Tip #1: Get out of the malls. If you're paying retail, you're paying too much. Hop to your computer and start shopping online. It's where the savings are, so it's where you should be.

-Tip #2: Now you just need to know where to look online. If you're addicted to movies or books, the only way to go is www.amazon.com or www.ebay.com. If you're leaning toward Amazon, always remember to follow the "used" link. It will take you to the Marketplace where individuals are selling their stuff at unbelievably cheap prices. Some books are 1 penny (plus shipping)!

If clothes, shoes, and purses are your addiction of choice, I never look farther than www.craigslist.com. This is where patience and persistence come in. You'll have to check this site often, because people move fast on good deals. You'll probably also have to wait for somebody to unload their really good stuff at great prices. But trust me, eventually the post will come. My closet is full of authentic designer names-Bebe, Abercrombie, Coach, Fendi-and I've never paid more than $10 for any item.

-Tip #3: The best way to score a fantastic deal is to buy multiple items. On Craigslist, people will almost always cut you a deal if you buy more than one thing. And don't be afraid to haggle. Consider asking prices a starting point. Test the waters, and see if they're willing to go any lower. If not, no harm in asking.