Don't Pay Full Price: Tip-of-the-Day #149

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY FULL PRICE FOR

Here's how to shop smartly:

1. Mattresses! Brand names like Sealy, Serta, and Simmons are reliable and durable and you can almost always find them for up to 50% off if you wait for a sale or you bargain hard.

2. Shiny Sparkly Things. Almost always marked up 100% to 200%, there's room to haggle down the price – start at 20% and in the end you'll likely get at least 10% off!

3. Your College Education. Always, always check out your financial aid options. You can't assume that you won't qualify for aid because the formulas vary, and can even change from school to school.

4. Your Next Ride. When you decide to buy a new car, consider all of your options. Start by exploring financing, always review Consumer Reports' auto price reports and get a Car Fax report! Know what you're buying and you'll save yourself money and a headache.

5. Your Digs. When you buy a house you can't get emotional about it, you should never pay more than the market will bear, and you really need a good agent in your corner.