Back to school or off to college...It is the time of the summer that both students and their parents feel like ATM machines that have short circuited. You are just hemorrhaging cash. For the college bound students, the expenses begin to mount as dorm rooms or off campus apartments need furnishing. Just the basics to outfit a dorm room is a hardy expense. Factor in a new computer purchase and the ancillary equipment and you have an even bigger expense. Cell phone plans need to be examined to assure that the current plan will provide adequate usage without incurring huge overage fees from text messaging, excess minutes and even internet access. Then there are those hidden incidental expenses for those going far from home including travel expenses and even seasonal wardrobe additions... the bills just keep on coming. However, for those who are first venturing into college ... get ready for the biggest surprise bill of them all ... the textbook bills. The call from your student advising the money needed for books usually comes within days after you have settled your student in their new campus home. I know that the first time out I was in shock at the cost of the books.   It is a daunting experience to realize that the textbook bill may be as much as the cost of a computer. So prepare yourself early for that call and get busy doing some research on how you and your student can save money on the college textbook bill.

Most first year students are usually unaware of all the options that are available to them when it comes to buying their books. The vast majority of students simply take the easy route and get their books directly from the campus bookstore. While that method is the most convenient and definitely the quickest, it is also the most expensive method of procuring those needed college textbooks. Even if your student's aid package includes monies for textbooks, by saving money on their books the student can then access those funds for other needs. There are a number of opportunities available that can reduce the cost of the textbook bill including purchasing used books, sharing books, borrowing books and even a new option of internet book sharing.

To read more about these innovative ways to save yourself and your student money on their textbook bill, check out www.celebrationideasonline.com/saving-money-on-college-textbooks.html. With some early planning and organization you can save hundreds of dollars each semester on the cost of their college textbooks.