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We all know that Corporate America is out for one person and that is not you. We also know that they carry the upper hand and we so often are left carrying the heavy burden of a credit card maxed out. Is there anything that we can do or are we just victims of capitalism? Good news: We certainly can make a difference and here is how.

1. Shop Around. That's right! Shop ' shops ' shop. If you think you have found a bargain the chances are that you did not. Let me give you an example: When I was building my house I acted as the General Contractor (I do not recommend it unless your cholesterol ratings and time schedule are in mint condition). I was in need of a roof truss and figured I would go to a couple of stores that could farm this out for me. My first stop was at Lowes. They quoted me $15,000. I then went across the street to Home Depot and after I gave them my quote they came back with $13,500. Now, here is where the learning lesson comes in, I decoded to not stop there but go to another Lowes close by (I live in an area that has almost 10 Lowes and Home Dept. stores in the Metro community). I did not tell them about my stopping at another Lowes but did mention the Home Depot quote of $13,500. They came back and said $12,000 was the best they could do, I didn't believe them. After it was said and done I wound up going with the fourth Lowes I found for a total of $7,500! I am not bragging rather trying to convey the need to keep going when you think you got a deal; it often pays off and especially when looking 4 great buys on big ticket items.

2. Buying the Trap Items. What are these? Well, you know how Wal-Mart is famous for the yellow tag items. They admittedly do this so the buyer comes to get that but then they purchase the marked up items. By the time they walk out of the store they feel like they did well in reality they just got taken. I come from Corporate America and believe me they think like this. The truth is you can turn the table on them. How? Buy the Trap Items and get out. One of the golden rules to successful shopping is to be consistently disciplined.

3. Saying NO to the Extended Warranty: Stores often play on the fact that electronics are a big investment, scaring you into buying an Extended Warranty. Don't be fooled! Extended Warranties are just a trick to get you to pay a much greater amount for an item than you need to. It's incredibly profitable for the retailer. This has been well documented by people that look out 4 best buys (Consumer Reports, etc). The solution is to pay for your electronics items with a credit card that provides an extended warranty protection. Most do.

If you would like to see the whole all ten shopping tricks 4 great buys then click on the link to the blog below.