Books

Books about Money I’m Most Excited to Get When the Library Re-opens

June 19, 2020 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

The library is one of the things that I’ve missed most during California’s shelter-in-place. Our libraries have been closed since March. The San Francisco Public Library offers a number of wonderful things. There are a ton of great online resources during this time. However, I really love to read print books. I miss going to the library and picking up a big stack of them. I can’t wait until I can do that again.

Since our library’s workers have been moved over to other essential work during this time, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to. But when I do, there are some relatively new books about money that I’m looking forward to picking up. Here is what’s on my list:

Invisible Americans: The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty

I like to read a wide variety of books about money. Oftentimes I read self-help or how-to guides that assist me with personal finance. But I also enjoy reading memoirs, biographies, and non-fiction books about money that give me insight into economics at a grander level. I’m very intrigued by this book by Jeff Madrick. It explores how poverty, even when experienced relatively briefly, negatively impacts children.

It reminds me a bit of The Deepest Well in which Nadine Burke Harris explores the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. We need to remedy the financial problem of poverty for children if we want them to have better outcomes as adults. This is an important topic. So, while it may not be on a traditional list of books about money, it’s right at the top of my own list.

Rogue Money and the Underground Economy: An Encyclopedia of Alternative and Cryptocurrencies

This book by John C. Edmunds purports to give a strong overview of cryptocurrency from its history to its current role in the marketplace. This is a part of personal finance that I’m always seeking to understand better. Therefore, this is definitely one of the books about money that I’m eager to pick up when my library re-opens.

More Money Now: Use your Existing Skills, Connections and Technology to Start Earning Cash Today

This book by Michael Zechmann was published in 2018. However, my own library only got its copy recently. Therefore, I’ve never had the chance to read it. I’m curious to see what it says about how students, retirees, and others can make some extra money right now. I’d love to compare how the advice in it relates to the current situation given that COVID-19 has changed the landscape in some ways. Plus, I always like books about money that give me ideas for making extra cash. I don’t always use the ideas but sometimes they get me thinking about earning money in new ways.

Wealth Unbroken: Growing Wealth Uninterrupted by Market Crashes, Taxes and Even Death

Similarly, Rebecca Walser’s book was published in 2018 but only came to my library recently. This one is about long-term investing. Again, since it was published before the pandemic, some advice in it may not apply. However, its subtitle suggests that it’s actually all about how to weather storms, even an unprecedented one such as this. So, I think that bodes well and makes it worth at least checking out.

Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy

I’m very fascinated in the pros and cons of the gig economy. I’ve worked in the gig economy myself for a long time in various ways. I’ve watched the landscape change significantly over the past decade. I’m curious to see what this book by Alexandrea Ravenelle has to say about it all.

What books about money do you most hope to read soon?

How to Start a Lending Library for Your Church or Other Organization

February 21, 2019 By Shannon Christman 24 Comments

Public libraries are great money savers for readers, but what can you do if your reading interests are more specialized than those of the general public? Many community organizations, historical societies, and places of worship offer small libraries of special-interest materials for their members. If your organization does not have a lending library, consider starting one of your own. Here’s how.

How to Start a Lending Library

You already share interests with your fellow SCUBA divers or philatelists; why not share your books? Bed and breakfast owners might also consider offering their guests a small selection of reading material to enjoy during their stays. Starting a library is not as expensive or time-consuming as it sounds. Specialized library supplies can be replaced with common office supplies, and a small collection doesn’t require an elaborate cataloging system.

Begin by asking members of your organization to donate books and other media on your subject of interest. You may wind up with some items that are outdated or in poor condition, but you will most likely get some generous donations, as well. You can also ask for monetary donations to buy new materials; if you do, ask the group for recommendations on the best books and videos on the subject.

Once you have enough materials to start a library, decide how you want to organize them, how you want to let people know what’s available, and how to manage the circulation. You can also consider promoting the library by writing reviews of items available for checkout in the organization’s newsletter.

Organizing the Books

This can be as simple as placing them in alphabetical order by author, or as complex as using the Library of Congress cataloging system. When I put together the library for our church, I alphabetized the fiction books and used the Dewey Decimal system for the non-fiction so that people could find books on similar subjects next to each other. (I searched the public library’s catalog for the same or similar books to get the appropriate Dewey Decimal number.) You can group materials by subject on the shelves and alphabetize within the subject.

Cataloging

A library of more than a hundred items or so should have a catalog to let people know what the library owns. Sophisticated cataloging software is available, or if you have a volunteer with computer skills, you can customize an ordinary database for the library’s catalog. There’s always the low-tech route, too—for our church library, we use index cards for a card catalog and place the cards in a box.

Each database entry or catalog card should include, at the minimum, the item’s title, author, and location on the shelf. I would also include publication date, publisher name, series, and subjects. The Library of Congress has a list of formal subject headings used by public and academic libraries, but you may choose to devise a set of subject headings that better suit your organization’s membership. (For example, the formal subject heading for books on the theology of end times uses the word “Eschatology,” but few members of our congregation have formal theological training, so our catalog cards say, “End times.”) I recommend keeping a list of subject headings so that the terminology is consistent throughout the catalog.

People may search for a book by its title, author, subject, or series, so be sure any computerized database is searchable in these areas. If you are using index cards for the catalog, make a separate card for each and alphabetize them all together.

Keeping Track of the Books

To manage the circulation (keep track of what’s checked out), you may either choose to set hours of operation and have volunteers staff the library, or you may design a self-checkout system that allows people to access the library at any time. If you choose the latter, it’s unlikely that you will be able to collect any fines, but you should still decide on and post guidelines for how long readers can check out items so that no one has to wait too long for a popular book or DVD. If you choose a self-checkout system, you might also consider holding orientation sessions (especially when the library is new) to let people know what’s available and how to check it out.

Preparing the Books

You can prepare materials to add to the library at a relatively low cost with items from an office supply store. To start our church library, I used address labels, envelopes, index cards, rubber cement, and contact paper. I printed out labels with the church’s name on it to place on the title page and labels with the book’s shelf location (Dewey Decimal number or first three letters of the author’s name) to place on the spine. On hardcover books, CDs, videos, and DVDs, I covered the spine label with contact paper; on paperbacks, I covered the entire spine and the vertical cover edges with contact paper (to reduce the wear that comes with multiple readings).

I then took a small envelope, cut off the top half of the flap side of the envelope, and sealed the bottom half to create a card envelope, which I glued in the back of the book using rubber cement. I wrote the title of the book on an index card with columns for people to write their names, phone numbers, and due date beneath the title and placed the card in the envelope pocket. (Caution: If your library is open to the public, learn about any applicable privacy laws before using cards with personal information on them.) Library users can take out this card and place it in a second box to indicate that the book was checked out.

Maintaining Your Lending Library

If you expect your library to grow beyond the original collection, you should also consider how you will handle donations and/or budget to buy new books, as well as how you will hold library users responsible if they do not return an item. (Will you expect them to pay to replace it with an identical item, ask them to donate a similar item, or just tell them to keep it and enjoy it?) Think, too, about what you will do if the library grows too big: will you weed out old books or find more storage space?

Each lending library has different needs, and each librarian or library committee (which may be just you) will have different ways of meeting those needs. Whatever decisions you make about how to operate your organization’s library, you will find that a little work and a small budget can create a valuable resource for everyone in your organization. As a bonus, you (the librarian) will often get to be the first person to read any interesting books donated to the cause!

Have you started a lending library and have any tips? Share with us in the comments below!

New Trend: Mental Health Books Outsell Diet and Exercise Books

January 13, 2019 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

At the beginning of the year, everyone is looking for something to better about themselves. While 71% of Americans who made resolutions resolved to focus on diet and exercise in 2019, it turns out more people may be interested in improving their mental health. According to recent data released from Barnes and Noble bookstores, mental health books are outselling those centered around diet and exercise.

Why Mental Health Books

Throughout the New Year’s season, Barnes and Noble collected data from its customers to predict what books may be popular in the year to come. It was collected from purchases made on Barnes and Noble’s websites and within its retail store locations from December 16 through January 5. What the bookstore found in its data was that more readers seem to be focused on reducing stress and increasing self-esteem than they are on losing weight.

This is a change in the usual trend, according to Liz Harwell, the senior director of merchandising for trade books. “Books related to self-improvement are always in high demand around the new year, but in a recent shift, books focused on mental well-being are far outpacing titles addressing exercise and dieting,” she said.

Across the chain of bookstores, more people are buying material about mental and emotional well-being than ever before. Whereas in previous years, January typically brought a peak in sales for diet and exercise books.

The Most Popular Books

If you’re interested in improving your mental health in the new year, you may be wondering what people are buying from Barnes and Noble. Below are the most popular mental health books being sold this year.

Barnes and Noble isn’t the only bookseller noticing a change in trends this year either. Amazon has also listed each of these among its top 20 list of bestselling books.

Other Lifestyle Change Books

That isn’t to say the popularity of diet and exercise literature has completely faded out. Amongst Barnes and Noble customers, physical health books were still popular. However, most of the health and wellness books sold seemed to focus solely on healthy eating.

When it comes down to it, if you want to really see a positive change in your life you will need to educate yourself on how to improve. Those wanting to seriously change their finances usually turn to a Dave Ramsey novel or another critically-acclaimed personal finance book. What is interesting is to see America’s focus switch from physical to mental and emotional well-being.

What Is Guillermo Del Toro’s Net Worth?

March 5, 2018 By David Robson Leave a Comment

Guillermo Del Toro

The Shape of Water, the latest film from visionary director Guillermo del Toro, just won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and has made $126.4 million at the box office so far. But what is Guillermo del Toro’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated at $40 million. He is perhaps the most famous and financially successful Mexican filmmaker, and among the best-known directors of horror and fantasy films.

But he achieved that position after more than two decades of hard, passionate work spent honing his craft and working on a huge number of projects.

His Directing History

His first feature as director, Cronos (total box office: $621,000), introduced to the world a bold and distinct new voice in fantasy cinema. He turned that initial success into a steady, busy career, alternating between Spanish language films (including the acclaimed fantasy Pan’s Labyrinth, which earned $83.3 million at the box office) and Hollywood franchise films such as the vampire actioner Blade II (box office: $155 million) and the Hellboy films (combined box office: $260 million).

Del Toro’s Pacific Rim, a high-budget tale of giant robots battling huge monsters from another dimension, brought in a whopping $411 million at the box office.

His recent work has taken a more adult turn, including works like the Gothic romance Crimson Peak (box office: $74 million) and The Shape of Water — which in addition to winning four Oscars also gave del Toro his first Golden Globes win earlier this year.

Diversified Career

Naturally much of his current net worth comes from his being an Oscar-winning director, but the fact is he’s incredibly diversified. As side hustles go, being a movie producer (of things like Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3, which brought in over $1 billion at the box office combined) is more lucrative than most. And his Emmy-winning Trollhunters series is Netflix’s most-watched youth-targeted show.

As an author, he co-wrote a trilogy of novels and turned them into the long-running television series The Strain. And those novels have been translated into multiple languages, as well. Factor in the art-heavy books he releases as a writer and artist, and he’s comfortable off his author earnings alone.

As for his assets, del Toro owns multiple houses: one in Toronto, his second home and favored work city, and three houses in Agoura Hills, CA (average price: $1.02 million). Two of them hold his substantial collection of horror and fantasy memorabilia; this collection recently completed a tour of three museums in the exhibition “Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters,” and must itself be considered an asset.

Lessons from Guillermo del Toro’s Net Worth

His incredible career trajectory is the perfect illustration of the principle: Follow your passion. As one goes deeper into del Toro’s writing about the monsters that obsess him, it’s hard to imagine him becoming anything else. He has often put his directing salary (the guild minimum is about $220,ooo per movie) toward the effects of his movies to achieve his vision (though his movies are successful enough that he earns his salary on the back end). He will almost certainly continue to do this when needed, and be sure, his salary and his net worth will definitely increase as a result of his Oscar wins.

Also remarkable is del Toro’s persistence. Some of his projects were too big to execute, or too weird to find financing, but he hasn’t let those setbacks keep him from moving forward (or sideways, on other work). He’s also backed away from deals that haven’t worked for him; his second feature, Mimic (box office: $25 million) was taken from him by the Weinstein Company, and he vowed never to work for them again (a smart decision, given recent events).

Finally, del Toro himself exhibits a warm personality that has endeared him to his fans, and his collaborators are constantly sending messages of friendship and respect over social media. He has reaped huge success while maintaining artistic integrity, while amassing an enviable net worth. Such success could not have happened to a nicer guy.

20 of the Best Personal Finance Books to Add to Your Reading List

July 25, 2017 By Mary Newton 1 Comment

In a world of misguiding money advice, how do you find the right personal finance book for you? Covering everything from saving money to the consistent habits of the wealthy, these personal finance books offer a wealth of tried and true advice. Listed in no particular order, each book offers sound council rooted in experience; no frills, no tricks, just the honest truth about getting your finances in order. So, if you’re looking for a list of the best personal finance books to read in 2017, here you are.

1. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing by Benjamin Graham

“The greatest investment advisor of the twentieth century, Benjamin Graham, taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham’s philosophy of “value investing” — which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies — has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.” If investing is your game, start off with Graham’s essential work. Updated and revised to apply to modern markets, this text offers everything you need to know to make smart investment choices, and thus has earned a spot on our list.

2.The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

“Acclaimed as a modern-day classic, this celebrated bestseller offers an understanding of—and a solution to—your personal financial problems that will guide you through a lifetime. This is the book that holds the secrets to keeping your money—and making more.” Included for its classing standing, Clason’s parable-style novel is rich with all the right solutions to your financial problems.

3.Debt-Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life by Gail Vaz-Oxlade

“Make no mistake: Getting out of debt isn’t easy. But in Debt-Free Forever, Gail gives you a clear strategy and the steps needed to implement it. So if you’re finished with excuses, overdue notices, and maxed-out credit cards, pick up this book, follow Gail’s plan, and start becoming debt-free forever.” In this remarkable book, Vaz-Oxlade makes the path to becoming debt-free look like the yellow brick road: long and difficult, but also clear, straightforward, and definitely possible. We selected Vaz-Oxlade’s book for its unique yet universally applicable problem solving.

4. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Michael LeBoeuf, and Mel Lindauer, with a foreword by John C. Bogle

“Invest like a Boglehead, and let their grassroots investment wisdom guide you down the path of long-term wealth creation and happiness, without all the worries and fuss of stock pickers and day traders. If you face a financial crisis or problem, or simply want to know what is prudent to do with the money you save, the Bogleheads will have the answers you need to help you gain your financial footing and keep it.” In keeping with John C. Bogle’s investment advice, this witty and clever guide has all you need to know about investment. We chose this guide for its all-around, easy to follow, and thorough information on investing.

5. Pirates of Financial Freedom: A Novel by Joey Fehrman

“Through the financial advice they receive and the other characters they meet along the way, you will learn how to take control of your destiny and start achieving the thriving life of financial success you deserve!” Told through the eyes of fictional pirates, this entertaining read offers essential lessons on the most essential personal finance skills. This is the perfect book for learning those essential healthy financial habits through the experience of relatable characters.

6. The Wealthy Barber: Everyone’s Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent by David H. Chilton

“David Chilton simplifies the complex puzzles of personal finance and helps you achieve financial independence. With the help of his fictional barber, Roy, and a large dose of humor, Chilton shows you how to take control of your financial future–slowly, steadily, and with sure success.” See also: The Wealthy Barber Returns. Selected because it is one of the top-rated financial books ever, Chilton’s plan makes it possible to achieve financial independence, no matter your salary.

7. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt

“Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, they show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.” While this book does not offer twelve-step plans for financial independence or a six week get-rich-quick program, it is essential in transforming your worldview. Understanding the freakonomics mindset will allow you to make smart and beneficial financial decisions.

8. Your Money: The Missing Manual by J.D. Roth

“Guides readers with practical advice for getting — and keeping — their finances in order, covering all the money-management bases, from saving and spending to getting out of debt to investing, and planning for retirement.” Roth’s sensible advice on money management is important in any financial journey. We chose this book because it offers the most comprehensive and simple guide to an essential aspect of financial health: taking control of your money.

9. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker

“According to T. Harv Eker, it’s simple. If you think like rich people think and do what rich people do, chances are you’ll get rich too!” Finances start with the person, and Eker’s approach to thinking like a millionaire will get you in top shape to begin your financial journey. We selected Eker’s book for the way it will transform your mindset on wealth.

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10. Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey

“With practical and easy to follow methods and personal anecdotes, Financial Peace is the road map to personal control, financial security, a new, vital family dynamic, and lifetime peace.” A radio host and best-selling author, Dave Ramsey is a giant in the personal finance world. His advice for achieving financial peace comes from real experience grappling with gaining — and losing, and regaining — wealth and financial health. His financial plans are hailed for their honesty and effectiveness, which is why we had to include one of his works on our list. Ramsey’s acclaimed work focuses not only on financial peace, but also on peace in your life.

11. Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller by Napoleon Hill

“In the updated version, Arthur R. Pell, Ph.D., a nationally known author, lecturer, and consultant in human resources management and an expert in applying Hill’s thought, deftly interweaves anecdotes of how contemporary millionaires and billionaires, such as Bill Gates, Mary Kay Ash, Dave Thomas, and Sir John Templeton, achieved their wealth.” We included this classic in motivational literature as it offers an updated version of Napoleon Hill’s 1937 work with a modern perspective on success.

12. Effortless Savings: A Money Management Guide to Saving Without Sacrifice by Richard Syrop

“Effortless Savings is the ultimate guide to saving without sacrifice. Perfect for readers of any income level or household size, it contains hundreds of ways to save money that are easy and manageable.” We chose Syrop’s guide to saving money because it offers a wealth of ways to save money without having to make sacrifices.

13. On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar

“Succinct, straightforward, and visually appealing “On My Own Two Feet” will redefine “personal finance 101” for women in their 20s and 30s.” If you want a go-to guide for personal finance, look no further. Included because it meets the need of a modern target audience, Thakor and Kedar cover the basics of personal finance in fun and simple way.

14. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns by John C. Bogle

“Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing will show you how to incorporate this proven investment strategy into your portfolio. It will also change the very way you think about investing. Successful investing is not easy. (It requires discipline and patience.) But it is simple. For it’s all about common sense.” Bogle’s common sense approach to basic investing from the man himself is sure to offer the best advice out there for those looking to polish their investment game. We chose to include this book for its standing as an essential investment read, as well as for its short and sweet length.

15. Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan for Getting Your Financial Life Together… Finally by Nicole Lapin

“In RICH BITCH, money expert and financial journalist Nicole Lapin lays out a 12-Step Plan in which she shares her experiences—mistakes and all—of getting her own finances in order. She talks to you not like a lecturer but as your friend. And even though money is typically an “off-limits” conversation, nothing is off-limits here.” Included for its spunky yet expert perspective, Lapin’s 12-step plan is offered in a fun and funky style, perfect for those seeking a bit of pizzazz in their financial advice.

16. Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner

“From tackling taxes to boosting credit scores, Get a Financial Lifecan show those just starting out how to decrease their debt, avoid common money mistakes, and navigate the world of personal finance in today’s ever-changing landscape.” Since Finance 101 is not a class offered in high school, Kobliner’s guide to finances for young people offers the best and most thorough advice for young adults starting out in the scary world of finance. We chose this book because it offers the most comprehensive basic guide to beginning your financial journey.

17. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

“Personal finance author and lecturer Robert T. Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective from two very different influences – his two fathers.” Kiyosaki’s honest observations of his and his friend’s fathers was chosen for its unique perspective on wealth and what it takes to make it financially.

18. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

“A completely practical approach delivered with a nonjudgmental style that makes readers want to do what Sethi says, it is based around the four pillars of personal finance— banking, saving, budgeting, and investing—and the wealth-building ideas of personal entrepreneurship.” Perfect for young adults seeking structure, Sethi’s 6-week financial plan will have you starting on the right foot.

19. Money: Master The Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Anthony Robbins

“Based on extensive research and one-on-one interviews with more than 50 of the most legendary financial experts in the world – from Carl Icahn and Warren Buffett, to Ray Dalio and Steve Forbes – Tony Robbins has created a simple 7-step blueprint that anyone can use for financial freedom.” Robbins’ guide follows advice of financial greats and was included for its merit as a well-rounded first read for anyone looking to learn the ins and outs of the financial game.

20. The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach

“David Bach gives you a totally realistic system, based on timeless principles, with everything you need to know, including phone numbers and websites, so you can put the secret to becoming an Automatic Millionaire in place from the comfort of your own home.” Centered around an anecdote about an average American couple, Bach’s insights into financial health will change your world. We selected this book for its comprehensive information on how to make modern technology work for you.

Personal finance books offer a wide range of advice. While these twenty personal finance books cover a range of topics and financial situations, one thing remains true: their advice is the best of the best. These authors have proved their worth in the financial game, and now they are passing that wisdom on to readers like you. With all these topics out there, you are sure to find the right one for you! Have you read any great personal finance literature? Let us know in the comments.

Photo: Christopher

SlugBooks Review

June 28, 2017 By Mary Newton Leave a Comment

It is no secret that textbooks are expensive. Every college student’s wallet suffers when the beginning of the semester – and book buying time – comes around. Fortunately, SlugBooks offers a simple, stress-free way to find the lowest available cost for your textbook.

How SlugBooks Works

SlugBooks’ methods are straightforward: simply type in your textbook’s ISBN, and you will receive the book’s list price alongside the lowest prices available from a variety of vendors. These vendors – Amazon, Chegg, etc. – partner with SlugBooks to make these price readings available. Prices are shown for purchases and rentals, with an additional unmarked Student Exchange option.

As you search for books, SlugBooks will keep your books in a list. This way, you can see your whole list of textbooks at once. In case you are worried about the website keeping a cache, it also provides an option to clear your search history.

In addition, if you have a textbook that you want to sell, SlugBooks is one of many sites that gives you that ability. The textbook search functions the same way, and selecting the Sell It option will link you to three online buyback sites – also SlugBooks partners – with estimated buyback rates. If you would rather not sell to an online buyback site, you can instead link to the SlugBooks Student Exchange with your Facebook account to list your copy for purchase. This feature is particularly useful when looking for books that are nearby and readily available, as the Exchange centers on university location.

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SlugBooks Positives

The biggest positive of the SlugBooks system is the list price. This gives you a tangible benchmark for evaluating seller prices. For example, if the list price of a book is $21.95, you do not want to buy a used copy from your school for $32.64. This way, you are not just selecting the lowest price, but you are understanding the value of the book itself.

A second positive is the aforementioned Student Exchange. Many times, schools will refuse to buy back books for entry-level courses, yet makes every student purchase a new copy of the textbook. By participating in the Student Exchange, you can easily connect to incoming students at your school who need the same textbook for the same course.

Finally, SlugBooks almost always provides lower prices than schools. As an example, I selected three textbooks for a Medieval History course at Southern New Hampshire University. The three books at their lowest available prices at the school – all used rentals – totaled $25.79. Conversely, at their lowest available price in SlugBooks’ listings, all three books were available for used purchase totaling $21.17. While those savings only total $4.62, savings like this add up as you purchase more and more textbooks. The more expensive the textbook is at list price, the higher a chance your savings will be more obvious.

SlugBooks Negatives

While SlugBooks offers a wealth of information, it also has its drawbacks. The Student Exchange can be limited for smaller or private schools. If there are no sellers at your university, chances are it will not show up on the list at all.

Furthermore, since SlugBooks partners with vendors, its scope is still limited. Sites such as Half.com and Thriftbooks could have lower prices for the books you want, but SlugBooks does not show their prices. This means that, while SlugBooks is a fantastic one-stop site for price comparisons, finding the absolute lowest price available might take further research.

SlugBooks also lists prices from third party sellers via Amazon. While this is most effective in getting you the lowest price possible, it also increases your chance of purchasing a book from a distant location. If you choose to purchase from third party sellers, you may not get your textbook as quickly. All this requires is a bit of extra attention in order to avoid long shipping times.

The final and greatest drawback of SlugBooks is that their prices do not account for shipping and handling fees. While a book may be $10 from your school and $8 from an Amazon seller, that seller might charge $3 for shipping, while the school bookstore will allow free pickup on campus. Before buying a book online at a discounted price, make sure you know the company’s shipping fees. Otherwise, you are not saving money at all.

Conclusion

SlugBooks is a powerful price comparison tool that works with the sole purpose of saving people money. It is consistent, effective, and useful. While it may take some extra work to ensure you are getting the best possible price, its results are always trustworthy, high-quality, and accurate. It is one of the best and most user-friendly textbook comparison tools out there.

Photos: Entrepreneur and Danny Saucedo

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