Saving money can be a challenge, especially when there are so many tempting ways to spend it. But with a little bit of planning and creativity, it’s possible to stretch your budget further and free up more money for the things you love, like reading. Here are a few money-saving hacks that can help you get more books for your buck:

1. Buy used books: One of the easiest ways to save money on books is to buy them secondhand. You can find used books at thrift stores, library book sales, and online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. These books are often just as good as new, and you can often find rare or hard-to-find titles for a fraction of the cost.
   • If you live in Tennessee near Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga or in North Carolina near Greensboro or Winston-Salem, I highly recommend going to McKay’s.  The one near me has bins outside with free books!
2. Use the library: Don’t forget about your local library as a source for free books. Most libraries allow you to borrow books for free, and many also offer e-books and audiobooks that you can download to your device.
   • Check out the app Libby. All you need is a valid library card from your library and you can “check out” e-books and audiobooks.
3. Get a Kindle: If you love reading but hate the cost of physical books, consider investing in an e-reader like a Kindle. These devices allow you to download books electronically, often at a discounted price. Plus, they’re lightweight and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
   • There are lots of free e-books online and if you read a lot, it might be worthwhile to pay for the Kindle Unlimited membership.
4. Join a book club: Book clubs are a great way to save money on books because you can split the cost of the book with other members. Many book clubs also offer discounts on books or access to advanced copies.
5. Look for deals: Keep an eye out for book sales and discounts at your local bookstore or online. Many retailers offer discounts on new releases or seasonal sales, so you can save money on the books you want to read.
   • I receive a daily email from Bookbub, that suggests discounted and free e-books I might like based on the categories I picked.
6. Use coupons: If you’re shopping online, don’t forget to use coupons or promo codes to save even more money. Many retailers offer discounts for first-time customers or for signing up for their email list, so be sure to check for these deals before you make a purchase.
7. Trade books with friends: If you have friends who are also into reading, consider trading books with each other instead of buying new ones. This is a great way to save money and discover new authors and genres.
   • Don’t have any friends that read? No problem. Here are 3 popular book exchange websites:
     • PaperBackSwap
     • BookCrossing
     • BookMooch
8. Use cashback apps: If you do end up buying books, consider using a cashback app to get some money back. These apps allow you to earn rewards or cash back on your purchases, so you can save a little bit of money on the things you’re already buying.
9. Take advantage of free trials: Many e-book subscription services offer free trials, which allow you to read as many books as you want for a limited time. These trials are a great way to save money on books and try out different services to see which one is right for you.

By using these money-saving hacks, you can stretch your budget further and read more of the books you love. Whether you’re into bestsellers, classics, or obscure indie titles, there are plenty of ways to save money and get your book fix.