Electronics can be the biggest of all your expenses. However, if you have the proper tips, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get the best equipment. Instead, you can actually save you quite a bit of money. The problem is many people do not know about these tips and end up paying the full retail price. Here are the top 5 tips for saving on electronics!!

1. Shop For Sales
The first thing you need to do is one of the most obvious – check your sales ads each week. If you need a TV now, don’t just buy the first one you see. Wait a week or two and see what’s out there – it’ll be worth the extra $100.

2. Price-Match
Some stores used to, and many still do, offer a price match. For example, if you do not live near a store having a great sale, you can take their ad to a local store and still get the sale price. However you may want to find out if the stores do this for exact models or if they can will only be close to the models which are being shown in the sales ad (though this could also work in your favor, if that’s what you want).

3. Price Adjustments
Quite often when you buy a high end electronics item, you might notice the item you just bought for sale in the future! Now some stores, depending on their policy, will reimburse you the difference of your price to the sale price. However, you need to make sure you evaluate the policy of the store to see if this option is available and if it is, how long you have to find the sale price. If you know of a store that’s particularly generous, frequent them often, in case it’s ever an issue!

4. Rebates
Most people think the sale price of an item will be the bottom line, but you may not realize that you can still qualify for a rebate on the item. You may have to search out these items, but you will realize this item is well worth it when you get that check in the mail!

5. Charge Sparingly
You may be tempted to use a credit card for purchasing something, because it will seem more affordable that way. However, you should use this with caution, because you’re still spending the same amount PLUS INTEREST. The only time you should consider using a card is if you will definitely earn rewards and they will pay off eventually, or because you’re signing up for a store credit card that will give you an additional discount. If that’s the case, go for it, but pay it off IMMEDIATELY.

Michaela Osborn likes to write about electronics, cinema & saving money at Boatinsurance.org.