That's why today we're rolling out the U.K. site FreeDelivery.org as a companion site to the U.S.-based FreeShipping.org. It turns out the British love online shopping as much as Americans do, if not more. Online shoppers in the UK account for almost one-third of all European Sales and 10 percent of total retail sales in the UK. 

The site allows online UK shoppers to take advantage of more than 650 merchants offering free delivery on a wide variety of products. As of today's launch, Freedelivery.org participants already include such major UK merchants as Harrods, Amazon UK, Apple, Woolworths, Marks & Spencer and the BBC Store -- with many more to come.

The American site Freeshipping.org, was founded in 2007 and now includes more than 2,000 merchants. CEO Luke Knowles said the increased interest in online shopping in the UK made the new site a natural.

"Research showed U.K. online shoppers spend an average of $1,723 each. Providing easy access to free delivery deals will only help increase those figures as it reduces the cost of online shopping."

As in the U.S. and Canada, the e-commerce company will sponsor Free Shipping Day in the U.K., scheduled for Dec. 20. During the one-day online shopping event, participating merchants offer free shipping to customers with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve. 

The annual event has become an outstanding success, receiving overwhelming interest from the media, merchants and consumers.

“We'd like to reach the point where the majority of retailers offer free shipping on all orders,” said Knowles. “That will greatly enhance the experience for shoppers because they can easily access better deals.”

Some products may remain functional but become obsolete due to changing styles and preferences or improvements in newer products while others may have a short life expectancy, due to intensive use.

For example, cell phones become outdated almost the moment you buy them. On average, cell phones are broken, donated, traded-in, thrown away, recycled or otherwise replaced within the first 18 months. Every year, we add 130 million cell phones to the waste stream in the U.S. Not only is that a lot of toxic trash, it's a lot of money out of our pockets.

Electronic products are particularly susceptible to planned obsolescence: It's often far more expensive to repair a toaster, blender or washing machine than to replace it -- if you can even find someone willing to perform the repair. On the other hand, a properly installed roof made of quality products can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance. So how do you know whether to fix it or nix it? We offer the following guidelines to help you decide.

1. The 50-percent Rule
Conventional wisdom holds it's worth repairing a product if parts and labor cost 50 percent or less than the original price you paid. While this is a fairly good guideline, it's also important to figure in the actual replacement cost, particularly on such major items as cars, electronics, appliances and furniture. 

2. Classic or Crap
Before you decide to replace something, carefully consider whether the item you're thinking about trashing might appreciate in value over time. For example, is a well made piece of furniture likely to become an antique? Is your car a Pinto or a classic Mustang? Can you find a replacement turntable to play all those vinyl records in your basement?

3. Life Expectancy
ConsumerReports.com offers a series of year-by-year timeline recommendations based on costs for replacement and repairs and the advantages of purchasing new models for a variety of products. (A paid subscription is required to access this information). The National Association of Home Builders' "Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components" also provides detailed information on consumer-product life cycles.

4. Under Warranty
Check your owner’s manual and records. If your product is still under warranty, schedule a service call with an authorized technician. Smaller items often must be mailed back to the manufacturer or retailer, which require you call them first for authorization. Warranties vary widely but most cover parts and labor for a limited time period. 

5. DIY
Because labor accounts for more than half the cost of a typical repair, you can save big by tackling jobs yourself. Numerous online resources can help diagnose and fix common appliance ailments. Some maintain databases of owner’s manuals and provide lists of reputable parts suppliers. On the other hand, you may risk causing additional damage to yourself and the machine if you’re not the handy type. Be aware that do-it-yourself repairs often nullify warranties.

6. Quality
Well-made, older appliances may be more sturdily built and are worth the cost of repair. Those that depend on computer chips and other high-end electronics tend to be more expensive and difficult to repair. Also figure into your decision if an older appliance or electronic product is sucking up more energy and money to run than a newer model. How long it will take to recoup the cost of a new model?

7. Hidden Costs
Replacement costs include more than the price of the product. For example, you may face costly modifications if your kitchen appliances are built-in. Standard continually change, so even so-called standard-size machines may not fit into the same space as your previous model. Switching from an electric to gas range requires costly visit from the plumber and/or utility company. 

8. Plug It In
Electronic-repair businesses report nearly half of all the items people want repaired are simply suffering from faulty electrical cords, plugs, or other connection problems. Before you call a repair person, clean out air filters, check plugs, replace worn-out belts and make sure it's plugged in and electricity is flowing to that outlet.

After all, it's portable, easy, and needs no water.  But are we really protected by them?  Are they more effective that antibacterial soap with water?  And what are the best brands to use?  According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, cleaning your hands with hand sanitizer is equally effective at killing germs as traditional soap and water--when hands aren't visibly dirty.  Don't expect the Purell to remove caked-on dirt.  Instant sanitizers should be used on unsoiled hands.

So keep a bottle tucked in the purse (or man-bag) and get ready to fight the winter germies.  Don't ignore these basic tidbits and buying truths before stocking up:

1. If you're buying an alcohol-based product, buy one with a skin-softening agent. Alcohol is extremely harsh on the skin. Dial with moisturizers is a good bet. Purell is another strong contender with a line of scented and unscented instant hand cleaners. If you are an anti-bac junkie make sure your lather with lotion several times a day--winter dry skin with constant alcohol application is a recipe for cracked and bleeding hands.

2. Non-alcohol-based cleansers can be just as (if not more) effective at killing germs without trashing your epidermis. Emergency Medical Products developed a gentle yet 99.999% effective product for cruise lines and the product is also available to the general public. DepHyze foaming hand sanitizer is gentle to the skin and eyes, effective against a host of nasty bacteria, and maintains a 120 minute contact barrier against those disease spreading pathogens.

3. Supervise children while administering anit-bac gel. You've probably heard some urban rumors about kids dying after ingesting hand sanitizer. While nothing substantiated exists to prove it, it goes without saying that your kid will probably get pretty sick if he drinks half a bottle.  The Center for Disease Control recommends that instant hand sanitizer be used when soap and water aren't available, especially in schools, where disease is rampant. Use some common sense, but don't hesitate to call Poison Control if your toddler swallows a tablespoon or more.

4. Anti-bac is revolting to the taste. After applying, wait at least five minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate before eating finger foods or feeding babies. Non-alcohol-based cleansers don't taste nearly as bad.

5. Above all, don't go crazy with the anti-bac. Last summer the FDA issued a recall for several Clarcon instant hand sanitizer products for having dangerously high levels of disease causing bacteria. Use it sparingly, but not exclusively. While it may be as effective as soap and water, our bodies need some bacteria to maintain a healthy immune system.

7. Misunderstanding Introductory Rates
Introductory rates are designed to draw you into charging up a card before the loaning agency increases the interest, leaving you paying more in interest than you are in actual debt. It's not unusual for a card's interest rate to go from 0 percent to 18 or 20 percent after the introductory period expires.

Offering to make the loan was just the beginning of my stupidity. I'd used one of those blank checks that credit card companies like to send to good customers. Not only did I end up paying extra fees  but "someone" at the bank replicated the check and lifted another $2000 from my account. They only got $500 and I got a big ding on my credit report for bouncing the second check. I couldn't prove the second check was a forgery and, because my credit rating had slipped to 699, the bank wouldn't give me a loan to repay the $2,500 at a lower interest rate.

Whine, whine, whine, right? Obviously, I learned a big lesson and have never been stupid enough to loan a friend more than $5. 

Sooner or later, a friend or family member will ask you to do them one of the following four financial favors. When this happens, remember the wise counsel Polonius gave his son in Shakespeare's Hamlet: "Neither a borrow nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend."

1. Lending Money
Friends and family members may want to borrow from the YouBank, but doing so can change the entire nature of your relationship if the debtor doesn't comply with the terms of the loan. Even spotting a friend $10 at the bar can end a relationship. If you do decide to lend money to a loved one, think of it as a gift and you'll be delightfully surprised when the debt is repaid. Also, never loan a larger amount than you can afford. If that ten spot means you won't eat for the next few days, you can't afford to make the loan. 

2. Co-Signing Loans
Parents frequently co-sign loans for their kids and, when the fruit of their loins reneges on the debt, end up paying off the balance. Remember co-signing a loan means you're equally responsible for repayment of the entire debt. If things get messy, it could damage your credit rating, which can lead to a severe increase in your credit-card interest rates and limit your ability to borrow money in the future. 

3. Authorizing Secondary Card Use
Here's another mistake parents often make. The kid is off to college and, just in case of an emergency, you give them a copy of your credit card and sign them on a an authorized user. The bills start to roll in and the kid is charging a lot of pizza deliveries like the card represents a bottomless pit of cash. The same situation can occur when a married couple goes through a divorce but they continue to share a credit card. Even if the divorce agreement stipulates the secondary card user will pay the bill, there is no way you can legally force them to do so. 

Authorizing a friend or family member on your card gives them carte blanche to use the card but they have no legal liability for payment. You could end up stuck with a big bill and another ding on your credit rating. 

4. Letting Family or Friends Move In
You see this situation all too often in advice columns. Parents allow an unemployed child to move in and don't charge rent because, well, it's their kid. Or a best-friend asks if they can bunk at your place until they're back on their feet. What incentive do they have to move out when living rent free? You may en up with a permanent couch ornament and there's no end in site. 

Or you may allow your mother-in-law to move in rent free. After all, she's in her 80s and can't last that long. Then the woman hangs on for another 10 years, doesn't contribute a red cent to household expenses and expects you to wait on her hand and foot. (I'm not saying all mothers-in-law behave this way. Just consider this a worse-case scenario.)

Once ensconced in your home, it can take the equivalent of an extradition order to pry a leach loose. Establish a set period of residency, create a short-term lease and enforce it -- by law, if necessary.

Dealing with debt collectors can be frustrating and frightening but many are concerned about how filing for bankruptcy or working with a credit counselor will look. You wouldn't think twice about seeing a doctor when you're ill, so why not work with a credit counselor when your finances are under the weather? 

More than a million people every year file personal bankruptcy while millions more do nothing and end up with ruined credit and lots of stress. Going to a pro for help may not be your proudest moment, but there are definitely a lot worse things that could happen.

But how do you know when a counselor will work in your best interest? We've put together 8 tips to help you understand and select a credit counseling agency that is right for you.

1. How it Should Work
A qualified credit counseling agency should counsel you regarding all your debts and present you with all your options before you do anything that you can't undo. In other words, they should counsel you, not slam you into the only fix that makes money for them.

2. Credentials
Look for a credit counseling agency that belongs to one of two trade associations: the National Foundation of Credit Counselors (NFCC), or the Association of Independent Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA). You can find NFCC members near you at their Find a Counselor Now page. You can find AICCCA members near you by using their state by state lists. 

Check the BBB or other online sources for complaints and interview more than one agency. This makes it's easy to distinguish between objective counselors and those who operate like used-car salesmen.

3. Fees
The credit counseling agency you select should be non-profit so ask about fees before you start working with them. Most agencies provide free advice, but you'll typically pay a small monthly fee to set up your DMP (free to $50) and a monthly fee (five to 10 percent of your debt payment with a $25 to $50 cap).

4. How Counselors Make Money
Your monthly fees aren't enough to keep an agency alive. Banks pay counselors a percentage of the money they've collected from you on the bank's behalf. The percentage received has declined of late, so some major banks are now handing out grants to agencies. 

Obviously, your adviser has a powerful incentive to collect the most money from you so their "commission" is higher. You may want to consider another option, like repaying your debt without a DMP or declaring bankruptcy, if you're not happy with their advice. Still, it's worth checking out agencies as many dispense honest and objective advice. Watch out, however, for DMP mills, which typically do a lot of advertising and put virtually all their clients on a DMP simply to make money.

Non-profit agencies are funded through various sources, including voluntary contributions from creditors, local grants from private sources and foundations, and client fees and contributions.

5. Services Offered
Ask about the range of services an agency supplies, including budget counseling as well as savings and debt management classes. Avoid organizations that push a debt management plan (DMP) as your only option before they spend a significant amount of time analyzing your financial situation. A counselor or agency also should provide free educational materials. Avoid agencies that charge for such materials.

6. Getting Started
When you contact an agency, you will be advised of any information you need for your counseling session. You will be able to gather your financial documents and other relevant information together and receive professional help in-person, by phone, by mail, or online. 

7. Debt Management Program
Credit counseling agencies or organizations help you develop a Debt Management Program, or DMP, which effectively allows them to serve as an intermediary between you and the people you owe. They'll contact your credits and negotiate to lower the interest rate, waive penalty fees, reduce the total amount you owe, and establish a monthly payment plan you can actually afford. Once you've established a plan, you'll send a single monthly check to the counseling agency, which will divide the money among your creditors. A standard DMP runs three to five years. 

8. Bankruptcy
If your debt includes bills that don't qualify for a DMP, such as a mortgage or car loan, you may be better off filing for bankruptcy than developing a DMP. An agency can help you through this process, with the amount of assistance provided dependent upon your income. Most agencies offer free education programs and a one-time meeting with a counselor, who provides you with a detailed report of options you've discussed.

The agency will help you decide whether to file for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 allows those with regular income to repay debts over three to five years. This drags things out a bit but it stops foreclosures. If you're behind on your mortgage, a Chapter 13 will allow you to keep the house and catch up on payments over time. Those without regular income must file Chapter 7, which involves no payment plan but won't stop foreclosure. It will wipe out debts such as credit-card balances and medical bills but it's not a free pass.

You spend a lot of money each year on stuff.  If you are accustomed to buy now, pay later you are paying even more for the interest on your stuff.  Don't be tricked into the monthly payment mindset--that immediate gratification type of thinking will wipe out your long-term wealth building potential.

1. Furniture: BUY
Unless you move every year or two and pay big moving fees each time, never rent furniture.  Temporary international relocation might be an exception.  Scour the nickel paper for garage sales and pick up odds and ends until you can afford the expensive Haverty's set.  I've found the best sofas at yard sales.

Some rental companies charge up to 50% more than the furniture retail value.  And you have no guarantee as to the quality of rented furniture.  Calculate the overall payout for your rented furniture--you'll find it is much higher than you anticipated.   $200 per month may not hurt your pocketbook immediately, but you'll have nothing at the end of your lease term.

2. Recreational Vehicle: RENT
RVs range between $9,000 and $200,000 with wide differences in quality and performance.  Unless you live in the thing or need it for cross-country travel at least once a month, you'll come out ahead spending the $500 per week rental fee (plus mileage) for your yearly getaway.  Hard core campers who travel 50 days out of the year or more might consider buying a used (at least three-year-old) model.

3. Tools: RENT
Attempting that home improvement job and need a tile cutter?  Just rent one unless you plan on becoming a mosaic artist.  Need to spread a mound of dirt to fill in holes in your backyard?  Round up the neighborhood kids and a bushel of shovels or get a backhoe if the job is a biggie.  

If the carpet looks shabby and needs a shampoo, I like to rent a carpet cleaner from Lowe's or Home Depot.  For an industrial grade cleaning, it's far cheaper than hiring a company and better than the units I can afford.  Keep a cache of the basics for everyday jobs, but for bigger tasks check out your local home improvement store.

4. Car: BUY
Nearly 20% of us rent our cars (although it sounds better to say lease).  If you rent your car, you are probably concerned about the instability of aging vehicles and feel more secure knowing that any major vehicular operation is covered.  Think this through with me.  You fork over a down payment, pay a rental amount each month, and then at the end of your term give the car back "free and clear" (unless you've racked up more miles than were allotted to you).  If you'd rather own it at the end of your lease, be ready to pay far more than the car is worth.  Add on excessive mileage fees and leasing becomes a huge expense.

But with the cost of trading in every two years, it makes more financial sense to lease.  Yes, if you are foolish enough to trade in your car every two years.  Buy a reliable used car and drive it until it croaks.  My ten-year-old Honda Accord is still a joy to drive.  While it may not look as pretty as the 2010 model, I rarely have to repair it and don't have a monthly payment.  Cars are not an investment, they are an expense--aside from classic vehicles they will always depreciate in value.

5. House: RENT or BUY
Because of the sheer price of houses, there are many factors that must be considered before deciding to purchase a home.  As we've experienced recently, being a homeowner doesn't guarantee steady appreciation each year.  Rent typically doesn't increase or decrease as quickly as housing costs.  When housing prices are up, hold tight and wait for a lull in the market to buy.  

If you plan on moving within four or five years it may be prudent to rent rather than risk losing considerable money on your new home purchase.  Regardless of your choice, make sure your housing costs don't exceed more than 25% of your household income (and put at least 15% down to not sweat the bills each month).  Check out this calculator to assess your situation and make the best choice.

Car insurance is vital to your financial health and legally required in most states. But how much coverage you're required to carry and how much you need can be two different things. You want to be certain you have enough coverage in case of an accident, but you don't want to be paying for coverage you don't need. Insurance can be expensive, if you have more coverage than necessary.

Auto insurance covering liability for injuries and property damage done to others is compulsory in most states. New Hampshire, for example, doesn't require motorists to carry liability insurance, while residents of Virginia must pay the state a $500 annual fee per vehicle if they don't carry liability insurance. 

Penalties for not purchasing auto insurance also vary, but most involve a substantial fine, license and/or registration suspension or revocation, and possible jail time. Usually, the minimum required by law is protection to cover third parties against the financial consequences of loss, damage or injury caused by a vehicle.

Some states, such as North Carolina, require drivers have liability insurance before a license can be issued.

Check out these 12 tips to ensure you're doing all you can to get the right coverage at a fair cost.

1. Shop Around
Insurance companies' rates will vary depending on where you live. Different companies could have better rates for different vehicles or zip codes. One company could have the best rates for your needs one year and raise them the next. It pays to shop around each year before automatically renewing your policy. Be sure you receive at least three quotes for exactly the same coverage.

2. Only Buy The Coverage You Need
Depending on your assets and personal preferences, you may wish to reject certain coverages, such as personal injury or uninsured motorist protection. You might not need as much liability coverage as years go by. For example, if your car isn't worth much, you may be better off dropping coverages that protect against theft or damage. You might also drop collision coverage. However, make sure before dropping such coverages you can afford to repair or replace the vehicle out of your own pocket.

3. Increase Your Deductibles
You can save significantly by bearing a greater portion of the risk. Just be sure covering costs resulting from an accident out of your own pocket won't put you into severe debt. Most policies include a deductible amount which you'll pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower the price for that coverage. Get quotes for higher deductibles to see how much you could save. Make sure you can afford to pay your deductible, in the event of an accident. A $1,000 deductible, for example, may be substantially cheaper than a $250 deductible, but you’ll have to pay $750 more in the event of an accident.

4. Invest in a Longer Policy
In most cases, the longer the policy term, the cheaper your rates will be. Three or six-month policies could end up costing more than a 12 month policy. But regardless of the length of your policy, you may save money by paying for coverage up front, instead of in monthly installments.

5. Stay Insured
Allowing your insurance to lapse can make raise your rates when you do instate, as well as making it more difficult to obtain insurance. Once your insurance expires, you're considered a higher risk and insurance companies usually charge extra.

6. Don't Insure Vehicles You Don't Drive
If a car has been sitting in your garage for a year waiting for repairs and you don't plan on fixing it any time soon, don't waste your money to insure it. Just be certain you won't be driving the car for the duration of your policy. Keep in mind you'll most likely still need to register this vehicle. Make sure the car is parked off the street, in a place where it likely won't be damaged.

7. Drive Safely
Accidents, especially accidents where you're at fault, will increase your monthly premium for three to five years. If you haven’t had an accident in a while, be sure to ask your agent if you qualify for an accident-free discount. If you get into a minor collision, especially if your vehicle is the only one involved, you may want to pay out of pocket instead of reporting a claim, particularly if the cost for repair doesn't meet the deductible. The amount you pay in accident surcharges can be more than the vehicle repairs. Also, drive defensively and safely to avoid tickets as each ticket impacts your premium.

8. Make Your Car Safe
By driving a "low profile" car and having certain safety features, such as an anti-theft system, some insurances will provide discounts up to 36 percent. High-profile cars include brightly colored, high-performance and more expensive vehicles. Service your car routinely to ensure its safety. Purchasing a vehicle with such auto-safety features as anti-lock brakes will also lower your payments.

9. Join an Auto Club
Affiliation with AAA and certain other professional organizations will lower your rates. Ask your employer and insurance agent if they offer group insurance rates.

10. Drive Less
Driving less yields substantial discounts, particularly if you have a short commute to work or don't commute during morning and evening "drive times" when traffic is heaviest. Some insurance companies offer up to a five-percent discount if you drive less than 7,500 miles per year, and up to 10 percent if your annual mileage is under 5,000.

11. Take a Driver's Training Class
Most companies offer discounts for pre-approved driver-training courses, especially for teen drivers. Check your insurance before investing a lot of money in such a course. But no matter your age, lessons from a professional can save money by helping you become a safe driver.

12. Bundle Policies
Combine policies to cover your home and all vehicles for a substantial savings. If your children have their own cars, consider including them in your policy and having them pay a portion of the premium. Don't forget to include recreational vehicles and boats.

13. Renewal Discounts
Make sure you receive a "renewal" discount, if available. This is a discount given those who have been with the same insurance company for an extended period of time.

14. Occupational Discounts
Strange as it may seem, some companies offer better rates for those in professions they see as low-risk. For example, studies show engineers and teachers have fewer accidents and, as a result, are eligible for cheaper premiums. Non-smokers also receive better rates. Maybe they figure non-smokers are less likely to be distracted by the mechanics of smoking while driving.

College endowments also continue to shrink, making it more difficult for colleges to offer grants and scholarships. Finally, private student loans are harder to obtain, with a drop in about 30 percent of loans as banks raised lending standards.

In response, our federal government has broadened loan programs for students by offering more loans, more money, and better rates while increasing tax breaks for parents. An expanded tuition credit for households with up to $160,000 in adjusted gross income could trim as much as $2,500 from your tax bill. Still, the economic downturn means many families need to rethink how and how much they'll need to borrow. 

Here are five public and private types of college financial aid.

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Your first step is to fill out the FAFSA form colleges usually require before awarding aid, from merit scholarships to need-based grants and loans. The Department of Education begins accepting the application Jan. 1 of each year. Applicants who have filled out aFAFSA in previous years are able to fill out a renewal FAFSA, but information on taxes and savings, for example, must be updated annually. The form includes numerous questions regarding the student's finances, as well as those of his or her family, if the student is a dependent. The answers are entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). 

2. Federal Perkins Loan Program
Low-interest Perkins loans of up to $4,000 a year go to students with the greatest financial need. Perkins Loans carry a fixed interest rate of 5 percent for the duration of the 10-year repayment period. Borrowers begin repayment in the tenth month after graduation, falling below half-time student status, or withdrawing from college. Interest doesn't begin accruing until the borrower begins to repay the loan. The Perkins Program should balloon to $6 billion a year, from $1 billion, under President Obama's proposed 2010 budget. 

3. Stafford Loans
Stafford Loans are the most common needs-based student loans and almost always have better terms than private bank loans. These loans may be subsidized, in which the government pays the interest while the student is in school, or unsubsidized. Twelve percent of students from families with adjusted gross incomes over $100,000 received subsidizedStaffords in 2008/09 and the interest rate will decline from 5.6 percent to 3.4 percent by the 2011-12 academic year.

Unsubsidized Stafford loans, which any student can receive, are getting more generous, too. You can add $2,000 to the former limits of $3,500 for freshman year, $4,500 for sophomore year, and $5,500 thereafter. Loan terms will remain at 6.8 percent; your college can provide a list of lenders.

4. PLUS Loan Program
PLUS loans allow you to borrow for the full cost of a dependent child's college education, minus any financial aid. For the 2009/10 school year, the interest rate is 7.9 percent for loans that come directly from the government, and 8.5 percent for those in which a financial institution is the intermediary. T he fees run from 3 percent to 4 percent of the loan.

5. Scholarships
Students needn't always have a 4.0 GPA to qualify for scholarships, although it certainly does help. The Department of Education provides a searchable database for college scholarships based on degree area and location.

6. Private Loans
Leave private loans until last. Before the credit crunch, you could cosign a private student loan with a credit score as low as 620. Now, banks require credit scores of 680 to 700, or even 730.

Resisting such high-pressure sales is a combination of knowing what you want before leaving home and knowing how to identify and counteract high-pressure sales methods. Here are 10 steps to guide you through this maze. 

1. Don't Make Yourself a Target: Reject junk mail and sales calls, ask to be taken off lists and place your phone number on the national Do Not Call List. Never allow an unsolicited salesperson into your home and know what you want before you set foot in a store or showroom.

2. Consider Your Options: Make purchasing decisions before you talk to a salesperson. Do you want to purchase a used item, repair a broken item, borrow, rent or buy an entirely new item. 

3. Establish a $200 Rule: If you're married, agree not to spend more than $200 (or whatever figure is appropriate to your income) on any one item without discussing it first. If you're single, consider talking to a friend who will play devil's advocate. Give yourself at least one night to cool down and consider if you really need to make the purchase.

4. Decide on a Price: Establish how much you're willing to spend before shopping. You may end up deciding you don't want to spend anything or want to go for a higher-ticket price to avoid replacing an item in the near future. Consult your budget, bank balance and the quality of product you desire to find a happy medium that is right for you. Remember, however, a higher price doesn't always indicate quality.

5. Do Your Homework: Several minutes of research can save you a lot of money and hassle. Consumers Report is your one-stop shop for just about anything. Your library should have recent editions of the magazine or you can pay a membership fee to use the searchable Consumers Report Web site. Other product-related Web sites, such as Amazon.com, allow consumers to purchase reviews of products sold through that site. If you're buying a car, NPR radio's Car Guys offer a bevy of useful information and user reviews at CarTalk.com. The Internet also allows for easy price comparisons before you step into a brick-and-mortar store. You may find an online price is cheaper, but remember to figure in applicable fees, taxes and shipping costs. 

6. How Will You Use the Item?: If you never cook, that fancy eight-burner gas range is little more than a very expensive kitchen nick-nack. Consider how you'll use a product and how you've used similar products in the past. Are you still using the product and do you like it? If the product comes with many extras, do you really need all of them? Is it worth paying $20 extra for a space heater with a timer if you'll rarely use the timer? Look at all angles of a purchase, such as whether that new couch, piano or other large item will fit through your door. Most importantly, will this item be durable and can it be repaired.

7. Is it a Need or a Want?: You need food, you don't need a new video game. Consider whether the product will improve or damage your quality of life. Is it a toy or a necessity? Sales pitches are calculated to turn a want into a need, where none existed before. 

8. Understand Sales Tactics: If you're shopping with a spouse or partner, watch out for sales reps who will try and play you off each other. Keep in mind you don't owe a person anything just because they've spent a lot of time with you. Sales reps live by the credo, "Always Be Closing," so don't allow yourself to be lulled into complacency. Even small chit chat is directed towards closing a sale.

9. Refuse to Buy on Deadline: Know when a salesperson is using high-pressure tactics and walk away, particularly sales that include a deadline. This includes everything from a first-time-only offer on a club membership to Labor Day sales at a furniture store. If the TVs price will double tomorrow or the couch is suddenly the last one in stock, be on your guard. Deadlines are designed to force you into a sale before you've had time to think.

10. Stop the Chatter: Maintain control of the sales relationship by cutting off conversations when they veer off-topic or go on longer than you'd prefer. High-pressure sales people want to keep you on the line or in front of them as long as possible while continuing to angle for a sale. If you're not interested, you don't have to discuss your reasons. If the sales person still tries to overcome your objections, say a firm "No. Thank you!" and walk away or hang-up.

11. Is the Salesperson on Commission?: Commissioned salespeople are more likely to push high-end products to increase their profit per sale. That's fine if you genuinely need that product, but you may end up paying more for the sales pitch than the item you purchased. Whether you're working with an appliance salesperson or a financial adviser, a commission means the advice you receive is likely to be biased in the adviser's favor...not yours.

12. Ask questions: Don't just nod along to a sales rep's schpiel. Challenge their pitch with intelligent questions about how the product or service works. Be on your guard if the salesperson avoids answering your questions.

13. Be Polite But Firm: It can be difficult to maintain your cool or not feel cowed when someone is giving you a hard pitch. In the end, moderation is your best bet. Tell the sales rep -- in no uncertain terms -- how you feel about the product. Sales reps who recognize you know your mind will either drop the issue or walk away. 

14. Remember Your Goals: If you're saving up to buy a house, pay for college or retire early, you really don't want to spend your money on unnecessary debts. It's not your responsibility to make sure a salesperson can put their kid through college. Consider if the purchase is more important than your eventual goal and how it will impact that goal.