In our last article, I started telling you about the Top Ten Ways to Save Money in Israel. I got through the first five. They were:

Tip #1: Don't go shopping as an activity
Tip #2: Live within your means
Tip #3: Take care of what you have
Tip #4: Wear it out
Tip #5: Do it yourself

Now it's time for the remaining five.

Tip #6: Anticipate your needs

The weather always turns cold in Israel at the same time: December. We all know that, but do we ever think about it...in June? And yet, if you try to buy gloves or a new pair of waterproof shoes in the height of the rainy season, you're going to pay more for it than if you think ahead and buy something during the summer. Do the same thing and buy those summer sandals or fall sweaters off season. The point is: if you anticipate your needs, you can get some great bargains.

Tip #7: Research value, quality and durability

It pays to shop around. And it pays to do your homework. Sure, you can buy the cheapest brand, but if it breaks after a week or a month when a more durable, only slightly more expensive product would have lasted much longer, you're going to feel like a real freier, aren't you? For years, Brian and I bought the cheapest light bulbs we could find. And you know what? They kept burning out after just a few weeks. We finally switched to a better brand and they last twice as long. But they don't cost twice as much. We also love children's clothes made by Luli - they cost more than what you can buy at Bazaar Strauss or at Mega or Jumbo, but they last and last and last.

Tip #8: Buy it used

One of the great things about not being 16 anymore is that I'm not obsessed with labels, or buying only the newest, hottest brands. Used goods can be just as high quality as new...for a fraction of the price. Brian needed a new laptop computer recently. He spent hours on the Internet researching different makes, mostly on eBay. The computer he got was maybe not the absolute fastest, but it served his needs for 1/3 the price of a new one. There are eBay equivalents here in Israel like www.osale.co.il and www.netaction.co.il. And advertisements on Janglo. Our plate - our Shabbat hotplate - broke recently. So we put out an ad on Janglo and got a perfectly fine unit for half the in-store price. If you can wait, the AACI in Jerusalem holds a twice-a-year "Yard Sale." You want to save money? Consider buying it used.

Tip #9: Get it for less

Here's another story about shopping around. I took my car in for its annual registration test and they told me it needed a new tire. And that they'd be more than happy to do it for me right on the spot. Now, there's something to be said for convenience. But (unfortunately), this was not the first time I'd had problems with my tires. So I called up the my tire guy and asked him how much for the tires. And he gave me a better price. So I drove the few blocks to the other tire store and saved money. I know, I could have had a flat on the way there. But I didn't. And I saved money.

Tip #10: Don't accept the price that is offered

This is related to the previous tip and it's one of the hardest things for immigrants from "Anglo" countries to Israel to grasp. Basically: the price that's listed is not necessarily the price you need to pay. This is the Middle East, the land of the shuk, and you can bargain for just about everything. I'm not talking just about a pair of shoes or a falafel. We've managed to get our Internet service down, our bottled water costs down, even our health plan fees down. Your credo from now on has to be: it never hurts to ask. And you'll be surprised at the results more often than not.

More important than any of these - and this is something I emphasize in my classes all the time - is this: the #1 way to save money in Israel:

Stop trying to impress people!

You know what I mean. You need to ahve the fanciest Shabbat meal. Or you have to buy a nicer car than you need. Or you can't use the less expensive soad, it's gotta be the Real Thing. The sooner you can shake this kind of thinking, the sooner you'll be free to save more money. And although I'm not a psychologist, I think it will be healthier in the long run as well!