Let's face it: prices are high lately, and it doesn't seem like they're going down. The purchasing power of the dollar continues to fall, both internationally and in the United States. One of the biggest economic strains in this country stems from rising gas prices. This not only forces people to pay more at the pump, but also drives up shipping and freight costs, resulting in higher prices on goods across the country. These effects are amplified in major cities. Fortunately, there are ways to stretch your dollar farther and combat high prices in cities such as Washington, D.C.: conserve energy at home, walk or use public transportation to save on gas, and search Craigslist for great bargains.

In case you are not familiar, Craigslist is a network of site for communities throughout the United States and around the globe. Initially, it was founded as a resource for the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995. By 2006, there was a Craigslist site targeting audiences in each of 450 cities, U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Advertising on Craigslist is free in nearly all forums, and all forums are organized into categories for ease of navigation.

D.C. Craigslist (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org) is a great resource for bargain hunting throughout our nation's capital. In the "for sale" section, you can make contact with people looking to sell their stuff. The section is broken up into smaller categories to make it easy to find what you're looking for. Looking for a deal on an XBox? Check out the electronics forum. Want some rims for that new ride? Cruise to the auto parts board. It's not just major items that are available, either. You can find toasters and other small appliances, old movies and music, and if you're really fortunate, you might stumble upon exactly what you're looking for in the "free" category. Sometimes people post coupons they don't need in this category, so it pays to check it out every so often just to see if you can get a discount on something you buy frequently.

There a few caveats about this particular mode of frugality. First, if you have issues about buying used goods, you may want to shy away from buying from Craigslist posters. Most things being sold on CL tend to be items people either don't want or no longer use, so if you are strictly into brand new, steer clear. If you don't mind a gently used toaster, though, CL is perfect for you. Second, be sure to note how you are supposed to actually take possession of your purchase. Some buyers will deliver, some will ship, and some require you to make a pick up. Work this out beforehand. A third warning applies to purchases in general, not just on CL: buyer beware. Always inspect items and ask questions before buying, especially when making a major purchase.

Craigslist is the frugal shopper's dream. Buying used goods directly saves on overhead costs, which is great for you, the buyer. In expensive cities like D.C., saving a few bucks on Craigslist can make all the difference in the world.