For those games that rank high enough to make it to your buy it list, there are more than a couple of ways to purchase new, or gently used video games and equipment at a discount. There are resources, both online and offline, to purchase discounted supplies, which really helps your video gaming budget. Especially if you have kids, buying at a discount doesn’t hurt as much when something comes up broken.

• Ebay. This is definitely a good source for finding video game systems, supplies and games at a discount. Of course you need to be fully aware of the condition of whatever item you buy, and look into the Seller’s feedback history to make sure you get a good deal from a trustworthy Seller. You can find many new products at much less than retail, even “like new” items are worth the purchase price.
  **Again, exercise caution and do your research before buying on eBay.
• Video Game stores. The main store I know about is GameStop.com. They have a couple of brick and mortar stores in our area, but they also have a website. I love that I can check the availability of an item in my local store then order and go pick it up in-store. These stores offer new and gently used games and systems, some refurbished, others pre-owned. There’s nothing I hate more than spending the money on a video game, only to have the kids lose interest in it, or quit playing it out of frustration when it gets too hard. Getting these items at a discount helps our video gaming budget.
• Watch for the sales! Look for retailers to put video game systems and equipment on sale around the holidays especially, but you can find sales just about any time of year. Look for coupons and coupon codes from your favorite retailer, then match that with a sale for additional savings. Even the video game stores run sales that can help your video gaming budget more than ever.
• Have the kids pitch in with expense. Never fails, as soon as they get one game, a newer, bigger, better one comes out. Make a family financial goal, with the kids contributing to part of the purchase for the next videogame, or piece of equipment. They will certainly take better care of something that they have helped purchase themselves. Plus it’s a good lesson for them to learn in financial decision making.

Video gaming doesn’t have to be an expensive past-time. There are way that you can try out games before you buy them, and there are ways to save on the cost of the ones you decide to buy. Either way, you can stretch your video gaming budget to get the best value.

Happy video gaming!