Shopping for a first/new/better car? Summer is a great time to ponder lots of different possibilities before funding (or getting your gracious parents to fund) such a big purchase. Scouring the Internet for car deals is one of the best ways to weigh lots of different buying options quickly and efficiently. Stephanie Hayes details her search for some new wheels in this St. Petersburg Times story. It's a great illustration of how haggling and price comparing online can, literally, pay off.

Important car shopping tips:
Haggle online. No one needs to know what you look like, or even your gender.
Secure your own loan. You can often do better through your bank or credit union.
Look for money-saving features like manual transmissions and muted paint colors.
Trade smart. See what CarMax or private buyers will offer for your old car. Sometimes it's more than the dealer will give.
Be prepared to leave. If you're not comfortable, get up. Don't yield to pressure. It's your money, your choice.

If you want to get in on the Times' new money-saving feature, Here's the Deal, follow this page on Facebook.

And because we like you, here are some free events coming up that'll give your (probably empty) wallet a break: