Digital downloads for $5 or less

I love music. And it can be expensive.

If I'm uncertain if I'll like a CD, I borrow it from the library first. If I love it, I buy it via Amazon's MP3 Store or iTunes. Though sometimes digital deals are so good, I don't feel the need to sample first.

The best deals I've found typically come from Amazon, but always check iTunes just in case. I downloaded Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" CD for 99 cents. I think I bought Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" for $2.99 or was it $3.99? Did the same with Sheryl Crow's "100 Miles from Memphis." And I can't found how many I've purchased for $5. I think there was Cee Lo Green, Maroon 5, Emily Osment (for my daughter), Natasha Bedingfield, etc. This compares with $11.99-$15.99 at many electronics/music retailers.

Every now and then both of these digital retailers offer free downloads. Got a Sister Hazel album this way.

Sometimes the MP3s are the same price on Amazon and iTunes. That's when discounted iTunes gift cards can come in handy. They'll go on sale at stores such as Best Buy and Target, but they're also available from time to time at warehouse clubs.

Don't forget to make a copy of your download, or back up your computer. I do both. I download copies of CDs that I buy, too, and burn a disc for my car. Can't tell you how many were scratched before I did this. Lesson learned.