When you finally do get yourself a good deal, don't let your guard down. Just because you used your wits so expertly to get a great price on the bed, don't feel like you're done yet. When the time comes to do the paperwork and pay, there are additional expenses that you haven't even talked about yet.

Specifically, there are at least two things you may be paying for besides the mattress and box spring - the frame and delivery.

Ideally, I would suggest you try to work these into your negotiations. Go ahead and ask the salesman if he can include either or both of these at no charge. Why? Because the mattress and box spring are really stretching your wallet. You're just about at the limit for what you can afford.

He may give you a break on these extras, but don't count on it. It just never hurts to ask.

But more importantly, make sure he isn't overcharging you for them. Ask how much the frame and delivery charges are at every store. Get a good idea for how much these things should cost.

And when the salesman writes up your paperwork, make sure the charges for the frame and delivery are in line with everything you've been told. If not, question it before you sign anything or give anybody any money. If he's charging you substantially more than anyone else, then he needs to bring those charges down. You're no sucker.