Don't have money to buy an expensive power tool you need just for a day? Or a nice camera for your vacation? Rent it from a neighbor.

"Peer-to-peer" websites connect owners and renters. Rentalic.com, Snapgoods.com and US.Zilok.com are among the largest, serving as listing, reservation and payment portals. The sites provide a contract, which usually includes a security deposit to ensure that items are returned undamaged.

Listing items is generally free; the renter may pay the site up to 10 percent of the rental fee. Other sites focus on free-of-charge borrowing. ShareSomeSugar.com lists a full range of household items; Booklending.com and Lendingebook.com specialize in e-books.

Expect deals on wheels this month. As with cars, new models of bicycles hit the showrooms in September, meaning discounts on old inventory. September is also prime time to buy wine (it's harvest time), large appliances and unsold summer leftovers like grills, patio furniture and lawn mowers.