One Man's Treasure is Another Student's Loan
So now that you have some spare money from the second job to help pay off the first job so you can get a third job (I swear, this is the last flow chart reference), you're wondering what to spend that hard-earned currency on. Will it be Star Wars: Force Unleashed on the XBox360? Season 4 of The Office on DVD? A shopping spree of no limitations at Happy Harry's? Perhaps you'd rather invest that leftover gross in Fannie Mae stock or the Barack Obama presidential campaign (assuming there's a difference)? No matter what you decide to go for that extra money, like gonorrhea, is burning a hole in your pocket and you must spend it! Problem is you're living literally paycheck to paycheck or, in most cases whenever the family decides to send money, leaving no room to maneuver in the event an unexpected bill, emergency party, noise ordinance fine, pregnancy, or STD that comes your way. College easily produces more poor money managers than the Bush Administration or the former housing bubble.
However, like Barack Obama; there is Hope and Change™ ... only we'll try to leave you with more than just change in your pocket since hope doesn't pay the rent.
There are literally hundreds of books in circulation on how to save money while in college, however, such books cost more money than you would actual save while this article won't cost you anything except a few minutes of your time... and quite possibly your grade if you're reading it during class time. Many Bothans died to bring you this information. Saving money in college doesn't require a degree in accounting (writing off your college expenditures does though), it requires a basic knowledge of the local area, friends (the kind that prevent you from being a victim of coyote ugly), and, above all else, the ability to suppress impulsive spending.
Having an understanding of the surrounding area not only diversifies your knowledge of the local traditions such as massacring gophers and bison [in a hockey arena], but also gives you an idea of where to shop. There are multiple bakery outlets, thrift stores, and discount retailers in the area that charge a LOT less for critical products like bread, clothes, and pizza. On top of that, these discount stores typically dispense coupons. Money doesn't grow on trees but coupons apparently DO; they turn up in your mailbox, your car windshield, or in your copy of Dakota Student. There is no shame in clipping coupons even if it's a task typically observed by Phyllis Diller; utilize those money-saving pieces of paper to the point where the general manager has to ask his/her district manager to clarify company policy on “once per visit.” Got me kicked out of a video game store!
And while shopping around requires a readily available mode of transportation, this is where your friends come in; carpool!
Let's face it; corn ethanol has NOT lived up to the hype as it decreases fuel efficiency and causes gradual harm to your engine. As such, it costs more to keep a vehicle running especially if you ride by yourself (if you ride alone, you sir, are worse than Hitler). Carpooling helps keep costs and, for you hippies out there, C02 emissions low. If you ride with a friend, be courteous and help pay for gas and if people are riding with you, force them to pay or leave them at the nearest stoplight and take their jacket as “collateral.” If they're drunk stop at every gas station, pretend to fill up the vehicle and make them pay for a full tank.
Lastly, understand that just because you can buy it doesn't mean you should. It feels so good to give in to the salesperson's pitch when looking at a big screen but, like the day after, you realize what you've done, the euphoria is gone, and there's a 15% restocking fee. Also realize that just because it's a coupon, doesn't mean it's a good one.
In conclusion don't be easily swayed by large, shiny objects or the dark side; be responsible with your money since, chances are, it's more limited than products made in the U.S.A.
However, like Barack Obama; there is Hope and Change™ ... only we'll try to leave you with more than just change in your pocket since hope doesn't pay the rent.
There are literally hundreds of books in circulation on how to save money while in college, however, such books cost more money than you would actual save while this article won't cost you anything except a few minutes of your time... and quite possibly your grade if you're reading it during class time. Many Bothans died to bring you this information. Saving money in college doesn't require a degree in accounting (writing off your college expenditures does though), it requires a basic knowledge of the local area, friends (the kind that prevent you from being a victim of coyote ugly), and, above all else, the ability to suppress impulsive spending.
Having an understanding of the surrounding area not only diversifies your knowledge of the local traditions such as massacring gophers and bison [in a hockey arena], but also gives you an idea of where to shop. There are multiple bakery outlets, thrift stores, and discount retailers in the area that charge a LOT less for critical products like bread, clothes, and pizza. On top of that, these discount stores typically dispense coupons. Money doesn't grow on trees but coupons apparently DO; they turn up in your mailbox, your car windshield, or in your copy of Dakota Student. There is no shame in clipping coupons even if it's a task typically observed by Phyllis Diller; utilize those money-saving pieces of paper to the point where the general manager has to ask his/her district manager to clarify company policy on “once per visit.” Got me kicked out of a video game store!
And while shopping around requires a readily available mode of transportation, this is where your friends come in; carpool!
Let's face it; corn ethanol has NOT lived up to the hype as it decreases fuel efficiency and causes gradual harm to your engine. As such, it costs more to keep a vehicle running especially if you ride by yourself (if you ride alone, you sir, are worse than Hitler). Carpooling helps keep costs and, for you hippies out there, C02 emissions low. If you ride with a friend, be courteous and help pay for gas and if people are riding with you, force them to pay or leave them at the nearest stoplight and take their jacket as “collateral.” If they're drunk stop at every gas station, pretend to fill up the vehicle and make them pay for a full tank.
Lastly, understand that just because you can buy it doesn't mean you should. It feels so good to give in to the salesperson's pitch when looking at a big screen but, like the day after, you realize what you've done, the euphoria is gone, and there's a 15% restocking fee. Also realize that just because it's a coupon, doesn't mean it's a good one.
In conclusion don't be easily swayed by large, shiny objects or the dark side; be responsible with your money since, chances are, it's more limited than products made in the U.S.A.