Thrifty Tips

Are you always out of cash? Do you constantly find yourself scrounging for change? Or are you the friend that everyone has to lend cash to? If so, this article is for you. No, this is not another cheesy infomercial; it’s a helpful guide to saving money.
As high-schoolers we are constantly in need of money whether it’s for going out, shopping, a date, or going to the movies. So here are some tips to get you through the week without too big dent in your money roll:
· Try selling old clothes at stores such as Playdoh’s closet, or even eBay if you’re desperate for some cash. While you’re there, look around, maybe you’ll find that vintage item for a steal.
· Create a budget and stick to it, it will help you decide how much to save and spend each week.
· If you’re a nice girlfriend or boyfriend then you’re probably spending quite a bit of your money on expensive dinner and movie nights, huh?
Next time, try staying in, make dinner and rent a movie instead of going out. Think about all that money you can save on gas, and if you order an On Demand movie you can also skip a trip to the movie store. You’ll have just as much fun without breaking your piggy bank and crying over the shattered remains while your girlfriend or boyfriend complains about the bad movie you took them to.
· For the girls, if you’re a fashionista without all the cash to fulfill your numerous shopping sprees, then try shopping at stores like Forever 21, TJMaxx, and Rue 21. They have cute clothes that are cheaper then most other name brand stores.
· Always aim for the sales, and do you remember those little coupons you get in the mail? Keep ‘em! They really start to add up. If you really want to get the latest coupons and sales updates from your favorite store then sign up to them on e-mail or create a membership.
· If you don’t have enough money for new clothes, don’t fret. Just look in your closet. Try mixing and matching, you’re bound to make some new favorite outfits.
· Here’s a helpful hint: if you don’t need it, don’t buy it. From that cute purse to that delicious candy bar; we’ve all been there. And before you know it, you’re broke for items you do not need.
· Try cutting back on trips to the vending machine, school store or coffee shop. Once or twice a week is perfectly fine, but unless you have an endless money supply, your money will eventually run out. Try making coffee at home and bring your own snacks.
· If you have a job then you probably can’t wait until your next paycheck, right? Well, try setting some of it aside. Around $10 a week, that way when something you really want comes along, you'll have some extra cash to buy it with.
· If you’re an upper classman then you most likely own a car. If you do then you know how expensive they can be. Try carpooling, and then split the gas cost with your friends.
· Homecoming and prom are rapidly approaching. You’ll need a super cute dress, but instead of running to the nearest store, look online. Places like Rent the Runway offer designer label dresses from designers like Alice + Olivia, Diane von Furstenburg, and Proenza Schouler. You can rent a beautiful dress for as low as $50. Besides, you’re only going to wear it once, why not just borrow it?
· We students are thrown into a mad dash to the school supply stores to buy up everything they have. But there is a way you can beat the store's price. Shop online at places like Amazon where you can buy gently used books, calculators, and other items needed for the school year.
· One last tip, if you’re the owner of an iPod then you know how expensive buying songs on itunes can be. Try using Pandora, it’s an online radio station that you can create your own radio stations on, just by telling it what music you like. Once you download it your phone you can have free music wherever you go. Don’t believe in the awesomeness of Pandora? You can create an account online and try it yourself.

By: Jordan Gates