Mo’ Money? More like No Money
Welcome back to UMaine, Collegiettes! A new year is here, second semester is upon us and many of us are facing typical collegiette problems: illness, annoyance with schoolwork and the most common college problem across the country- money. For the majority of us, being in college almost guarantees being broke; between weekend cab rides, college night at Margaritas and parking tickets, most of us are stuck in a place where Forever21 is the only feasible option for fashion. Then again… Goodwill is looking better and better these days.
So what can we do about this money problem? There are the obvious options like turning off our heat and warming our hands over a gas stove or we can try to no avail to “DIY” an old t-shirt into a going out dress. Now lets be honest, Pinterest is better for inspiration, not necessarily for Curva-worthy outfits made from your father’s old Carpenter’s tee. When money is running particularly tight, we can even try to do our own hair color…and end up looking a little more “Macaroni and Cheese” than “Almond Honey Butter Blonde”.
No worries, ladies: I’m here to make sure we don’t all look like LiLo this weekend and have enough money to navigate the minefield that is college budgeting.
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Couponing: Before I get started, let me tell you: I am the most skeptical person about couponing. I used to think this was for the people featured on “People of Wal-Mart” (which by the way, if you haven’t checked out that website.. do it!) As your skeptical money advisor today, I’m going to have to give it to you straight. Can any of us really hate on getting two weeks of groceries for twenty bucks? Would you be mad at getting a free fitness ball just for signing up for something, or clicking “Like” (and then shamelessly deleting it from our walls)? Don’t worry, collegiette’s: your secret is safe with me. Couponing has evolved from being tacky to be SAVVY. Even the formerly rich beauty on Two Broke Girls started couponing, and it’s no wonder why! Check out Deals by Darlene or Coupon Chicks of Maine on Facebook. Last week they had deals for free pasta at Shaw’s!
- Share Your Closet:I know, I know, we all hate letting our mooching friends borrow our clothes. It takes three weeks to get it returned and even then it comes back smelling like a redemption center. I’m going to have to ask you to look at the good side of closet-sharing: that gorgeous Express dress in your best friend’s closet. You know you want to wear that this weekend, and she probably wants to wear your adorable mini-skirt and sequin tank combo. While most of us can’t afford to go shopping every weekend for new clothes, we can all afford to be a little more generous with our closets and help our fellow broke sisters out. Bring your best accessories, dresses, heels, iPods and your best friends to one person’s house and turn it into a weekend ritual. Best idea ever.
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Designate a DD:No one likes being a DD. Take it from the youngest girl in her group of friends: driving a car full of Sloppy Susan’s is never fun when you’re always Sober Sarah. What would your preference be, though? Your other options are a walk back home at 3 AM down College Ave, or being super broke from paying for cabs every night. However, karma is key here. Ask for a couple dollars in gas money, and have your friends get you back the weekend after. No one can go out every night, especially if you’re paying for cabs. Designate a DD and switch it up every time your group goes out. It’s the cheapest way to make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.
Best of luck to all UMaine Collegiettes on staying warm and keeping your bank accounts balanced! With a little cooperation from your friends, saving money this semester can be even more fun than your average weekend. Have a great second semester, and be sure to check in next week for more UMaine problems answered!
photo credit: google images