Sarah Lawrence College was recently dubbed the most expensive school in the U.S., rolling in a little over $57,000 in tuition costs per student per year. So if you’re not currently enrolled in SLC, this post is just for you! Most likely, you worked your butt off the summer before you headed into your respective college/university as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior while mom and dad paid the big, bad bill for your education. Gosh, love parents. Or maybe you worked your butt off all summer and took out loans to pay for your own education. In that case, love you.

In the deep dark pit of this recession, everyone keeps telling us to be money conscious.

Hm, “money conscious.”

Uh… huh?

If you have a shopping problem like me, then the term “money conscious” doesn’t exist.  Or maybe your kryptonite is Grey Goose Vodka, chilled, two limes. I’m afraid the term “money conscious” doesn’t really fit in there, either.

So, as “money conscious” college students – the future movers and shakers of America – it is our moral duty to put a big Band-Aid over all of our country’s problems and teach mom and pop a thing or two about what being “money conscious” really means. Here’s a foolproof plan that allows – basically entitles – you to be sloppy and savvy at college.

Want to work hard and play even harder? Spend your money in ways that outsmart good ol’ Uncle Sam and don’t leave a big gaping hole in your pocket where your wallet once was with these price friendly ideas: Read More »

Before the big clean-out. And this is only one half.

Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month we will be following a different CollegeCandy writer as she takes on a personal challenge. This month we’re following Kelly as she proves to her mom, and her wallet, that she can go one month sans shopping.

Finally, the last week of my challenge. I never thought I’d get here without sneaking around UrbanOutfitters.com at midnight to get my window shopping fix (Okay, so maybe I did it once. Or twice.), but here I am. And surprisingly, I’m not counting down until 11:59pm, April 30th with my credit card in my hand.

In other words, it was a successful month. There was a lot more to be learned than just limiting my purchases of white shirt after white shirt after white…you get the picture. Keeping track of all of my expenses was much more eye opening than I thought.

According to my paychecks (assuming that they are correct) there are literally hundreds of dollars that I can’t account for, because Starbucks here and there is never really Starbucks here and there. Every coffee, Jimmy Johns sandwich, tequila shot, etc., adds up to a pretty shocking number in the end.  For me, the purpose of keeping tabs on my expenses this month was solely to see how much I spend without a budget. Now that I know how much I’m spending on going out every week, I can make an accurate budget to keep me from ever spending that much again. Sure, I’ll have to switch from Martini Night to $1 Draft night, but after pre-gaming, Skol tastes the same as Grey Goose anyway. Read More »

If the last time you opened up your checkbook to track your expenses was around the same time you snuggled up with your parents to watch a Disney VHS… well, then, maybe you need a little help.

Balancing a budget is the kind of thing that everyone hates, but we all know it’s necessary. Especially now. While the economy crumbles around us. And our money disappears.

Unless you are truly loaded and/or naturally meticulous, you could probably use a few tips to help you get your stash of cash in order. So read on:

1. Save your receipts.

That’s right… all of them. This might sound unnecessary, but it’s really important. If your bank statement comes and you find something on it that isn’t right, you’ll need those receipts to prove your point and get your money back. After your statement comes, you probably won’t need the receipts anymore, so you can get rid of them then.

2. Write stuff down in your checkbook.

Every time you make a purchase with a check or your debit card, write it down! That means you’ll have to keep your checkbook with you almost all the time, which can be annoying, but it’s worth it. (Not only does this protect you later, but it also forces you to pay attention to your spending!) Keep a separate list of your credit purchases. Write down the date of each expense and its exact amount. Then…

3. Go over your bank and credit statements.

As soon as you get those statements, bust out the checkbook and your credit list and compare each transaction, cent for cent. If there are any discrepancies, consult your pile of receipts (which you could neatly store in a box by date… but OK, that’s not entirely necessary). Talk to your bank or credit company about incorrect charges. Finally… Read More »

What can you do with a B.A. in English? What is my life going to be?

A difference to the human race…

–Princeton, Avenue Q

Like so many wide-eyed college students, I decided that the ‘practical’ degree was not for me. I had no intentions of going to med school, which is to the benefit of the general public, and I certainly wasn’t about to take any more math than absolutely necessary. No engineering for me, Mom and Dad, even if you do get set up with interviews through the university. I was majoring in English.

I often lament this rebellion when I look at my checking account. Unfortunately, my other rebellious idea was to move to New York, so being young and broke has taken on an entirely new meaning altogether. Read More »