College Q&A: Save Me Some Money

Can you make this a reality for me? Kthanksbye.

College. Sigh. It’s unlike any other time in your life. It has its own set of rules, its own unique circumstances. And it’s not always easy to navigate. Everyone needs a little guidance now and then (or always) so we’ve pulled together a variety of perspectives (the does-it-all girl, the party girl and Ms. Study Lounge) to weigh in on your life conundrums and give you the best advice we can.

Every week they’ll be tackling your questions about college. From classes to keggers to keggers before classes, they’ll do their best to respond and be your Pez dispenser of collegiate wisdom. Got questions? Unsure of a decision? Not sure about that LDR? Just wanna chat it up with some really awesome chics?

Hit them up in the comments or shoot them an email with the subject “College Q&A”!

Question:
One of my resolutions for this year was to save money, but it seems almost impossible to do in college. Do you have any ideas where to start or what I can do to save a few bucks? I need money badly because I’m interning (with no pay!) in NYC this summer, but as much as I try I just can’t save anything. Help?

GPA Girl:
This sucks! I think all internships should offer pay, or at least complimentary lodging and meals, but hopefully your internship will give you the experience to earn the big bucks later! My advice for saving and earning right now is to look at your talents and skills and see if you can transform them into opportunities. Do you know how to play guitar? Put up flyers offering lessons to kids. Know another language? Tutor for an hourly rate. Got web design or Flash skills? Put them to work online by advertising on freelance sites and landing paid gigs. Then set up a savings account with the highest interest rate you can find. Once you have the cashola from your “side” gigs, stash it in that account and DO NOT look back. Pretend that account doesn’t exist. Put at least half of what you make from your side jobs in there every time you get paid and don’t let yourself withdraw anything. You may have to go without a few lattes and new outfits from time to time, but as you see that money add up, you’ll realize it’s worth it! Read More »


Pinch the Penny

girl plastic surgerySaving money.

I’ve thought long and hard about the ways in which I saved during my college years, throughout the working summer and now into the land of something close to adulthood. I complied a list. Let it guide you back to the bank.

1. Bang trim. Do not succumb to cutting your own bangs. Most salons don’t market this but, if you’re a regular costumer they will give you a bang trim for free! And also, whatever you do, do not do an at home dye job unless you or a friend really know what you are doing. If you check around town for a cosmetology school you can get a good cut and or color for a reasonable price.

2. Don’t spend more than two dollars for a cup of coffee. In fact, don’t spend any at all. I read a study once that said eating an apple in the morning can wake you quicker than a cup of coffee.

3. Buy generic. You’d be surprised that in nearly every comparison I have every conducted the generic brand has almost always included the same ingredients and tastes just as good. Read More »