Well, that’s it, ladies. My last week. I did it. I budgeted. And I learned a lot about myself and my spending habits in the process. It was sometimes difficult, but definitely worth it. Looking back at the experience as a whole I can definitely say that. So instead of recapping this last week for you (which was actually kind of boring) I thought I’d take some time to just go over the finer points and the important things I picked up this month.

1. My online shopping is often a result of boredom. You know how some people Facebook stalk when they’re online with nothing to do? Well I visit online shopping sites. I tell myself its just to check out the latest trends, and maybe it is, but then I want to buy the latest trends and that becomes a problem.

2. I AM A STRESS SHOPPER. Big paper due?  Boy problems? Fight with my BFF? Do I pull out the chocolate? No — well, yes actually, that too — but I first pull up piperlime.com. But I need to find a new way to channel this energy. Like exercising. To work off that chocolate I’m not eating.

3. Those cappuccinos really add up. For years my father has been telling me that I’m overspending by buying my coffee at Starbucks and I just nodded my head and continued on. I always knew he was right, but I didn’t realize how quickly that added up until I actually started adding it up. I won’t be handing in my Starbucks card anytime soon but maybe I’ll switch from a venti to a grande.

4. The Kindle lending library is my friend…something I discovered when I was desperate to buy the sequel to The Hunger Games, but didn’t want to shell out the money for it. Apparently Amazon prime members are allowed to “borrow” books form Amazon’s Kindle Lending Library. That’s right, free books, people. Free books! (Not nearly as exciting an idea for some of you, I know.)

5. Going off the map every once in a while is okay. It’s not so much about not shopping or spending as it is about shopping and spending smartly. At the right time. With the right sales or coupons or price. Because giving up shopping all together would be impossible. 
Okay. That’s it. That is all I have. Go forth and spend smartly!

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta. 

Okay, okay! I admit it! I went off budget this week! I shopped! I bought an item of clothing that I did not need and probably will not use for quite some time! But it’s useful! I swear! And I will use it…just probably not until next winter.

I bought a winter coat, which was on sale. Which really isn’t all that big of a deal if you don’t know the fact that I have a lot of coats. Leather. Wool. Down. Denim. You name it, I have it. But what do you want from me? I live in New York City, the coat capital of the world! With every season represented and plenty of excuses to buy lots and lots of coats. And so I do.

It was just a slight slip up. I was on my way to CVS when I passed one of my favorite stores with a big, huge, sale sign in the window. I had some time to kill, so I figured, why not? I’ll just browse. And then I got to the coat section. There it was: a belted, black, mid length coat. On sale.  And it was just my size. I tried it on, and yes, I bought it. But the damage wasn’t that bad. The coat which was original $200+ was on sale for $50. And although I probably won’t be wearing it this season, I will be able to wear it next winter, and the one after that, and after that, because it is, in fact, a timeless piece. And it’s better I buy the coat now then next November when it’s at its original price, isn’t it? You see how good at rationalizing, I am?

But no, seriously, while I didn’t stick to my original goal, I do not think this week was a complete failure. I bought an item that I will most definitely use time and time again. And I bought it on sale. It was a smart purchase. And at the end of the day, that’s really what I want to begin doing: making smart purchases. Assessing the value of what I’m spending my money on before I spend it, and making sure that I can control and keep track of my spending habits.

So for now, I’ll just chalk this week up to a learning experience.

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta.

So after this week, I’m actually feeling a little bit guilty.

But probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. No, I didn’t go on a major shopping spree. And yes, I did actually manage to balance my checkbook. I’ve even been keeping track of my purchases, but the thing is, since it’s winter break post-holidays and high school reunions, I’ve spent pretty much this entire week watching Netflix, reading The Hunger Games, and sleeping until noon. So I haven’t actually been spending all that much. And it’s made for a pretty easy week. I didn’t even have to buy the sequel to The Hunger Games because Amazon prime members can now borrow digital editions for the Kindle for free. (Have I mentioned how much I love Amazon lately?)

So tracking my expenses hasn’t been all that difficult. But something tells me that next week, when classes start up again, and I’m doubling my caffeine, going out with friends who are back in town, and walking by stores on my way to and from class, my tracking of expenses will become a bit more strenuous.

But for now, I just seem to have to resist the temptation to not go online shopping binges. This week has made me realize that it’s more of a habit than I thought it was.

Bored? Let me check out piperlime.com. Oh look, zappos.com sent me a promotional coupon. What’s that? A LOFT ad in the magazine? That top is cute! I wonder if it’s on sale. Oh, I wonder if there is a cheaper version somewhere else. What? They’re having a sale…like they have every week. Well, it’s smarter to buy during sales isn’t it? But wait — is that a preview of their new spring collection. Oh stripes! I like stripes! And floral prints. And hey, those wedges they suggest to go with it really do work perfectly….

And one hour later I’ve filled up three separate carts with hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise. Now, normally this would be the time where I would sift through it, get rid of the doubles, and the extravagant pieces, and the one-time-wears and buy a few items I’d actually use. But this week, after doing that, I went back and actually looked at the purchases I had left. And no, I didn’t need any of them. So I emptied the cart and logged off, largely because I thought about how I would explain that purchase to you, my dear readers.

Not a monumental moment, but at least a step in the right direction, right? Right.

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta. 

[This summer a dream internship with Lucky magazine moved me from Austin, Texas, where I’ve spent all 21 years of my life, to New York City for the summer. Come along for the ride and follow me through this column as I take on all that the city has in store for me. I’ll share tips I’ve picked up along the way about everything from how to pack (stop, drop and roll people!) to dating to fitting in (or standing out) and so much more.]

There a few things about New York I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to, like the inexplicably constant reek of urine it the subway and, maybe it’s just because I’m from Texas, but where I come from horse cops demand respect and are not meant to be pet by tourists. Every time I pass by the cops on horseback in Times Square and see tourists gleefully petting these horses, I can’t help but wonder how people in this city are okay with their tax dollars going toward novelty horse cops. But believe it or not there are some things I have gotten used to, like checking out local event sites to see what’s going on in the city daily.

Tip #11 – Don’t just check event feed websites for your city when you’re bored, integrate them into your everyday routine with Facebook and Twitter so you don’t have to hear about things after they happen.

I’ve already mentioned Time Out New York, but I recently discovered Inside New York, which seems to be more tailored to a college-aged audience. Not only is Inside New York a true local’s guide as it’s passed out at many New York City freshman orientations, but they are always posting new stuff on their Facebook and Twitter pages, which is ideal for social media fiends like me.

Tip #12 – Schedule at least one day a week to wander your city solo.

After about a month of living in the city, I’ve also gotten in the habit of taking at least one day a week to do a little solo city-wandering. Last Friday, while I was perfectly lost in the city, I stumbled into Bryant Park and the historical New York Library. Though some of us only know it for its guest role in the Sex and the City movie, this library is more than a pretty wedding venue. Right now they are running a free exhibition in honor of their 100th year anniversary that showcases everything from a first draft of Washington’s farewell address to Malcom X’s journals to Jack Kerouac’s pipe. The library is definitely my favorite place in the city and I think I have more appreciation for it because I found it on my own and had all the time in the world scheduled to just wander around the halls and really enjoy being there.

Tip #13 – Clip Coupons or if you’re living in this century, download a coupon app on your phone.

Tip #14 – Plan ahead when grocery shopping.

I still don’t think my mother believes me when I tell her that since I moved to the city I use coupons. Grocery shopping in the city is painful to say the least. Not only is it expensive compared to my hometown, it’s like a game of Tetris as you figure out what you’re physically able to carry back to your apartment.

I always carry an empty backpack and reusable grocery tote with me when I go shopping. The lining in my backpack is insulated which is perfect for frozen items and produce and I usually place boxed and bagged snacks in the tote bag.

Coupons, as embarrassing as they may seem, have actually added up to savings that allow me to feel less guilty about a shopping trip to SoHo (by the way, Houston is pronounced How-ston– something the inner Texan in me still cant get used to). MobileCoupons is my app of choice and it’s something I’ll definitely carry with me back home.

Get the first 10 tips for living it up in the city right here!

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!

Party Girl:
I was in the same exact position as you just one year ago. I might have even had it worse, since I have a terrible shopping addiction. Seriously, whenever there is money in my pocket (or debit account), it’s spent within a day. However, I did figure out some ways to motivate myself to save and you can too. First of all, cut out all clothes shopping.  You’ll find better stuff in NYC anyway! Secondly, no more coffee splurges for you. Switch to hot tea and you’ll still get caffeine for a third of the price (or you can just cut out the Starbucks runs entirely!). Thirdly, you should be buying only store brand food and drink items. They taste just the same anyway (at least, that’s what I tell myself when I’m forced to chug Popov instead of Absolut).

I want to assure you, though, that bar nights do not have to stop. You’ll have to limit yourself to four drinks per outting and those drinks have to be the ones on special OR you can use your flirting skills to score some free drinks from bar hotties. Never underestimate the power of flirting – I pretty much floated the entire summer on free drinks and meals by going on as many dates as possible. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! With all that, you should be in the clear to fully enjoy yourself in the Big Apple. Have fun!!!

Busy Bee:
First of all, yay you for getting an internship! Aside from your current money problems, that’s always a good way to get your foot in the door for a soon-to-be good paying career. Nevertheless, I completely understand. I’ve had several internships and a good number of those have been with no pay. When I try to save money, I simply just save. I don’t buy anything for a good amount of time, and when I do buy something, I make sure it’s out of absolute necessity and that it’s the cheapest possible option out there. For example, if I need food, I make sure that I buy ingredients to last me several different meals (leftovers get boring), and that the brands I purchase are the knock-off store brand (they taste the same). Also, try walking to places when you can instead of driving or taking the bus, but if necessary, carpool with some friends! I would also recommend getting a part-time job, but if that’s not possible because of your hectic schedule, then continue to be as money savvy as possible. Hey, if that means picking up lost pennies on the ground, then go for it. You know, if you pick up enough lost change, you might just be able to afford something off of Mickey D’s dollar menu!

You don't need their big bucks to live like a rock star.

Maybe you’re a fresh college grad shooting resumes into the black hole that employers call an “inbox,” or maybe you’ve been working for a few years but haven’t quite given up your milk crate bookshelf and neighbors’ house party keggers.

Don’t let these economic times tempt you into sticking to the starving college student lifestyle – you can still live like a rock star without obliterating your savings account.

1. Happy hours can be classy affairs. And a good place for dinner, too. McCormick and Schmick’s dinner menu may boast the pricey surf and turf, but go during their happy hour and you can get Kobe beef sliders or salmon cakes for less than $5 (and a cheeseburger and fries for only $2.95). Swanky restaurants of all stripes are embracing happy hours now, often with heavily discounted entrees and half-off drinks.

2. Two words: Free. Samples. There are free samples for everything. EVERYTHING. Not least of all, cosmetics. While most people can’t afford to stock their makeup drawer with goodies solely from Lush or Sephora, the sales representatives there will gladly dole out samples of Love Lettuce Face Mask or Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, if you ask nicely. (The generous sample portions will last a while, too.) The best part: when you’re done paying off student loans and have enough disposable income to buy out the entire Macy’s cosmetics counter, you’ll know exactly what you want.

3. Cook simple, cook smart. Not everyone has the resources to style a “Top Chef” worthy dinner, but that doesn’t mean it has to be spaghetti night again. In addition to the great archives at AllRecipes.com, the “Best Ever Three & Four Ingredient Cookbook” (complete with glossy food photos) contains over 400 recipes that don’t require more than four ingredients at a time, with nothing you can’t find at the local grocery store. An added bonus: you can usually find this book for less than $6 on the clearance rack at Borders.

4. Free guest passes to the gym. Many gyms, like Bally’s, Gold’s Gym or 24 Hour Fitness, offer guest passes or trial memberships that let you work out free for a week. Sure, it’s only seven days, but intersperse a week here and there between free activities like running, cycling, and swimming, and you’ve got a whole summer’s worth of workouts.

5. Like live music to my ears. Tickets for The Killers may be out of your budget right now, but live music at smaller concert venues is a great way to discover new bands that haven’t hit the mainstream yet. Ditto the free summer concert series in most major cities, whether it’s Chicago’s Millennium Park, New York’s SummerStage, or the (practically free!) $1 cheap seats at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Pack a picnic basket and bottle of wine for date night. In the winter (or all-year round, really), check out new bands at your local dive bar – you never know when you might be listening to the next Fall Out Boy.

6. Be a beauty school drop-in. Cosmetology schools like the Aveda Institute or the Paul Mitchell School will snip your locks for around $20 (they do mani-pedis and facials for cheap, too). An even better deal? Salons all over the country, like NYC’s Bumble and Bumble, provide a free cut, color and blow-out in exchange for being a hair model in one of their classes. The caveat: you may not always get the exact style you want, but what rock star doesn’t shake things up with a sassy new haircut from time to time?

7. Parties from another era. Forget the toga parties and skanky “Pimps and Hos” themes. Try “1940s Hollywood” and have your guests dress up in old school Tinseltown glamour, or throw a “James Bond”-themed fete and loop the films (from Sean Connery through Daniel Craig) in the background while partygoers mingle with their martinis – shaken, not stirred.

8. Potluck mixology. Instead of chugging the last two beers in the fridge and ambling over to the local bar, invite all of your friends – and their half-full bottles of vodka and rum – over for a potluck cocktail party. Look to Epicurious or DrinksMixer.com for some fun mixed drink recipes and designate yourself and a friend as “mixologists” for the evening. All you’ll have to buy is some orange juice and seltzer water, and you’ve got a party. (See Number 7.)

"I love....how much money we're saving by doing this."

[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions. Opinions that she likes to share with everyone on the site. We love a strong woman, so we thought we'd give her a real forum to discuss her thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Every Friday I'll be featuring a hot topic (like lingerie!) and leaving it up to you, the readers, to duke it out. So, read it and get your debate on in the comments section below!]

Even though I keep hearing the recession’s over, those of us on a student budget are still tightening our belts (and not because it makes us look thinner). A lot of innnovative ways to save have popped up in the last few years, but one of the most life-changing is the idea of moving in with the significant other to save on rent.

There are some good reasons girls are doing this, no question. First and foremost – money! Splitting your payments with a roommate makes the payments easier on all, but more over, by splitting with the BF your money (and his) is actually going to the place you’re both spending time. Most couples tend to spend most of their time at one person’s place (usually the one without the creepy or obnoxious roommate/that weird cabbage smell) so it makes sense to pool the money into that place’s rent instead of splitting it up between two different apartments when one barely gets used.  And the money crunch can be a good excuse for moving in – like, say, if your parents are a little less than thrilled about your relationship turning all grown up – if it was something you had planned on doing anyway.

The move in can also help you get to know someone in a way nothing else will – an important step if you’re thinking about a long-term future.

But that’s also a problem with moving in, isn’t it? Liking someone, even loving with them, is way different when you don’t have to find their dirty underwear on the living room floor. Even though you may spend most of your time together as a couple, most people reserve a few private behaviors for being alone in their own place (remember when you were scrubbing your face with baking soda? A little more awkward with the guy watching you). Even if you’re really, really comfortable with each other, there are certain things that have to be worked out when you live together: who’s turn is it to clean the bathroom? Where’s my dinner, man?

And then there’s all of those little habits that you put up with over at his place. They were cute then, but they may start to grate when you spend almost every minute of your private time together.

Also, we shouldn’t ignore that moving in with somebody is big thing, so making the decision because of money can be a bit risky. Like hooking up with a guy you really like after a night of tequila shots (oh god, do I know that story!) – sometimes it all works out for the best, and sometimes it leaves you nauseous and crawling for the door.

So, what do you say, ladies? Would moving in with you-know-who make your life easier? Or would it just lock you into a relationship? Would you move your stuff to save cash? Or would you rather shell out a little more for your privacy?

Duke. It. Out.

You might have said “No” to 1/2 price happy hour during the winter, but now your friends can twist your arm to drink overpriced margaritas at a trendy beach bar.  Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean cutting down on fun, however, and if you play your cards right, you can have a kickass summer and barely spend a dime.

1.  Hang out at the lake.

Big beaches can actually cost a pretty penny, when you factor in overpriced parking costs, expensive surrounding restaurants, and the gas money if it’s a major tourist trap that seems worth a 2- to 3-hour drive.  You can still soak in the sun and go for a dip at your local lake.  If the lake is part of a community park, you might have to pay a couple dollars to park, but that money usually goes towards keeping the park clean.

2.  Go fruit picking.

Check out local farms and farmer’s markets and stock of on all the fresh produce that’s yours for the picking.  Whether you visit a strawberry patch, a blueberry field, or stock up on a harvest of tomatoes, you can spend a few therapeutic hours away from the commotion of our high-tech world, and maintain your bikini bod by eating healthy.  Then, go home and conjure up some gastronomic experiments, such as homemade caprese salad (tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella and drizzled with balsamic vinegar) or a genuine strawberry daiquiri.

3.  Get athletic.

If you can freeze your gym membership to save some cash, there’s no better time than the summer.  Even if you can’t, there’s no reason you can’t organize a group of friends to partake in some physical- and fun- activity.  Bike riding, rollerblading, volleyball, badminton, softball, basketball- if you have the equipment already, you won’t have to spend a dime.

4.  Pool parties, duh.

There’s hardly a reason to go out an spend money if you or one of your BFFs has a pool.  In fact, it’s an excuse to have a pool party every weekend.  Does warm weather make you want to start drinking at 2 p.m. (or is that just me…)? Rather than go out to an expensive lunch, have a cookout and grab a six pack of Corona Light to enjoy while you lounge.  Invite a few more people over for some quality chicken tournaments, or create a Facebook event to host the pool party of the century.

5.  Local festivals.

Plenty of towns host grand summer events, from music festivals to “A Taste of <insert city here>” to small carnivals.  Many of these events are free, but if they aren’t, they’ll be much less expensive than an excursion to the closest big city.  Even if you look up events at towns and cities that are slightly outside your normal geographic location, if you get a bunch of friends to chip in on gas, you’ll still spend less money than a summer holiday.

6.  Fireworks.

Fourth of July is NOT the only reason to set off some explosives, and this summer, there will be plenty of evenings when things go BANG! in the night.  Either go to the park where the fireworks are being hosted, or lounge in lawnchairs in your own backyard and sling back a few while the night sky is lit up.  Just bring the bug spray.

7. Camping.

You just had your big spring break holiday, didn’t you? Besides, in July and August, all the tropical locales are way too hot, humid, and congested with other tourists.  Find a local campground, and not only will you save a ton of money on lodging, but you’ll be more inclined to cook out rather than eat out, and participate in other nature-type activities rather than exploring overpriced theme parks and nightclubs.

If you are creative and look into other local happenings around your town, you’re bound to come up with individual activities that won’t break the bank.  Besides, in the summer, you don’t have to fear the outdoors, so get out and do something!  And, remember how stressed you were during finals? That should be reason alone to relax and go easy on your wallet.

It’s your BFF. You’ve known her since you were five. And yeah, you just spent a whole paycheck on housing, but you still need her to hang out. But still, you’re both broke, college students. So who’s taking the brunt, financially? If you feel like you are controlling your spending, but still can’t figure out where your cash is going… I hate to say it, but it might be your friends.

1. The Gas-Guzzling Gretchen.

You know that friend who always has an excuse NOT to drive? Sure, if you’re traveling far, you might mention splitting the cost of gas beforehand…. but when it’s someplace close, it’s hard to notice. “My backseat is full of clothes, nobody will fit back there,” or “I”m really tired, I can go out, but I don’t want to focus on driving later.” These excuses are fine from time to time, but if you realize your car is the only one getting mileage, you may want to reconsider your gas costs. It’s easy not to care when your friend needs a ride down the street, but when it becomes a daily “favor,” you end up paying.

2. The No-Cash Nancy.

With direct deposit, who the hell ever has cash nowadays? Unfortunately, this can become an excuse, and the little things can add up. $10 minimum for the card at dollar-night? If you have cash, why not cover this round? Going on a road trip, and she only has a card? Guess what- it’s on you. Sure, you don’t want to keep tabs on your friends, but a stick of gum here and a cash-only Gucci knockoff there can really add up.

3. The Homeless Harriet.

Friends truly don’t let friends drive drunk. But if you’re the gal with the on-campus apartment, it becomes the norm for people to crash at your place, especially if it’s walking distance from the pub. This might not seem like a big deal, but if you have water or electric bills to pay, you’re going to have to dig deep to make sure your friends get home safe. Even if you’re in student housing, where everything is prepaid, you’re probably going to cough up some free drunk-ass ramen noodles or a few bottles of spring water. This might not seem like a big deal, but I bet if you kept a tab, you’d end up with a whole night of free boozing for the cost it takes to be cordial to your guests.

4. The “I’ll Get the Next One” Alice

Similar to the No-Cash Nancy, Alice insists that you are such good friends, you don’t need to keep official tallies. However, she also is prone to making sure she always gets the good half of any bargain. “Let’s go drink-for-drink” you say, so Alice invites you to an expensive martini bar, where you shell out at LEAST $10 per martini, plus tip. When the drinks are over, Alice says she knows a place with more atmosphere, and brings you to a dive that happens to serve $1 Natty Lites. She buys you a beer, and stiffs the bartender. The damage? You– $25. Her– $2. But hey, she bought you a drink, didn’t she?

How can you really say “NO” to your friends, the people who bail you out of tough times over and over? You really can’t. And some friends know it. And some friends DON’T realize it, but inadvertantly rob you nonetheless. It can be very difficult to bring up, even though “Hey, why don’t you spot me a $1-Menu Breakfast, since I paid for those the entire hotel for spring break” sounds like a reasonable request.

Don’t let yourself get walked over. Your buds might not even notice that they are making out like bandits while you are selling your Sociology book to cover their bar tabs. Be honest and direct with your pals if you think you are getting the shaft, and you’ll find you have more money in your checking account… and a solid friendship to boot.

And in more dog news: Katheryn Heigl eats them.

Save money on food (so you have more money for beer).

Good news for vegetarians…or the people who have to live with em.

Ed Westwick just got even hotter.

Who is really winning this election right now?

SJP spends $250 on panty hose!?

Looks like Avril Lavigne is making a comeback..sorta.

Mmmm. Recession sex.…

Students, take control of your hectic schedule.

Does Vanessa Hudgens ever not look totally chic?