Entry Level Living

Every time I turn around there is some article/book/tv show/parent yelling about how we young folks need to be better with money. And, for the most part, I agree. Surprisingly, since many of us make such little money our tendency is to pay for what we need and blow the rest since the amount we can save seems so insignificant. Obviously a poor approach to money when the the recommendation for healthy finances is rather simple: spend less than you earn.

However everyone has their vices and spends their money differently. One of my closest girl friends has a new hairstyle every other week, while another one of my friends loves going out to eat. As for me, I love accessories and jewelery. I dont spend much money on clothes; instead I dress up my outfits with cute bags, hats, scarves, and earrings.

I dont necessarily subscribe to the “buy only your absolute necessities” mantra but I certainly don’t believe in draining my bank account on “stuff.” Rather, I have a happy medium: one vice and I indulge it on the cheap.

Whatever your favorite thing is whether it is food, clothes, games, travel, or jewelry (and god help you if it is all of these!) develop an eye for finding it at the lowest prices possible. If you have a name brand that you love, find it on ebay. Shop for clothes when their season is ending and the next season’s lines are being unveiled (anyone see how ridiculously cheap coats are??!!) Purchase plane tickets in advance and sign up for discounts (so what if you are no longer a student–still have your student ID? Carry it with you at all times!). If you love eating out, seek restaurants that have great lunch specials or, better yet, get the recipe and cook for yourself. No restaurant has ever replaced the fun inviting friends over to try out a new recipe.

What’s wonderful is that there are a ton of cheap/free resources available that allow you to indulge on the cheap. My current obsession: The budget fashionista: fashion for women of all sizes and tight budgets.

I have also found ways to enhance what I have without spending lots of money. When it comes to fashion it always feels like you never have enough or that what you do have is outdated. However, small changes allow you radically change your wardrobe without dropping huge sums of money. For example, a white tshirt and jeans may sound dull, but add a cool printed scarf (no more than $10) and some bangels (I usually get mine from these old ladies on the corner in front of a music store in NYC for like 5 bucks) and you can truly change your look around. So instead of tossing the shirt and jeans and buying new ones, I just add some cute accessories.

So fret not, my fellow entry level living friends. You can have fun without breaking the bank.

If only they taught us this in school.