I can smell it. The cool, crisp air. The dewdrops on the grass. The smushed up peanut butter and jelly sandwich in my backpack.
Ah yes, the first day of school.
It would be hard to imagine the first day back at school without thinking of our back to school outfit. It was such an exciting time as a child, for it often meant a whole new wardrobe… New shoes! New jeans! New backpack!
As we get older and such new items no longer become a necessity, our nostalgic self still feels a magnetic pull in the direction of oiled autumn footwear and cozy cotton jumpers.
With a pocketbook more closely resembling Kate Bosworth than Kirstie Alley, the ambition to present oneself in spanking fresh new duds on your first day back at the books seems a tad indulgent.
However, since my name just so happens to be Melissa Indulgence Chastity, I am well versed in the way of pampering oneself on pennies.
Let’s face it, folks. It is very easy to focus on the negatives during this time of economic turmoil. With all the stories of beleaguered businesses, underpaid underlings, failing factories, and other excellent examples using amazing alliteration, we can lose sight of the fact that some people are still doing tremendously well.
And these people are called professional athletes. (more…)
Millions of people work ungodly hours to earn less than a dollar a day. This small salary must feed not just the worker but also their family. Fighting starvation and disease, these families manage to live on and continue working in dangerous conditions. This of course is not by choice.
In North America, there are labour laws protecting us from unethical work environments and low incomes so it’s hard to empathize with labourers in 3rd world countries based on our own personal experience.
Bag, pencils, ruler, calculator...You can only take two...make your choice.
Bonjour!
So you know school is back when you see those Staples commercials. You know what ones I’m talking about: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” And although they’re aimed at elementary and high school students, we college kids love getting ready for back to school too. We don’t need our parents anymore, we can go shop ourselves!
But here’s the catch, you’re a shopaholic and a compulsive one at that. You want that…and that…and that…and that circular cool techno looking thing that you really don’t need. Yes back to school shopping is essential but it’s easy to lose money so I’m going to give you my own do’s and don’ts and some great sites/blogs that offer the same advice.
After a week in NYC, I went to check my Visa bill online and realized that I didn’t spend as much money as I thought I would. That’s right, I defeated the capitalist capital of the universe!!! Times Square aint got nothing on me.
Post-graduate students make on average $75,000 a year compared to high school graduates, who usually peak out around $31,000. This is according to an article that explains why going back to school is one of the best ways to increase your earning power in the job market. Recessions typically don’t last very long compared to the long-term benefits that a solid education can have on your potential ability to command a higher salary than your bong-smoking counterparts that choose to ’screw the system’ and do nothing about their current situation.
Fact: Paying the bills is the least enjoyable thing to do, ever. Period.
Fact: You kind of have to do it anyways.
Fact: It’s REALLY important that you do, seriously.
If you’ve ever seen Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, you’ll know that not paying someone back has serious consequences. For those of us who don’t enter high stakes card games, not paying for our expenses on time can still have negative implications. If you don’t learn to be punctual with payments now, you’re screwing yourself over in the long run.
To put this into perspective, let’s look at the outcomes of some scenarios where bills are paid late:
I have had a few requests from friends and family to add a bit more content focusing on parents.  I will never be a mom and fully understand that feeling of being one, but, I know for damn sure I can help moms save money. That’s why I am here isn’t it.  I mean, I can’t help you from my personal experience but these three ladies seem to know what they are talking about. I also have the best mom in the world (incase your reading this).  You can find more on Gina Lincicum on her website Money Wise Moms or get more “Mommy” tips from Mommy Cast.  Of course, more importantly, I want to hear some money saving tips from any parent followers whether your 18 or 35 or even 80, let me know because I know I will definitely be the cheapest dad one day.  Your help that you give me and other readers could potentially change my life, which would change my childs life, which would change their childs life.  YOUR help is shaping the next generations of my family.
I am a firm believer in retail therapy. It’s a terrible confession to make as a cheapskate but I can’t help that wonderful feeling I get when I find the perfect dress (skirt, jeans, bag, shoes etc…) for the perfect price.
Mind you, I am still a very, very frugal shopper. For example, rarely will I buy anything over $50. Not such a wonderful feeling when I browse the racks of beautiful clothing at a trendy boutique and realize that every single item is way out of my price range.
There is still hope for us, frugal fashionistas, you just have to know where to look.
You know those collages of ‘must-haves’ in fashion magazines? On Polyvore.com, you can make your own! (more…)
rachel plan weekly meals and buy whatever you can in bulk,hands wash your clothes when ever you can and grow a garden or if you have a family member that has a garden ask if you can get some fresh veggies when there ready to come out
Derekp I think i’ve seen this somewhere before…but it’s not bad at all
Rath You have a decent blog here. I would encourage you to keep writing and posting as often as you are inspired to do so. In the long run, it will really pay off as more and more people will begin to visit, read and refer others. ProExtender
dawn Now that we have some nice hot weather…save using your dryer and hang your clothes out to dry..Get a clothesline and pins from the dollar store…watch out for the pigeons though….
lasierra great blog! I’m glad I finally found a decent blog that I liked. Just subscribed to the feed and looking forward to future updates.
Theresa Waste less food by taking more trips to the grocery store, but buy less. Plan fresh meals ahead, buy what you need when you need it. Also, frequent local markets for great deals!
