Spending+Advice

Within this section I will outline a few tips on taking advantage of cost cutting alternatives.

media type="youtube" key="wCF3ywukQYA " width="315" height="262" align="left"**Impulse Purchases**
Many students have an unfortunate habit of spending beyond their means on things they do not really require. A very common example of this includes impulse purchases, including buying too many [|'Shoes']. It is important to mention that a student should allocate a certain percentage of their budget towards entertainment. If no entertainment was allowed, a student could easily fall into stress and their grades could begin to suffer. It is both easy and very rewarding to sit down and take a small amount of time to create a budget and determine the amount a student should be able to spend on their entertainment. Once the amount one is able to spend is determined, one can then forecast approximate daily, weekly, and monthly budgets to keep themselves on track throughout the year. Some great cost cutting savings include utilizing online buying platforms to take advantage of better prices that may be offered in their local retail markets. These include but are not limited to [|Amazon], [|eBay], or [|Kijiji].

**Online purchasing platforms**
 In addition to utilizing online websites to purchase goods, one may also subscribe to discount offers via email. A good example of this is [|Hautlook] which offers significant discounts on brand name clothing ranging from 50%-90% off! [|The Body Shop] is another example of a merchant which offers great online purchasing incentives and notifications of in-store sales. It is important to note that personal care items are an unavoidable expense so buying them while on sale will save you money in the future. [|Westjet], [|Air Canada], [|Porter], and [|Via-Rail] all offer mailings lists to clients with information on sales and special offers. Being aware of different travel options from multiple sources is a great way to save money on a trip home over the holiday season. [|One Spout] is a website that provides promotional rates for multiple companies via daily coupon offers. There are a plethora of online daily deal sites available and One Spout's consumer friendly interface integrates offers from multiple websites.

**Saving Tips when Shopping: **
Aw, what fun is that? But seriously, if you’re struggling with a tight budget, going shopping is a bad idea. Bad. Unless it’s for necessities like food, but even then, remember that lobster, champagne, and Belgian chocolates are not necessities. Crucial to your happiness, maybe, but not your survival.
 * 1. Don’t shop. **

Okay, maybe shopping isn’t something you can give up. So you’ll have to think of something to sacrifice in return. What are you willing to give up so that you can buy that Burberry purse? What will you exchange for that spree at lululemon? Your VIP cable package? Your text messaging minutes? Your subscription to // Vanity Fair //?
 * 2. Bargaining options. **

You need electricity. You need heat. You need shelter. You don’t need new espadrilles or a pair of chandelier earrings. You// want // those things. Okay, now that you’ve seen the difference, find the happy medium. If you need // and // want new underwear, great. Go shopping.
 * 3. Need versus want. **

The best way to limit yourself is to LEAVE THE CREDIT CARDS AT HOME. Take a set amount of cash out and discipline yourself NOT to indulge in any Interac transactions. Learn this trick and you’ll be home free.
 * 4. Cash only. **

This is like hitting an all-you-can-eat-fried-food-buffet while trying to lose weight with a friend sporting a super-fast metabolism. In the end, you’ll be the one paying for it and it won’t be pretty.
 * 5. Don’t go out with a shopaholic friend. **

Yes, a good sale can be a major saviour when the need to shop overrides the need to budget. Take pride in getting a great bargain. Refuse to even compromise when you see something that is just a bit too much. Become the shopping guru all your friends go to for advice.
 * 6. Sales are your friends. **

Source: [] toc

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Jeanne's Advice: Keep a tofu bucket for pennies by the front door. Trust me, it will add up!