Being an unemployed college student, when presented with a moderately fat check, it is difficult to not want to just blow it after weeks(maybe months) of not purchasing anything. There is certainly nothing wrong with spending every penny provided that you are debt free but it is necessary that you spend it all wisely. With these few tips and tricks you too can get the most out of your money without buyer's remorse.
 | ||
| Dooney & Bourke fold purse Originally $100 Paid $50 |
I'm expecting a check for $100 for my contributions to my school's newspaper. While I will probably be saving some of it for emergency spending, I know I want some instant gratification. That being said, since I don't have the money yet I at least want to know what I'm going to spend it on.
I live in a tiny college town, the only "real" store is Wal-Mart but the selection is limited. The closest city is an hour away. Online window-shopping is what I tend to do the most. Online I can research the latest trends, search for the best prices, and gather opinions while chatting with friends.
I don't buy clothing or shoes online. I really like seeing what I'm getting in person, plus like many other women I have trouble finding clothes that fit. I check out what's popular by looking at the latest fashion shows and magazines and then try to find items in stores that fit aspects of the looks. If this isn't a problem for you, then have at it.
I really don't do much online shopping since I do not own a credit card that isn't attached to my parent's account. This doesn't prohibit all online shopping though. The trick is to purchase a gift card or a prepaid debit from any major store. I went to the Dollar General and bought a $50. The only drawback is that there is a activation fee, they are generally around $5 but I've seen them as low as $3. I have yet to try a prepaid debit since there is a charge for every time more money is loaded on the card. This fee is hardly worth the trouble unless a large sum of money is initially placed but how much is ultimately up to you. A gift card is usually in a the range of $25, $50, or $100. A benefit of the prepaid debits over the gift cards is that you can use them with pay pal.
 |
| I've spent it all already. |
While browsing online I like to create wish lists. I find it helpful to keep track of anything I'm considering buying. Having an account with whatever site you are browsing on will allow you to keep a wish list. I know ebay will let you watch items if you don't have an account, but you are limited to 10 items you can watch. Plus once you navigate away your items are lost. Keeping items in a wishbone prevents you from automatically purchasing something at once. You enable yourself to think about and item and compare them.
On my Amazon wish list are items from the Konad line. I've been trying to find the best deal for a specific stamp plate. As I don't have a stamper or the special polish I need to find everything that I need. Trying to out way the pros and cons is difficult. Specifically what I want from is the plate from the top and bottom set; it features both the leopard and zebra print. The top set comes with a better stamper and a small bottle of polish. The middle choice has the plate with only the zebra print but a full sized bottled of the stamp I do want. I will most likely purchase the middle option only because of the full size nail polish. I think the lack of the leopard print is something I can deal with. Plus it will probably be on a different plate sans the zebra. In the end I'll have some options.
The eyes. lips. face. website doesn't offer a wish list section but you are allowed to save your favorite products. Only drawback is you cannot see the price, but most of the items are $1 while the studio and mineral line are $3. Here I'm interested in buying their cream liners in Midnight, Metallic Olive, and Purple. I'll most likely only purchase one of them just to test the quality. I'm hoping they're similar to the Wet 'n Wild Mega Eyes Cream Gel eyeliners which are a pretty good product for the price; long lasting and pigmented.
As you can see from my Amazon screen shot, I use Amazon Prime. Typically it cost around $75 but I have a one year subscription free since I'm a student. Amazon Prime gives you free 2 day shipping on most items, not necessarily the cheapest items though. It came in handy for books, I also was given a $5 discount on digital music after purchasing over $50 in textbooks.
Having promotional codes cuts down on costs. I try to only order online if I have a discount of some kind, one that takes care of the extra cost of shipping. It isn't a deal if you have to pay more than you would in person. Signing up for accounts and newsletters is usually how I find out about promotions. another great resource is retailmenot.com which collects codes through member submissions (you don't have to be a member to view them though) for many retailers. Also waiting things out prevent impulse buying and sometimes allows for even more discounts. This doesn't apply to just fashion.
Being knowledgeable about what products are out there can really save you money. Knowing what you want and where to get it is a valuable tool for styling yourself giving you a unique look not found in stores. Cultivate your style!
Thanks for reading!
