The Sisterhood of Savers

We all know it, we’re in a recession. And in some fashion, we have all been affected. You may have felt the pinch on your allowance or maybe have had a cut back at your part time job so it’s important to know how to keep your money in your pocket!

Brown Bag It - That’s right, buying lunch in the school cafeteria is so last year! Between lunch and snacks, you could spend almost $10 a day, if not more. Cut your spending in half by shopping over the weekend and picking up your favorite items for less. Take some time to prep your lunch the night before and set the trend for brown bagging. Not only is it a financial benefit, but bringing your lunch to school could be much better for your health. With your new lunch routine (and smaller waistline) you may be able to use your newly saved cash to add something small to your wardrobe. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by bringing a reusable lunch bag instead of an actual brown bag.

Recessionista Fashionista - So now that you’ve saved some money by bringing your lunch, you might be able afford to buy that cute shirt you’ve been eyeing. But remember, this article is about saving your money so first assessing if this item is a need or a want is a must. Make smart decisions about your purchases. Can you find this shirt on sale at a discount retailer like Ross or TJ Maxx? Also hop online, there may be a coupon available at your favorite department store so you can get the look for less. Don’t be afraid to look for bargains anywhere. Fashion is always repeating itself so you may find the style you’re looking for in a thrift store or even on EBay.

Frugal Friends - Encourage your friends to cut back with you by suggesting more cost efficient activities. Take an activity like going to the movies and flip it! Ask your parents if you can host a movie night at home. Lately I’ve been seeing vending machines filled with the latest movies at convenience stores like 7-11. These movies cost about $1.00 a day which means you can rent the movie for tonight’s event and return first thing in the morning without paying a huge rental fee. That turns a $20 per person movie trip into a fun night with friends for less than $20 for all of you. Plus there’s the added benefit of being able to press pause so you don’t miss a thing when you have to take a break to the ladies room!

Gift Giving - Get creative with your gifts! Now I know your mom is expecting a little more from you than a homemade macaroni portrait, but why not make her a homemade birthday card instead of paying $5 for one? Homemade cards are not only cheaper, but they mean more because they come from the heart. Also, try homemade wrapping paper using materials such as newspaper or magazines. If your best friend has a huge crush on Drake, why not dig out those old magazines from a few months ago and see if you can make your very own “Drake Wrapping Paper”? Instead of buying a really expensive gift, find something at a discount retailer and couple it with some baked goods. Homemade cookies, brownies or cupcakes will really show that special someone how much you care.

Last but not least, no matter how much you are making, be sure to set aside at least 10% of your paycheck or allowance for a rainy day. I hope these tips help you! Do you have any tips to share? Let me know how you are saving money!

-- Martine Rouzan
Brownstone Team