Frugal College Student Living

Newest Obsession: Slickdeals

2014-05-01T16:52:00.000-04:00

I must admit that 50% of the time that I am on the internet, I am either on Slickdeals or Reddit. These two websites have one thing in common: an amazing community of users. Slickdeals is a site for people who love a good deal. Users post deals they find across various retailers when they come across good coupon codes, hot deals, and private sales. Some categories include apparel, shoes, computer, and home. Enjoy and you don't have to thank me!

EurekaFacts Study - Earn $25 - Extended

2014-05-01T13:18:00.000-04:00

Looking for a bit of extra cash for the summer? Sign up here to participate in an assessment field test and get paid $25! Must be a current college or graduate student. This 2-hour assessment will be available until they fill their quota (Still open as of 5/1/14). You will receive a postcard in the mail or text message with log-in instructions. Upon completion, they will send a check to your mailing address. To see if you qualify, click here. For more information, you can also call Kezia Williams at 1-855-493-2335.

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here. *
* Photo Credit: Eureka Facts *

Free Last Vegas Screenings on Oct. 30 (Select Cities)

2013-10-23T11:17:00.002-04:00

EXPIRED

~~Head over here~~ to get passes for a free Last Vegas screening, starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, and Kevin Kline. (You must have an account with GoFobo or register for free.) This screening will be on October 30, 2013 at 7pm in select cities. Remember, arrive early for best seats. ~~Watch trailer here. Enjoy!~~

Pass the popcorn!

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here. *
* Photo Credit: Google Images *

Fall Finals Giveaway: COMING SOON!

2013-10-08T21:41:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Studentsonabudget.blogspot.com

I will be hosting a giveaway in about two weeks for all my wonderful visitors. I want to alleviate the stress of studying for finals or help you with the chaos that is holiday shopping. Stay tuned to enter and to find out what the small treat is. In the meantime, please comment below and let me know what you do/did to survive the stress of studying for finals. Thanks for stopping by!

*Photocredit: Google Images*

Student Savvyness Series #1: Always Look out for Discounts! Part 1 (REPOST)

2013-10-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

One of the things that many college students always forget or don't even realize are the discounts available for students. It's so easy- all you need is your student ID card for many of these. Here are just a few (and examples from my school) :

Movie theaters have student prices, usually before the evening hours (always just $1 or $2 off, something is something ya know!) Also, think about joining rewards program like Regal Crown Club or AMC Stubs.

Cellphone plan monthly discounts- my school has partnerships with AT&T and Verizon for students and staff to get a discount of about 15% each month! Ask around your campus.

Technology discounts- check out your school's technology store for discounts on laptops, desktops, ipads, etc. My school has a partnership with Apple and Dell, and they offer pretty great deals. Look into these options.

Free/Cheap Events- check your university page or your university blog for free tickets to events on campus or in your area.
Coupons/Discounts at local businesses- Check out AroundCampus for deals around your campus. They currently have around 200 campuses that they work with.

Remember, to always ask any business or retail store if they have any student discounts. You never know until you ask.

*** I will be posting up a list of specific stores and businesses that offer student discounts (J. Crew, Sams Club, Amtrak, etc.) Stay Tuned! ***

P&G + Pop Up Shop = 5 Weeks of Freebies!

2013-09-25T12:08:00.003-04:00

P&G and Pop Up Shop have paired up to give away one product a week, every Wednesday, to the first 5,000 people who sign up at 12 pm, noon. This 5-week promotion runs until October 16, 2013. Below is the list of remaining freebies:

October 2, 2013
Week 3: Gillette Venus Embrace Razor

October 9, 2013
Week 4: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum

October 16, 2013
Week 5: Secret Clinical Strength Soothing Deodorant

Remember to be sign up right at noon on the dates listed above by clicking HERE. Good luck to all!

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here. *
* Photo Credit: Google Images *

Recently Discovered Screening Website

2013-07-15T15:25:00.001-04:00

Apart from my favorite: Advance Screenings, I just discovered Get Screening. This website is not as simple to navigate as Advance Screenings, but I've noticed that I will get e-mail notifications from this website before other sites, making it easier to snag a pair of tickets. You can look up screenings through the city or movie listing. Remember, tickets are first come, first served and you should always arrive to a screening 1-2 hours early to get the best seats.

I love free movie screenings. Due to work, I can't make it to all the available screenings in my area but since the end of the Spring semester 'til now I've seen a total of 11 screenings!

Check it out here and let me know about other screening sites you know about!

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here. *
* Photo Credit: www.getscreening.com *

The Minimal (not even close to extreme) Couponer

2013-07-09T13:15:00.001-04:00

The Krazy Coupon Lady is one of the best websites to find store-based deals. You can look up your store on the "Find My Store" tab on the upper left side. You will need to print coupons or buy the Sunday newspaper in order to get the low prices. You don't need to be an extreme couponer, but a little participation in the practice of couponing goes a long way.

Recommendation: My number one place to shop at is CVS (Extra Bucks rock!). You can find great deals that match every college student's needs - snacks, toothpaste, body wash, hair products, make-up, etc. You can usually get these items and more for less than $5 with the use of coupons/extra bucks. Please send me an e-mail if you have any questions about couponing.

* Note:This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here.*
* Photo Credit: Google Images *

Tip to Easy Money: Capital 360 $50 Bonus

2013-07-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

All college students and everyone else!: Need an extra $50 to add to your textbook fund or for back to school shopping? My tip to an easy, legitimate way to earn a few bucks is to open an Capital 360 Checking account. They currently are offering a $50 bonus with a new account. All you have to do is apply here (after clicking which account you want to open), follow the directions, and make a total of 3 electronic debit purchases within 45 days of opening an account (can be as low as $1). Your money will be deposited 5 days later.

I highly recommend getting a Capital One 360 account. I promise you I would not post about a service/product if I honestly didn't care much about it. This is my graduation trip savings account (goal: $2,500!, about 50% there as of 7/1/13). Currently, I have a checking and savings account with them because they have decent interest rates (@ .75% for savings), and especially because they have no account fees, no atm fees, etc. Great way to get motivated to start saving! For more information about the account, click here. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below.

* Note: This link is a refferal link. Please visit disclosure policy here.*
* Photocredit: Google Images*

The World of Online Couponing - Retailmenot

2013-06-26T08:38:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness coupons are not only for brick-and-mortar stores....

Online shopping is an addiction for me (well, more like window shopping), but who likes to pay full price and on top of that, pay for shipping??? That is why I always check retailmenot while online shopping to find coupons and promo codes for thousands of online retailers. You can usually find codes for 10-30% off or codes for free shipping.

Every bit of savings counts! The school year is fast approaching. Time to save for those overpriced textbooks.... Also, don't forget to use ebates for cash back!

* Note: This is an external link. Please access disclosure policy here.*
* Photo credit: Google Images (retailmenot app for iphone and android)*

Quick Tip 5/20: Advance Screenings

2013-05-20T15:23:00.001-04:00

Advance Screenings is the best website to find FREE movie screenings in your area. Just search for your city in the search box above... Make sure to sign up for the e-mail notifications so you can get notices for new postings right away.

Screenings may be sponsored by different companies/organizations, so make sure you follow their instructions to get tickets and remember, they are usually first come, first served, so be quick. Enjoy the movies!

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here. *
* Photo Credit: Google Images *

Tip to Easy Money: CraigsList Studies

2013-02-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

Check out your Craigslist page for paid research studies in your area. I check the Volunteers section and ETC section just about daily. I've found a few interesting ways to make a quick buck through studies. The most recent one I completed was catered to college students. During a 45 minute session, I evaluated a federal financial aid website. It turned out to be the fastest and easiest way I've ever made $50! So go on and take a look to see what you can find. Extra cash for a tablet or to pay off loans never hurt a soul.

** Always do background research on the study/company if possible and confirm that the study site is at a public location. Safety is a #1 priority!**

* Photo credit: Google Images*

Tip to Free Gift Cards: Swagbucks Fever!

2012-11-02T16:47:00.000-04:00

I have got to say that Swagbucks has become one of my favorite ways of earning free gift cards. This is a legit site. You can accumulate points by doing simple things like your everyday websearches, completing surveys, and online shopping! They also giveaway points daily through their Facebook, Twitter, and blog pages.
You can redeem your points for tons of stuff including electronics, magazines, accessories, and much more. To learn more and to sign up, click here.

(I will be updating this post soon with more information about what this site has to offer)

* Note: This is a refferal link. Please access disclosure policy here.*
* Photocredit: Google Images*

Quick Tip 10/17: Freebie Websites

2012-10-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

     Yay for freebies! My tip for saving money is to check freebie websites regularly. I have gotten lots of free samples and even full-sized products just by doing this! Ranging from makeup, shampoo, hair sprays, razors, all the way to food samples. It's a great way to save a buck or two. Even if I'm at home or at work, I always keep a freebie website on another tab to check for new posts. Some freebies have time restrictions or limited supplies, so you always have to be on the look out for updates.
   Here are some of my favorite websites:
    1. FreebieShark - freebies, coupons, deals, and sweepstakes. Owner of the page updates daily and constantly throughout the day, and he's also a young college student with lots of followers on Facebook. Amazing. My favorite!
        2. Hunt4Freebies
        3. MoneySavingMom - catered to mothers, but the articles, tips, and freebies posted are for a general audience.

Happy exploring. Let me know if you know any great freebie sites!

* Note: These links are external links. Please read the disclosure policy here.*
* Photocredit: Google Images *

Quick Tip: 9/27, Campus Studies

2012-09-27T10:13:00.004-04:00

I don't mind earning $15 or $20 here and there just by spending an hour assisting in research. And I'm sure you wouldn't either! My tip to making a quick and easy buck is to participate in studies/surveys around campus. My school offers studies sponsored by the Psychology, Sociology, and Linguistics departments. Ask their departments, check online, or look around your campus for flyers and you just might find a chance to earn some extra cash. The ones I've completed involve completing short tasks on the computer. Not much effort required.

Always read carefully or call ahead to find out what each study entails to make sure you feel comfortable with the procedure. Good Luck!

* Photocredit: mcnallylab.com (Harvard's Department of Psychology)*

Student Savvyness Series #2: Pay Yourself First & Budget, Budget, Budget (ggrrrr...)

2012-09-21T15:59:00.002-04:00

Why bother to keep track of my expenses?

Many college students think it's unneccesary and a bothersome routine. Heck, I used to say the same thing. Its crazy enough that we have to keep up with academics and our social lives. And I've been there. I remember when I used heard to hear the word "budget", I used to cringe at the thought that I would always have to keep writing down my expenses. I thought I would have to continously keep an eye on my online bank account. I imagined I would have to give up going out to eat, going to the movies, and hanging out with friends as much. BUT on the contrary... Being a frugal college student is not about giving up all these fun activities, it's about knowing how to make the most out of the money that is within your spending means.
Just a couple of tips to start being money savvy:

          1. Save! a.k.a Pay Yourself First: One of the habits I first started forming was saving a bit of cash. I always set aside a portion of my small income to put into a secure savings account. I actually have two accounts. One for long-term goals (a car, home, etc.) and one for the short-term goals (tablet, trip to Europe, etc.). I am sure you will be thanking yourself later with that purchase of a new car or whatever your heart desires. Plus, it's always a good idea to have an emergency fund.

         2. Budgeting: Now, you don't have to write down every dollar that escapes your wallet. At least, that doesn't work for me. You can make your own spreadsheet to set amounts that you are willing to spend in every area of your financial life. Remember, the most important group should be your bills and necessary expenses, such as cellphone, food, gas, etc. If you have no bills to worry about, then you just have to worry about the next set of expenses! Next, you can allocate money for entertainment, shopping, dining, weekend escapes, etc. Always leave room to enjoy the money you make! Budgeting is great because this will allow you to live within your means and you will definetely have money for everything you planned for.
          Personally, I use the envelope method. I prefer cash then swiping a debit card. It makes it easier for me to trace my spending. Try figuring out how much you spend in a month (maybe by saving receipts) and start tracking where your money goes. In a few months, you'll see how much control you have over your money and NOT how much money controls you.

Recently, I had to get two jobs to help out my household financially. It's been tough for me, but I've been able to live comfortable within my small income. So far, I've learned a lot about controlling my spending and having a better outlook on my finances. Budgeting has worked wonders for me! It's a evolving experience and it's a longwhile process. It's about learning how to handle your financial situation wisely. What works for me, might not work for you. Its a good time to start managing your finances at such a young age. I know for a fact that I want to be in charge and in control of my money and that I want to start learning now.
Don't be discouraged if it takes awhile to get used to this particular way of living. You will certainly reap the benefits in the future. Spend wisely and always be on the look out for money-earning opportunities on campus and in your community. Good luck and feel free to share any tips!

A Couple of Retail Store Discounts! J. Crew here I come!!!

2012-09-18T20:26:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love shopping?!! As college students, our wallets are hanging by a thread. At least mine is, but that doesn't stop me from shopping and getting some great deals. While I don't usually shop at these stores, here a few AMAZING stores that offer discounts:

- J. Crew: 15% discount on regular-priced merchandise with student ID. Valid with in-store purchases only.

- Juicy Couture: Offers a 15% discount in store with valid student ID.

- Banana Republic: 15% regular-priced merchandise with student ID. In-store only.

Happy Shopping!
Tip: Put the extra cash you saved in your savings account. Maybe save up for something big or just place in an emergency fund. A little saving never hurt anyone. ;)

Free Movie Screenings (in Major U.S. Cities)

2012-07-16T10:21:00.000-04:00

My local theater tickets cost about $10.50!!! My broke college student situation does not afford paying for that many movies anymore. Years back, I started searching the web for free movie screenings and found these two awesome websites. You can go get free movie passes and watch the movie before it actually opens in theaters! What's better than that? Check them out! http://www.filmmetro.com/ AND http://www.gofobo.com/. Let me know if there are any other websites you know about. Don't keep all those secrets to yourselves. ;)

*Update: Filmmetro merged with GoFobo as of 2013.*
* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here.*

For the College Girls: Allure Giveaways

2012-07-09T20:36:00.002-04:00

I love skincare and makeup products, especially at Sephora- yet those prices are killer! They may not be the exact products you're looking for, but Allure has giveaways every month for one full week. This time it's this week: 7/9-7/12. This giveaway is only for the first 500 people that sign up at noon, 12pm EDT. They are full-sized products. Check out the Allure website to see which products are up for grabs this week. Hope you snag one! (You won't know you won until you receive the product in the mail.)

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here.*
* Photocredit: allure.com *

Quick Tip 7/3

2012-07-03T21:54:00.004-04:00

If you're looking for cheap, or even free things to do in your area, always remember to check your school's website to see if they are sponsoring any events. Many times organizations and event staff give schools a certain number of tickets for their students. You never know what you might find.

Bartering Sites for Students

2012-06-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this list of bartering sites, especially catered to student needs. You can do things like exchange, give, and receive items without ever having to take out your wallet! Great ideas for frugal students like me: 50 Best Bartering Sites for the Frugal Student/

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy here.*
Photocredit: Onlinecolleges.net

Free Nivea Lip Care Product!

2012-06-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Yay! Who doesn't love freebies?!!! Nivea is giving away coupons for a free lip care product. As of today there still seems to be about 140,000 coupons left. Just upload a picture of your cutest PDA moment... Share with friends. "Discover the power of touch" and get your freebie at ~~Nivea's Facebook page~~.

* Note: This is an external link. Please read disclosure policy ~~here~~.*
~~Photo Credits: Niveausa.com~~

Question of the Day: 6/26

2012-06-26T13:31:00.000-04:00

What is something that is not fair?

Quick Tip 6/26: Credit Unions

2012-06-26T13:25:00.001-04:00

Many universities are affiliated with credit unions. While credit union banks are not the best fit for everyone, they are the most preferred for me. Nowadays, national banks have such low interest rates- as low as .05% for Bank of America. I would rather put my money where I know that it will at least compound a decent amount of interest and where I am treated like a real customer. Credit union banks are smaller, member-owned financial instuitions. And not any random person can open an account. You have to be a member in a participating organization (i.e. universities). My credit union has a savings interest rate at .20%. Both my savings and checking accounts compound daily. While this rate isn't worthy of the highest praise, I still like the fact that there are no hidden fees on my account, like the ones national banks tend to sneak up on you. At credit unions, there are usually no monthly fees attached for student accounts. Look into credit unions to have better control over your finances. Do some research and maybe your local credit union is a great choice for you. It's important to start saving, even at our ripe age...

My Personal Mission to be Money Savvy

2012-06-25T09:55:00.004-04:00

     We all know that life as a college student is pretty hectic! On top of all the exams, papers, homework, reading, and juggling low-paying part-time jobs, we have to witness our wallets annihilating slowly. *Bummer* This makes me really want to be savvy about my money, because I know that it's better to start the habit of controlling my finances now rather than later. I actually read an article once that if you start saving from the age of 20 to 40, you could potentially have $1 million bucks in your savings account! Of course, this requires you to put away (and a lil investing) an increasing amount each month in the bank for 20 years which also takes a lot discipline. But like some say, the rich ain't rich because they spend all their money (ahem, I'm not talking about celebrities, I mean entrepreneurs and business people). They just know how to spend a good percentage of what they have wisely and save the rest. My personal mission is to adapt to the lifestyle of smart money by always stretching every buck I have. Many people ask if living frugal is worth it. And my answer is always yes. Because there is nothing better than living debt-free. With all the debt I've accumulated with student loans, this is exactly what I need.
     I don't come from a middle-class family-more like working class. I was raised by a single mother earning minimum wage until I was 10 years old. I don't know how she did it, but I admire her for everything she's done. Now that I am over 18 and go to college, I am required to help out financially. I work 3 jobs (don't ask me how I do it! All I can say is that I am a literal zombie when school is in session lol) on campus to make ends-meet. I pay my mother rent, I help out with groceries, I pay gas, and I am already paying off a few of my loans. Every two weeks when I get paid, I make sure to pay all my bills and pay myself (savings) first! Then, I use the envelope method, which I will discuss later, to set apart money for things like entertainment, eating out, and shopping. I still know that there are some adjustments to be made because I usually still go over my budget. It sucks! Now that I'm on summer break, I have been doing serious research on how to be smart about my money. It's now a topic that I am passionate about. I want to share my ideas and money-saving tips with other students like me so that we can be all be savvy spenders.
     I've noticed that other money-saving blogs, are dedicated to families or couponing. I know that at this age, spending, not saving, money is the main desire, but it's important that we start exploring ways to be smart about our money. On my blog, I will post my thoughts, personal experiences, and freebies and deals that I believe are worth sharing. While I'm not fully in on the whole extreme couponing phenomenon, I will post any great coupons I find. If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to e-mail me at yazmen3@gmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you!