Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSpending habits; five ways to save your money in 2009
By Sean Dotson
Posted: 1/13/09, 1:09 AM EST Section: Feature
Sean Dotson
Strong like a bull, tall like a bear
New YearÕs Savings: ItÕs the small things we can do that count
By Sean Dotson
The past year was defined by high gas prices, crashing economic markets and spending cutbacks. For the first time in years, budgeting became more important than overspending. I know, all of this news sounds truly awful, but there is hope for the year ahead. Gas prices have fallen drastically and many goods are becoming more affordable. Whew, thank goodness.
On that note, it is clear that we should change our spending habits. IÕll be the first to admit that I enjoy a fun, exciting and often expensive night out on the town, but there are a number of small things we can do that will add up when it comes to our wallets.
Don Dutkowsky, professor of economics in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, said, ÒPeople are taking a good, hard look at their previous habits. Do we have to travel as much, do we need a new car. The bad economy is forcing them to (make these decisions).Ó
With this in mind, here are a few ways you can still have your cake and eat it, too:
1) Paying full price is a thing of the past, kiddies. Dutkowsky explained that sales have been down since October. Here is where the good, and less boring, news comes in, folks: stores are issuing more and more sales. One trip to the mall made it clear that after-Christmas sales were at their peak compared to years behind us. Point blank, get to the mall and check out the hot deals. I hit MacyÕs and got an entire outfit for just over $20. ThatÕs where itÕs at.
2) Skip out on your daily coffee run down on Marshall Street. I enjoy a mocha cappuccino as much as the next person, but that adds up. Do the math: $4 per day times 5 days per week times 52 weeks per year equals $1,040. If you really need the caffeine fix, hit PeopleÕs Place, they have hot deals everyday of the week. Get it? HOT deals. We all have a daily routine that includes small spending, but it can add up. Cut back here and there, youÕll definitely see a difference.
Strong like a bull, tall like a bear
New YearÕs Savings: ItÕs the small things we can do that count
By Sean Dotson
The past year was defined by high gas prices, crashing economic markets and spending cutbacks. For the first time in years, budgeting became more important than overspending. I know, all of this news sounds truly awful, but there is hope for the year ahead. Gas prices have fallen drastically and many goods are becoming more affordable. Whew, thank goodness.
On that note, it is clear that we should change our spending habits. IÕll be the first to admit that I enjoy a fun, exciting and often expensive night out on the town, but there are a number of small things we can do that will add up when it comes to our wallets.
Don Dutkowsky, professor of economics in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, said, ÒPeople are taking a good, hard look at their previous habits. Do we have to travel as much, do we need a new car. The bad economy is forcing them to (make these decisions).Ó
With this in mind, here are a few ways you can still have your cake and eat it, too:
1) Paying full price is a thing of the past, kiddies. Dutkowsky explained that sales have been down since October. Here is where the good, and less boring, news comes in, folks: stores are issuing more and more sales. One trip to the mall made it clear that after-Christmas sales were at their peak compared to years behind us. Point blank, get to the mall and check out the hot deals. I hit MacyÕs and got an entire outfit for just over $20. ThatÕs where itÕs at.
2) Skip out on your daily coffee run down on Marshall Street. I enjoy a mocha cappuccino as much as the next person, but that adds up. Do the math: $4 per day times 5 days per week times 52 weeks per year equals $1,040. If you really need the caffeine fix, hit PeopleÕs Place, they have hot deals everyday of the week. Get it? HOT deals. We all have a daily routine that includes small spending, but it can add up. Cut back here and there, youÕll definitely see a difference.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Vanessa
posted 1/13/09 @ 2:01 PM EST
great tips, sean! this is my new favorite column.
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