Category Archives: Money/Budget

April 23, 2013

DIY Toiletries & Cleaning Supplies

Filed under: College Life, DIY & Crafts, Money/Budget, Tips - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

College is where we all learn how to live frugally. Students always need to save money. However, that doesn’t mean we always see opportunities to save money. A lot of us spend what we think are small amounts of money on things we use every day (shampoo, soap, shaving cream, etc), not even realizing there is a cheaper way. Have you ever made your own toiletries or cleaning supplies? It might seem like difficult, time-wasting work, but it pays off in the long-run. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Deodorant

For the solid kind, follow this recipe, which uses coconut oil, baking soda, and cornstarch. Want to try a spray-on? Go for this recipe, which uses only baking soda, water, and a spray bottle. If you want a nice scent to it, try adding an essential oil.

DIY Make Your Own Deodorant Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © One Green Planet

2. Shampoo

As the writer of this recipe notes, just a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of hot water will make an inexpensive, yet effective, shampoo. If you want a shampoo that smells good, buy the Castile soap in the first recipe in a different scent.

DIY Make Your Own Shampoo Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Money Saving Queen

3. Toothpaste

Just 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt will make you toothpaste! For a little flavor, add some peppermint essential oil or cinnamon.

DIY Make Your Own Toothpaste Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Thankfully Thrifty

4. Countertop Cleaner

This recipe for a multi-purpose cleaner calls for quite a few ingredients, but you know what they say: a little goes a long way! The maker gave it great reviews too – this might be one I even try!

DIY Make Your Own Counter Cleaner Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Our Semi Organic Life

5. Dish Soap

For liquid dish soap to wash with by hand, try this recipe. Have an automatic dishwasher? Try this one.

DIY Make Your Own Soap Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © MadeFromPinterest.com

6. Shower Cleaner

I like this easy recipe for doing one of the most hated household chores. All you need is borax, baking soda, vinegar, liquid soap, and warm water.

DIY Make Your Own Shower Cleaner Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Whole New Mom

As you can see, a lot of these recipes require the same ingredients, so you’ll save time and money on something you can use multiple ways.

Is there anything you make to save money? Let us know in the comments!

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April 11, 2013

Spruce Up Your Spring Wardrobe!

Filed under: DIY & Crafts, Fashion, Money/Budget, Tips - Angelina
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Darlene Megino Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

With the seasons and weather changing, so are the latest fashion trends! If you’re on a budget or simply just want to change up your style, here are a few ideas on how to spruce up your spring wardrobe.

1. Statement Necklaces

One of this spring’s hottest trends are statement or collar necklaces. Adding something as simple as a statement necklace will transform your entire outfit. For a student on a budget, you can check out this DIY statement necklace YouTube video here:

2. Black & White Stripes

The latest trend this Spring is black and white stripes! If you’re looking to follow the trend but not hurt you wallet, here’s a couple of ways you can do it. You can easily transform a simple black or white clutch by painting black or white stripes onto them. To learn how to do this, check out this awesome video below. You can also use this simple spray painting tutorial on various other items such as heels, ballet flats or headbands!

3. Hi-Low Skirts / Dresses

Revamp your old wardrobe by changing up an old trend! Maxi skirts and dresses were so last season! Instead of buying Hi-Low skirts and dresses for this Spring, just cut up your old maxi dress and skirts. To learn how to recycle and reinvent your old maxi skirts and dress, check out this easy DIY tutorial:

By creating your own pieces and making simple changes to a few wardrobe pieces, you can definitely stay up to date on the latest trends without hurting your wallet!

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March 23, 2013

Spring Break Alternatives for the Broke College Student

Filed under: College Life, Money/Budget, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips, Travel & Abroad, Volunteering and Giving Back - Angelina
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Darlene Megino Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

While most people may be partying it up in Vegas, Cancun, or Miami, the broke college student may feel as though they are just sitting at home staring at the wall. Well don’t! Do these cheap alternatives for spring break:

1. Tourist

Join in on a tour guide or visit a museum in a city you would like to learn more about. Visit (or re-visit) local landmarks! Spark up a conversation with someone while you are there! It’s fun to meet people from different states or countries. You could even exchange fun travel guide tips or even learn about local food hot-spots.

Tourist Digital Camera
Photo © fxdx

2. Groupons

If you’re looking for something to do, check out the groupon page in your area. They have tons of “now! deals” which include deals for a variety of options. There are some pretty awesome deals such as paintballing, sky diving, and even a deal for cooking class. Whether you’re looking for a new place to eat or if you’re looking for some entertainment, groupon is a great way to go. It’s great for students who are on a budget!

Groupon.com Website

Photo © groupon.com

3. Picnic

If you can’t afford to splurge for spring break, you and your friends can still have fun party outdoors! Get all your basic picnic necessities (cups, soda, plates, etc.) at the dollar store for less than $10! Next, hit up the grocery store and shop clearance items. Though these items are on “clearance” they’re actually NOT expired! The products are still good, it just means their expiration dates are nearing and the stores need to sell them fast. If you’re looking for a change in scenery, have your picnic at a nearby park so you can do other fun outdoor activities like play football or volleyball.

Outdoor Picnic Food and Table Near Lake in the Park

Photo © KFoodaddict

4.  Volunteer

You can also do volunteer work at surrounding communities or in other countries. Many different organizations have  sponsor programs which helps students to send them to various locations to do volunteer work. Students would have to just raise X amount of dollars through donations to be provided with food, boarding, and transportation during the duration of their volunteer period. For more information on volunteer work visit Volunteer Alliance or United Way’s Alternative Spring Break.

Volunteer Help Alternative Spring Break

Photo © ahbrooks

Utilize this time to de-stress from all of those late night study sessions. Whether you’re partying up or giving back by volunteering, just try to make the most out of your spring break!

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March 1, 2013

5 Affordable Spring Break Ideas

Filed under: College Life, Money/Budget, Seasonal Celebrations, Travel & Abroad, Volunteering and Giving Back - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Spring Break is coming up fast – do YOU have plans? Spring Break is usually hyped up to make you think you have to go somewhere fancy and exotic, but since most of us are frugal college students living on budgets, sometimes that trip to Cancun just isn’t feasible. Don’t fret! Here are five affordable options that will provide you some fun, and save you some money.

1. Beach House

Spend a few days lying in the sun, hitting the waves, and hosting delicious barbecues. Spend a day or two checking out the shops in town, or even rent a boat to go whale watching.

Beach Houses

Photo © Tim Phillips Photos

2. Road Trip

Break out the map and see if there are any cities nearby you’re interested in checking out. Take a dip in a hot spring, learn to ski or snowboard, or take a wild lesson in skydiving, glassblowing, or some other funky hobby. There are bound to be a few inexpensive hotels, or you can couch-surf with family and friends; just think of the stories you’ll return home with.

Carmel Valley California Group Road Trip

Photo © Leigh Dameron

3. City Tour

How many of the restaurants and recreational sites have you actually been to in your own town? Take this break as an opportunity to tour your own city, making it a rule to only eat, shop, and hang out at those places you haven’t been to.

Shopping Zürich Trendy Quarters City Tour

Photo © Zürich | Zurich | Zurigo

4. Camping

Another affordable option, all you have to do is grab your gear, pick a location, and head out! By the beach, by the lake, in the middle of nowhere in the woods – wherever you go, it’ll be nice to just relax with friends and goof off. Don’t want to sleep in a tent? See if a log cabin is available!

Camping Out With Two Tents

Photo © squitten

5. Volunteer (ASB)

Do something different this year and plan an alternative Spring Break! Place like the American Hiking Society, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way are accepting volunteers for different projects over Spring Break. Not only will you see a new place, but you’ll get some great experience, and you’ll have something to list on your resume.

Habitat for Humanity Alternative Spring Break Volunteer Work

Photo © Imagine Canada

Planning on flying somewhere for vacation? Check out StudentUniverse for some great student discounts on flights! And check out this Spring Break Travel Guide for more advice and tips.

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February 1, 2013

Penny Pinching in a Glitzy Town

Filed under: College Life, Money/Budget, Tips - Angelina
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Tiana Bouma Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

The cost of living always seems to be rising. I just returned from a three month internship in Washington D.C. and realized while living there that I wasn’t properly prepared to be living in such an expensive city. I’m hoping to return there upon graduation and decided to try to decrease my cost of living to save up by making a budget.

How To Build A Budget:

1. Online Websites

There are multiple free websites that help you build a budget and watch your expenses. You can usually input credit cards, bills, and investments so that you have a complete view. I made an account at mint.com and have decreased my spending on groceries on budgeted clothes and restaurant expenses as well. Analyzing my expenses this way was an enlightening experience.

mint.com screenshot pie chart of finances and money budget

Photo © darksidesunny

2. Stay In

It’s easy to overspend on entertainment, especially with how expensive going out to a movie or getting drinks can be. Instead of going out, a stay-in night with friends can be just as fun. Movies are cheaper to rent, board games are always fun, or bottle of wine on sale and some invigorating conversation can keep a budget in check. If you do need/want to go out, than look for happy hours with seriously cheap drinks and maybe even some food options as well. Big cities may have a website listing all the happy hours in the area.

Uno Card Game

Photo © futilidadesdemenina

3. Savings

Coupons and deal websites are helpful in saving some additional costs. Livingsocial and Groupon saved me a lot of money when I wanted to go to sports events or themed parties for holidays. I was even able to save on cooking classes and haircuts.

Pile of coupons and discounts and savings

Photo © Mandy_Jansen

Any little savings will go far in the long run. Saving only $50 a month on groceries will equal $1,200 in 2 years! The budgeting has even helped me when I returned to my last month in college.  Hopefully these tips can help with living costs in any city.

What do you do to save money? Leave a comment below!

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