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College brings on many new responsibilities and being fiscally responsible is one of the hardest. It seems like money leaves your wallet faster than it goes in and your bank account is starting to collect spider webs. Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways you’re wasting your money in college. Check out some of these things to cut back on so you can stack those coins!

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Junk Food Foodie?– Although it is nice to treat yourself to fast food every once in a while, the campus is full of eating spots that are included in your meal plan. This is so much better than having to spend money on take out every time you’re hungry. The other benefit is that campus usually offers healthier options so it’s a win-win.

Rent’em + Return’em- Buying textbooks is a hard financial hit in the beginning of the semester. In order to cut costs, rent your books from websites like Amazon and Chegg. You should also ask your professor to see if you’ll even need the book before you buy it.

Ride Along– Having a car on campus is obviously convenient, but the money you spend on upkeep isn’t worth it. You’ll have to pay for gas weekly and some colleges even make you pay for a parking pass every year. Ditch the car and opt for a bike or walk like most students do. Large campuses even provide transportation to your classes.

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~Tia Banks, Content Editor

Ramen has become the staple meal for any broke college student. It’s cheap and easy too make, which is why it’s the go-to meal option. Now lets mix it up! Here are three ways to enhance your bowl of ramen and take it to a gourmet level!

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Tis the Seasoning! | Try adding some extra seasoning to your bowl of ramen. Sautee some garlic in a pan and add it in along with a little garlic powder and onions.

Breakfast Ramen | Add an egg (whatever style) along with some crumbled bacon. Now there’s no excuse for skipping breakfast anymore!

Spice it up! | If you like a little spice, add in some sriracha. Try a few drops for a little kick and a couple squirts for the spicy lover in you!

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-Tia Banks, Content Editor

Summer is in full swing + so are those part-time checks from your summer gig! Don’t fret; we’ll cover our eyes on how you’ve already spent your money on clothes, beauty goodies and concert tickets for the first half of the summer. Well, for the rest of the month we’re going to give you 3 reasons why saving your money is “not your enemy” in your life!

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Clouds Are Rolling In!– Have you heard the saying “save for a rainy day” in life? Well, with all this global warming happening you never know when a storm will pop up. Okay, so maybe not a real life tornado but a shift in your money flow. An extra book for your college course? Your basketball uniform? I mean it’s always good to have a little cushion.

Hands Out Syndrome– So your parents love you and your homegirls have your back but let’s be honest they are not your personal ATM. Always asking for someone to spot you or cover you can be a bit draining and can even break up friendships. Keep a stash and play it safe.

Shrug That Feeling– It’s as simple as that feeling. We all know that feeling. That feeling of finding a quarter is an upgrade to our empty accounts. It’s cool to look fly but when you have an empty account can take away from your fab life.

So get to stacking!

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Between obsessing over PROMposals + trying to pull your brain back from functioning after spring break, when do you have time to save up for having the ultimate prom night? Well, we’re here to bring good news for your stress level and maybe your dwindling bank account. Rule of life: You never have to break the bank to look unforgettable + feel like a star! The major key is creativity. So, let’s dive into the ultimate prom hacks!

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Swap + Switch-Have you ever heard a remix to a song and thought “this is completely better than the original song?” Well, it can be the same with your prom dresses and accessories. Call your girls (especially if you’re senior) and have an ultimate swap out between you + your crew. Now, it feels like a new dress to you. Plus, you have killer personal style so once you add your your special touch with hair + accessories it will be one-of-a-kind.

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Spa Squad! – Let’s skip the expensive + excessive spa treatment of manis/pedis and just create your own spa squad. Instead of a stuffy spa that plays nothing but the ‘Best of Bach’ ,  create your own vibe. Get your playlist, snacks + most important you can now prep in your pjs while giving yourself an even better spa treatment.

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Student Strands – Okay,  who knows the hottest trends other than someone who is actually part of our generation? Instead of throwing tons of money to someone who thinks finger waves are making a comeback, head to a cosmetology school where students know what’s hot or not. There’s always atleast one style student who is known to slaying strands. So cut down costs + look flawless!

You’ll thank us later!

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From fresh kicks to the latest hair trends to your 50 bottles of nail polish scattered in your room, they all have one thing in common. Umm yeah, they cost money, right? Right! And another truth about these items is that just because you have them doesn’t mean you actually have  extra money or should I dare and say ‘savings’? So even though you may look like you have it together that may be far from the truth. Alright, so scroll through to see if you want to FAKE it or actually MAKE it.

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Stay In Your Lane- Just like they taught you in Driver’s ED to stay in your lane, the same rules apply when it comes to your coins.  Just because your friend blows money without working doesn’t mean you can do the same. Remember, you put in hard work on your part-time gig after classes to get the extra cash flow. Spend wisely. And plus, you’re getting a jumpstart on adulthood that your spoiled home girl will have to catch up to. Again, spend wisely.

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STRUGGLE mode now or BOSS mode later- Ooh we all love shiny, new things to add to our collection. But let me ask you this, would you rather be able to splurge just for the moment or actually have a lifestyle where you can flourish for years? Sacrifices today pave the growth of tomorrow. So don’t feel bad for packing lunch or not getting every refreshment at the movies. You’re just in prep mode for the rest of your life!

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Savings are GHOST!- Okay, so this is tricky. In a world where we can’t get through 12 hours without sharing a ‘fun’ update about life, we have an itch to tell the world how much we’re saving especially if you’ve been cutting back. Well, this is a personal win that at the right time as you’re getting older will naturally slip out. When you’re the only one in your crew not stressing about hitting the college bookstore or even when spring break comes around you’re not scraping for that senior trip! Just know savings will come in handy in numerous ways + that’s always better than an Instagram debut.

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It’s about that time again! Holiday commercials, pumpkin spice latte in the air and empty pockets? Yes, we get it.  Even though it’s a festive time a year that doesn’t mean your pockets always match the season. With the holiday season + right around the corner and gearing up for gift giving season you might need a few extra dollars your way. So what’s better than a part-time gig to help you stack up for the holiday? Check out these quick tips to get a head start on your search!

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Start Early + Research- Ok, yes there are numerous job openings but that doesn’t mean it will always stays that way! To not get left in the dust create a quick list of places that you would like to work + that are hiring.  This makes your search clear, focus & easier for you to snag a gig.

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Fun times, Fun place? – Just because it’s work doesn’t mean you have to dread going there. While you’re on your job search and pick a place where you actually shop or an environment you enjoy.  Find a place you like and go for it! This makes your work days go by faster and you’ll actually want to learn more about your job that can aid you in the future. Also, a killer discount always helps when it comes to gift giving!

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Second Glance +Follow Up- So before you turn in your resume take a second glance! If you’re submitting it in person or online make sure to double check your resume for the correct info & proper presentation. Also, make sure to follow up to make sure it’s received!

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So back-to-school season is here and you’re already over your classes? Yeah, we understand but remember the better you do now the less stress you’ll be at the end of the year. So here are a few locker pick-me-ups that can turn your book storage into a safe haven. And remind you that you’re unstoppable even after cringing through your 1st period of pre-cal. Oh and did we mention you don’t have to break your bank! All items are less than $10!

Locker Mirror  – $9.99

So lesson number 1 in life, you should always be your biggest fan! Get a glimpse of your fresh smile and remind yourself to be unstoppable when you make your locker pit stop.

Magnets – $6.12

What’s better than cute magnets? Umm cute magnets that remind you of how freakin’ dope you are each + everyday!

Wallpaper – $7.99

The backdrop of a locker can be the number 1 ingredient to wanting to drop your books and literally walk out of the school each morning. So put your twist on it. Remember, you can create a life that you love and it starts with even the little things.

Dry Erase Boards -$4.99

Ok, with classes, assignments and topics for the debate team, a to-do list will be your bff this year. Use a white board to write your daily tasks. The best feeling in the world is to slash through completed tasks. Trust us, you’ll soon be addicted to the feeling.

Plug me up!-$9.50

Yeah, yeah we know you have to stay connected.  So don’t forget your USB cord. We’re sure you have atleast 3 but keep one in your locker just for back up. You never know when you might see the danger sign of “your battery has reached less than 15%” in life. The horror.

New Year, New Coin!– It’s a new year and the resolutions have begun. Everyone from your neighbors to your friends are trying to master the art of budgeting. Sacrifices will be made and tears will fall when we have to pick between the latest sneakers and the calculator that needs to be replaced for school. Just because we can’t splurge on a daily doesn’t mean we can’t have fun on a budget. Saving money is key whether you are saving for college, a new computer, or a new car. To help, include saving as an expense in your budget, try placing small amounts of money to the side to help with these future purchases.

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Holidays-The Month of Love!- February is the time to budget. Valentine’s day is lurking with chocolates, flowers, and cards waiting empty your wallets. Whether it is for a significant other or for your mother, keep in mind the cost. You can’t put a price on love, but you can put a price on the watch or Michael Kors purse that you bought. I recommend having a spending limit and especially encourage students without a job to follow this suggestion. So be realistic about your budget.

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The Box– Everyone has heard the saying “Think outside the box”. This quote can simply be applied to your everyday life. There is nothing wrong with a little creativity if the price is right. For example, buying lunch at the corner store rather than the local diner or even making your own lunch. By switching up your resources you can save a lot of money. Just know the difference between want and need. If help is needed you could always find yourself a fairy god-budgeter, someone who mastered the art of saving money, to lead and inspire you to save and use your money wisely.

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Lastly, I want you guys to forgive yourself for small mistakes. Budgeting can be challenging. With this in mind don’t slack off, and start throwing away your money, but don’t beat yourself up for your slip-ups. It will get easier overtime and in no time you will be someone’s fairy god-budgeter!

By: Brynn Hutchinson, C.O.R.E Contributor

Being dope + young has pressures that only one could imagine. Not only do you deal with the expectations from every adult in your life but also social pressures from others around you and yes that includes keeping up with the latest of everything. From technology to fashion, it’s as if the walls are closing in second by second to ensure yourself you stay current! To top it off, it doesn’t even help when your closest friends seem to be “balling” out of control and gets to use her parents credit cards as if there are absolutely no limits in the world. Well, I’m here to tell you that it does not matter how much money you have that matters but how resourceful you are with your funds. So it’s definitely okay for you to still have a fly life without having the most money. Trust me on this one. So let’s dig into how you can make your part time check work for you…

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Company You Keep– Ok so you know how the say “watch the company you keep?” Well, you know it’s a true statement in regards to shopping buddies as well. If you know that it’s a difficult for you to say the word “no” when it comes to shopping, watch the shopping buddy who joins you. If your friend constantly is swiping left and right, she’s more than likely is going to want you do the same and this is where pressure comes into play when dealing with unnecessary spending. So the next time you going to shop for something specific bring a laid back friend or just hit the boutique by yourself. Sometimes shopping solo is the best way too! Less stress, less opinions and no pressures!

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No Impulse Buys– So every time you head out to the stores set a plan before you head out the door. If you just need to buy a pair of jeans or a cd, that is what you should come back with. Or even if you give yourself a total amount that you’re going to spend, stick to the amount. This way you can have the freedom to buy what you want to and even indulge in that sale but still stick to the amount you want to spend. Trust me, the best feeling is going out shopping and coming back knowing you stuck to your budget and bought something you wanted! Score!

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Refocus!! Ok, I know the fact that your parents wouldn’t give you money to but the $150.00 pair of shoes that everybody has makes you feel like the end of the world is here. But I’m going to let you end on a little a secret…life goes on. I know your day to day let downs seem never ending and although you should live for today you should still plan for tomorrow as well. So even though it may seem like everybody else is keeping up on the latest trends, saving and setting money to the side is more fulfilling. So even though you may not have every latest thing, once you head off to college you will have enough money aside to not only to easily pay for your books but have comfortable amount to live on and not scraping last minute. Just saying.

Squad UP– Girl talk, manicures, facials, and good music…sounds like the perfect nails right?? Well all of that you can do in your own house. One of you and or your girlfriends pick a place where you guys can have a fun girls night sleepover. Enjoy doing your nails while watching all of the gushy teen chick flicks you can find and let loose. Create a music mix for girls night in and it’s the perfect way to have ‘All

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Festivals- The weather is definitely heating up  at a rapid pace, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors still before it’s too late. There are still tons of Summer festivals that take place all around. Just look up festivals near your locations and you will be surprised how many are in your area. So grab your cut offs and score a cup of  fresh lemonade cider & some funky jewelry.

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Throw It Back-  Skating isn’t just for ol’ school night right? Do something that even your parents used to enjoy. The rink never gets old with a good dj or hitting the bowling alley with a side nachos is always the perfect answer to summer!

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Swap Out- You like her necklace, she loves your earrings…so why not do a swap out?? You ask what is a swap out? Well gather your girlfriends and trade different fashion an beauty goodies! Pick out different beauty products that hasn’t worked for you and fashion items that you never wear and bring them over friends house and got to town! Invite 4-5 girls and you will be surprised the selection you will have. Just like shopping!

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 Arts & Crafts – Yes, I know you’re not in elementary school anymore but who said arts & crafts are just for kids?? Take those old pair jeans and  change it to a skirt or that old sweatshirt to a cute little headband. Not into sewing?? Ok, take all your old magazines that go back 3 years because I know you have them and cut out anything you love! From celebs to places to fashion items and make collage! It can be an inspiration board so every time you look at it you’ll be reminder of where you want to be in the future.

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