Couponing

For people who are living on a budget, sometimes using a coupon is a huge help on saving a few bucks here and there. I will not be giving tips on how to extreme coupon but more how to be coupon efficient. 

First is where to look for coupons:

• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Online
• In-Store
• On Products
• Manufacturer

The next thing to do is keeping the coupons organized. This should involve categorizing the coupons by type of product. Also have a container for the coupons. Do not leave them stuffed in a wallet or purse.

Also try to maximize your savings by not only using a manufacturer coupon but also a store coupon. This can equal double savings. Also enroll in a loyalty program. A loyalty program is where you scan your card at every purchase and gain rewards as you spend more throughout the store. 

References:

Huffstetler, Erin. "How to coupon Effectively." About.com. Web. 26 Mar 2012. 

Acceptance

For an update about if I was going to transfer or not. I am officially a Ferrum Panther and also a cheerleader for the school. Along with great news also comes some bad news. I will be unemployed during school next year because between school and cheerleading, I could not maintain a job.

This came to me as a shock for someone who has worked since I was legally allowed to. I'm not sure if this will be an easy transition. This also got me to wonder about student loans since I will not be able to cover what scholarships and grants do not.

In the project student debt, this blog goes over how students should avoid taking about private loans because they are much risker then talking out a private loan. Private loans are the safest bet because they do not change over time and also have guaranteed protections.

In another blog by Department of Consumer Affairs, it also covers about shopping around with loans and taking the right loan for you. Avoid taking a loan that is much more then you actually need. In the end, it can leave you in more debt then you need to be.

Another great idea for college expenses is FASFA. This gives out grants, which do not need to be repaid upon graduation, and loans.

Even though college can be very expensive, There are many options when it comes to covering the expenses.

Changes

As an update from my last blog, My father finally decided on which job he was going to take. I personally feel he made a great decision. He is finally out of the blue collar work and finally doing something that fits his personality more.

Now knowing that my family is slowly on the right path to being financially stable, I decided that going away to school next semester might not be a bad idea. I completely understand that no parent can honestly pay out of pocket for the school I plan on attending. Therefore I decided the only help I would like from my parents would be the deposit for room and board and spending money.

Going away to school requires a lot of saving and cutting back on needless spending. This way I will had money to spend when I truly need it. In Roth's Blog for money tips, The blog not only covers money management but also organization skills and decision making. Here are a few tips I felt everyone could find useful:

• Track your spending (via notebook, notepad, etc)
• Avoid getting a credit card (unless it is needed)
• Try to not hang out with big spenders
• Learn to invest
• Buy used textbooks 
• Stay active and eat healthy

Tips such as these are simple to follow and can help you save while still enjoying a similar lifestyle. Everyone makes a sacrifice, whether it be on spending or saving. 

In an article by John Fuller, He goes over 10 tips for saving at college. Some of these tips I feel could be used in everyday life such as:

• Seek alternative transportation 
• Be creative with your free time (You don't have to spend money to have fun)
• Get the right cell phone plan (Don't pay for something you don't need)
• If a student, Get a free student checking (Most banks still have this account available)

When money is tight, it can be difficult to tell yourself or someone that they really don't need certain items. For example, having an iPhone, Its a great phone to have but it is also very expensive with all the add ons. Another example could be the choice of clothes purchased. 


Sometimes it is the smallest things that can be the most beneficial. With these simple tips, everyone can save  while still maintaining a consistent lifestyle. 


References: 


Fuller, John. How Stuff Works. Discovery Company. Web. 18 March 2012.

Patience

In the beginning of my blogs, I discussed how my father was unemployed and how it seemed no matter how many resumes he sent out, nothing was coming back. Finally last week my dad started getting calls for interviews. This was the greatest news for my family.


Since money has been tight for the family, I thought the least I could do was drive my dad to all his interviews as long as I wasn't working or missing class. I feel like because I have two incomes and less bills to pay that this is my way of helping out my family.


I recently took him to two different companies which I have a great feeling about. The only problem is it seems that now that he is finally getting calls and interviews, he is becoming overwhelmed. My mom and I have constantly told my dad to take the job that he feels he will enjoy and also pays a decent amount. 


Another thing when being offered multiple jobs is to really look into the position they are offering. My dad is skilled in multiple areas, therefore he applied to a broad range of jobs throughout the last 6 months. By looking at the position you are being offered this helps you determine if you will be happy within that field of work and always research the company in which you are interviewing with.


When making a decision on whether you want to accept or decline the job remember this:

• Commute time
• Benefits
• Flexibility of work schedule
• Work culture
• Company stability
• Opportunity for advancement
• Level of responsiblity 

These factors can really make or break the decision on whether taking a certain job is the right choice for you. I feel that the most important thing when looking for a job should be the stability of the company. This is mainly because the economy has been hot and cold. The last thing to look for is the work culture because that should not be the determining factor. 


Tips such as the ones listed above can be viewed on All Star Resume's blog. They are very helpful for anyone who is looking for a job or career.

Keep your fingers crossed for my dad! I feel like everything that has happened, he truly deserves a decent job.


References: 


Burt, Erin. "How to choose the right job". kiplinger. 19 Apr 2007. Web. 23 Apr 2012. 

Potential Sources

Since last week I forgot to post my sources for my paper, I am posting them now.


One of my sources for my paper is from Credit & Debt Management, this is one of my sources because the first thing someone who wonders when they become unemployed is how to manage their finances. This article gives tips on ways to avoid losing control upon becoming unemployed. 


Another source I choose was from Wise Bread. This article made unemployment seem like a way of life and nothing to be ashamed of. The tips in the article can not only be applied to someone who is unemployed but also someone who lives on a budget. Not everyone lives comfortably. 


Even though this is not an article, I wanted to see what VA Unemployment Benefits included and how someone goes about filing for unemployment. this website can calculate your benefits and also how long someone can claim such benefits. This web page could help someone decided if they want to file for unemployment or just continue job searching.


My last source is Unemployment Rates in the United States. I picked this source because every state is different financially and depending on where you live, that could affect how difficult it may be to find a job. Virginia thankfully did not make the top 10 for this websites statistics.

Moving Away

Being at a community college, we as student do really miss out on a lot of "college experiences". I have nothing against NOVA and I feel that going here my freshman year was a smart idea financially. After much debate I realized that living as home is not how I ever pictured my college experience. With that said, I have decided that transferring this upcoming year might be a good idea for me (Truth Exposed Pub). 


The only problem is I'm terrified to tell my mom. She puts so much pressure on me to get my associates at NOVA then transfer to a 4 year university. I understand money is tight and no one wants to take out loans but honestly I know for me I'm only hurting myself if I continue to stay at home. 


After speaking to an adviser, She gave me great advice on how to go about transferring and getting grants and scholarships. I know I would never transfer if in the end I"ll be drowning in debt but with the amount of schools in Virginia, I am bound to find a school that is financially manageable. 


Community does have many advantages for most students who are unsure of their major or what school they really want to go to. Plus at most community colleges, students have the comfort of living at home where they feel the safest (Zimmerman). Another positive about community college is that most students can still maintain a part-time job, which makes it easier to save money.


However, It is not for everyone. It takes a lot to watch everyone you know go off to school while you stay home. In a sense I feel like I haven't really done anything since graduation.


Starting this week, I will be applying to a few schools. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Once I receive letters, I'll tell my mom only because I may not transfer this upcoming fall and there is no need to worry that old woman. Wish me luck!


References:

Truth Exposed Pub Staff. (n.d.). Hot Pages. Retrieved Feb 2012, 2012, from Truth Exposed Pub. 

Zimmerman, B. (2008, Sept 12). Community College Rising in Popularity. Retrieved Feb 20, 2012, from NuWire Investor.

Want or Need?

For some, it can be hard to determine what a need and want are. We also sometimes confuse the fact that a need is something you cannot live without. For example this includes food and shelter. A want may include wanting an ice cream for dessert or a t.v. which is used solely for entertainment (Art Today).


Being a full time student, I feel that I need a laptop but the want includes what type of laptop I purchase. My family does share 1 laptop between four people, it can be very frustrating and difficult and find a time when it is available. 


This brought me to thinking how much easier school could be if I purchased my own laptop. Some reasons why I decided this was a good idea include:

• Laptops are portable, which means I do not have to be home in order to do my homework. 
• By owning my own, I do not have to worry about files being deleted or my younger brother allowing a virus on the laptop.
• With the laptop, I could not have to worry about finding an open seat in the computer lab, or the printers not working when it is needed most.
• Its an investment, Laptops can last for years and knowing I plan to transfer soon, I'll need something so I do not have to rely on others.

Thankfully I have been saving money for a laptop for quite some time and I also receive my unused FASFA money every semester. My main concern with purchasing something so pricey is the risk of something happening to it and also my family does not understand boundaries.

Even though I love my family, They have the worst luck with an electronic device, Especially my father. I'd love to know if I should stick it out through this semester by sharing or use my FASFA check to buy myself a laptop. 

Even though money is very tight, sometimes It is needed to spend a little in order to get a lot in return which I see as my education.

References:

White, David. Want Vs. Need: Basic Economics. Art Today. 2001-2002. Web 12 Feb 2012.