Thriving on a Budget

We all want that incredible, classy, trendy style, but it is NOT CHEAP. It is so hard keeping up with today's trends when I only have about $30 in my wallet at any given time. Through my four years in college I feel as though I really mastered my bargain shopping and wanted to share some of these tips with you all! 

1. Retail Me Not: I really don't know why people aren't using this app 24/7. Basically it locates you, and shows you all the coupons that are available at the stores you're shopping in. Lets say I'm in Michaels, all I have to do is enter Michaels in the search bar and they show me every coupon and deal available! It's so cool and I've seriously saved so much money this way. Retail me not has coupons for in-store and online, and all their coupons are verified! 

2. Shoe Shopping: Okay, I know this one is going to sound crazy, BUT, look in the kids section. Now I'm not telling you to go buy light up TMNT Sneakers (unless of course you want light up TMNT sneakers) but you can get some great Nikes for $15-$20 cheaper than adult sneakers. Most of the time they are exactly the same shoe, just marketed differently. I just bought a pair of Nike Tanjun sneakers. They are a little boys size 5.5 (equivalent to a woman's 7.5). They are absolutely identical to the adult Tanjun. There isn't a single difference in the shoe, but there is a difference in price. I only paid $50 for them, while the adult sizes started at $65. No one will ever know that you're wearing youth sneakers, and you'll have an extra $15 in your pocket for Chipotle. 

3. Target Cartwheel: This app is life changing. As we all know- Target is a holy place. Well it's about to get even better. Cartwheel is an app and all you have to do is scan each item you pick up while shopping. The app will get you Cartwheel exclusive coupons for certain brands and products. While you're at checkout, you show the cashier your barcode and once they scan it, all the discounts are registered and you save some $$$! It's so easy. 

4. Subscriptions: Okay, I know getting a million promotional emails is annoying, but they can actually get you a lot of great deals. My tip is to set up a separate email account for all of your promo emails from different stores and websites. You only have to check it every few days to see what kinds of sales are going on. Plus, many stores offer coupons exclusive to those who subscribe to their emails! 

5. Rewards Programs: Tons of stores are hopping on this train. The one I find most useful? Ulta's Ultamate Rewards! I've been an Ultamate Rewards member for years and I have seriously saved a ton of money. You get a point for each dollar you spend, and once you reach 100 points you get $3 off your next purchase, then $6, then $12, all the way up to $100 off! Plus if you get your hair done at Ulta, (10/10 recommend Emily at the Ulta Salon in Patchogue) it is really easy to rack up points. Rewards members get a ton of exclusive offers like early access to new products, plus cute samples and freebies. Ulta is not the only store doing this! There are plenty of places that offer rewards programs like Sephora and American Eagle.

6. Holiday Sales: We all know about Black Friday, but what about Memorial Day sales? And Fourth of July? So many companies offer some great discounts during these holiday weekends where you can pick up a few things you've had your eye on. This Fourth of July I scoped out some good discounts at KJP.com and was able to buy my first rope bracelet! My best advice is to buy things you've had your eye on for a while during these special sales. I've wanted a KJP bracelet for a long time, and it felt so good to finally get one, plus save some money! J.Crew and Loft always have awesome holiday sales as well! 

Ways to Make Money this Summer

Hey Pals!

The key to a perfect summer job, is that it shouldn't feel like a job. It shouldn't be too much work, you shouldn't feel like you've missed out on everything fun, and most of all you should be able to make insane amounts of money. 

Does this job really exist? Probably not. 

So, here are some ideas to help you raise some funds while still enjoying your summer! 

1. Be a cleaning assistant for the people in your neighborhood. 

Now you may be thinking 'I don't even want to clean my own room so no...' But hear me out! Helping your elderly neighbor by doing a few chores once a week at their home= only a few hours of work per week being paid off the books. meaning no taxes! It's really easy, and old people like to feed their guests so who knows, maybe you'll get a free sandwich out of it too! 

2. Sell some unwanted clothes and accessories.

Poshmark is an amazing app that I am constantly using. It is kind of like ebay, but specifically for your clothes. You take a few pictures and list whatever it is you don't wear anymore, then you can set a price, and off it goes! Poshmark is awesome because they only take a 20% comission, so you're left with a nice chunk of cash! Once you've made a sale you can either direct deposit your earnings, or keep them in your account so that you can find something new and amazing right there on the app! I've been using the app for about a year and I am so so thrilled with how they run their business. 

3. Be a Camp Counselor

This is kind of only an option for people who really like working with kids, but if you can do it, I can't think of a better way to spend your summer. Most local schools, town rec programs, even churches host some kind of camp program throughout the summer. It's a great way to get outside and stay active, and most parents are really great about tipping the counselors who take care of their children. Another plus side: most camps don't run on weekends, or during the evenings, so you have a ton of time to still hang out with your friends or go to the beach! 

4. Be a Dog Walker

Who wouldn't want this job? Who wouldn't want to be covered in puppies for a few hours a week?.. I feel like this a job sent from above. And with apps like WAG coming out making it easier for you to find clients, the possibilities are endless! Who doesn't love new doggie friends?! 

So maybe these don't sound like the perfect job for you, but hopefully they have given you some inspiration! There are so many opportunities out there, you just have to make sure you don't give up on the search!