ASHLYEE HICKMANLiving Editor
January is the month of renewal: Students have new classes, the grade books are untouched, and the meal points are at full capacity. If only students could say the same for their check books.
“I just blew through $160 this week, and I don’t even know how,” freshman Michael Galvis said. The holiday season is over, and aside from a few gift cards here and there, students are finding themselves lacking in the monetary department. The decline in funds, fueled for some students by not working for weeks, leaves students reaching back to their own Bank of America— their parents. Here are a few money saving tips to keep from going into the red.
Cut back on the Starbucks
Believe it or not, Starbucks can take a hefty toll on the budget. The $3-a-day habit can add up to $450 just over the course of the school year.
“In general, it’s beneficial to not drink as much coffee because it’s healthier, and you get to save money which adds up in the long run,” senior Josh Hollingsworth said. “It’s really not worth it; there are better ways you can spend your money.” Even so, Starbucks has infused itself into the culture, and the experience has become a part of everyday life. Along with the fact that one could drive in almost any city in California and pass three or more Starbucks before the next signal light, cutting the Starbucks completely may be a daunting feat. So if going cold turkey on the extra hot latte is just too much to ask, downgrading from a venti drink to grande can save a dollar a week.
Keep track of the deals
This is the time where theme and amusement parks roll out with their specials. For the mouseketeers at heart, Disneyland is running its annual “2fer” special where California residents, like Pepperdine students, may purchase a ticket for $63 and return to Disneyland or go to Disneyland’s California Adventure another day for free. Freshman Meagan Maxwell took advantage of the special offer last weekend.
“I would have never gone if it weren’t for the discount,” she said. Also, the parks do not have a strict food policy so students can save even more money by stopping by the HAWC before heading to Anaheim and use meal points to build a snack stash.
Barnes & Noble has the sale of every TV addict’s dreams. Until the end of January, the book and multimedia retailer offers a buy one get one free special. Students can pick their favorite TV show—be it “Lost,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “24,” or other popular television shows—and will receive the second set of their choice for free. This a generous cut for DVD sets that range from $30 to $80.
Another bonus: no driving required. The nearest Barnes & Noble is miles away. Buy the sets online and don’t worry about shipping. The shipping and handling costs are covered when the order is greater than $25.
Watch TV on Demand
If waiting for TV shows seems too long, instead of dishing out $1.99 to iTunes to watch the latest TV shows, check out the network’s Web site for TV on Demand for free. Because of Fox’s partnership with the company, its shows may be viewed on MySpace. The programs are showing in high quality and without buffering.
Students can take this opportunity to catch up on their favorite shows or watch new ones to see what all of the buzz is about. Though there will be two or three 30-second commercial breaks, the free TV is well worth the wait. The connection runs slower in the dorm areas so take an opportunity to sit on one of the couches in the Caf or Sandbar and enjoy a frappuccino—if absolutely necessary—with the money saved.
Use the force… of the ID card
The Student Government Association has heard the cries of the students. As a result, SGA has launched the Student Savings Club. How it works: at participating retailers around town students may show their club card in order to reap the many benefits of being a Pepperdine student.
What is the club card, exactly? It is the Pepperdine ID. This deal extends to staff, students and faculty. Participating retailers include: Marmalade Cafe & Catering, Giovanni’s Ristorante Italiano, Subway, Malibu Auto & Tire Service, Malibu Surf Shack, and TK Nails.
Take out the Take-out
Instead of making frequent trips to Jack in the Box or to Santa Monica and beyond for good eats, students can dine at the grade “A” establishment, Waves Café. The food offered at the Caf is far from the conveyor belt cuisines that most students have to stomach.
“I don’t get tired of the Caf food at all. I like the food because at home it’s always pre-packaged food; here, it’s healthier,” said freshman Michelle Lyons.
For the more seasoned students who have stoves— use them. The money students spend on a meal can go much farther at Ralphs: $20 can buy a gallon of milk, a box of cereal, a package of chicken breasts, a couple cans of vegetables, cookies, a liter of soda, and the latest issue of Time.
With the gas and money saved over time, you could buy a textbook or three.
Stop shopping in class
It’s all too easy: sitting in the middle of a two-hour lecture in Elkins, all it takes is a flip of a laptop, a couple clicks here and there, and soon after another bill. It may be gratifying when the package arrives, but not when the payment goes. Use the Internet to read the latest news around the world or to see the newest pictures of Matthew McConaughey. Better yet, use the laptop to actually take notes. Resist the urge to charge that card.
Use the savings account
The operating word in that name is “save” so it must bee good. “Instead of putting my paycheck in my checking account I put it in my savings and transfer the money when I need it,” said sophomore Linda Ehlig.
Transferring just enough for the planned spending keeps from any pricey surprises or impulse buys. The bonus is that interest is accumulated which means more money.
Be patient for technology
Freshman Meredith Grant “just had to have” the Motorola RAZR V3 when the price tag on the sleek device read around $200, “Now you can get one for $20,” she said.
Apple unveiled their iPod Photo on October 26, 2004. “Having both your entire photo and music collections with you wherever you go is the next big thing,” said Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs. The 40 and 60 gigabyte models sold for $499 and $599, respectively. Less than a year later, the world was introduced to the new iPod— iPod Video. This fifth generation device was smaller better and— even more unfortunate for the brand new iPod photo owners—
cheaper. Holding out for less than a year would have saved consumers $200 on the 60 gigabyte model. So think twice before rushing out to buy the iPhone.
01-18-2007