Money In My Pocket

Computer

My computer has been acting up recently.  I guess it is partly my fault for not treating it very well.  I overload it by trying to complete too many tasks at once and it is now almost always in what I refer to as “hyperventilation mode,” but I really need it to last until I figure out my next step in life.  If I continue my education I might be able to get an educational deal wherever I attend school because many institutions have deals now with computer manufacturers, and depending on my graduate program I might even benefit from the preloaded computer and software deals.  Instead of treating myself to an expensive Christmas gift, I have resolved to work on my current computer when I get out of school for the holiday.  I will get everything backed up then take off everything that I can do without in hopes of making it like me again.  Just a little while longer until I can get to that massive task.

Driving Home

I will be driving home for the Christmas break in about a week or so, and it will be one of the most pleasant drives I have gone on for quite some time—according to the news this morning, since 2004 to be exact.  That is where gas prices are now in comparison to where they have been over my time in college.  This time in 2004 I had most of my college applications out of the way (which took a chunk out of the wallet with all of those application fees) and was driving a far less fuel efficient vehicle (but oh, how I miss it).  Now I will be able to save tons going home for the holidays this year compared to every year I have gone home from college.  It started with the somewhat inflated prices from the hurricanes of 2005, which sent gas prices soaring throughout the nation a couple of months before my first collegiate Christmas break and only went up from there.  Boy am I glad that they are back down now.  Maybe this can mean more money for presents and holiday get-togethers!  Can’t wait.

Study Packet

A couple of organizations on campus have opportunities for parents to purchase study packets for their studious children. I remember when I lived in the dorms that my parents bought one for me, because the residential housing associated solicited them. It did offer some pointers, snacks, supplies, and other helpful items. Most of all it was a thoughtful gift from the parents that helped me study.

This year, I received a study packet from my home church. The current youth group got together and stuffed a box full of goodies for all of their recent graduates. They even baked cookies for us. With finals approaching quickly, it is great not having to worry the small things like if my pencil is about to run out of lead or the next study snack. Since I am going to be focusing most of my time towards the books, I won’t be able to dedicate as much time to my spiritual growth. My home youth group realized this and sent some prayer cards, verses, and what not. These gifts really meant a lot to me and should help me devote more time to the most important item of the semester, finals.

 

End of Semester

School will be wrapping up in a couple of weeks and that means tons of work due soon.  This also means that I cannot work as much at a time when there are still a few things to buy gift wise.  I used to work a bit during the holiday break, but I do not have the opportunity to do that this year, so it will be tighter for my gift budget and even my budget into the new year.  I have set limits on the remaining gifts that I have to purchase, but I also like to get gifts for and make donations to philanthropic organizations during the season.  I have to be sure to include my favorites in my remaining holiday budget.  It is amazing how easy it is to find extra ways to save to make room for something you care a lot about.  It also helps that lots of things are on sale now so I can put my savings toward those donations too.  This certainly will not be the Christmas of gift cards, because they do not come with discounts.

Rolling a Turkey

Since I am not all too familiar with grocery stores, I was pretty impressed with one of their marketing strategies that my mother told me about over the Thanksgiving break. Having a household requires a lot of food and my mother regularly visits the grocery store. Certain stores will entice shoppers to remain loyal to their store by offering Turkey Points if the shopper purchases a certain monetary amount of groceries per visit. Upon earning different amounts of Turkey Points, the shopper will be rewarded with a corresponding size turkey. I thought it sounded pretty good to earn a free Turkey for our Thanksgiving feast.

 

I also appreciated the athletic humor involved about the grocery store’s advertisement campaign. They made a play on words about “Rolling a Turkey.” While it took more than three strikes to earn a turkey at the grocery store, they had several bowling references. These ingenious ideas would have keep shopping there if I was still at home and had to feed a household.

Shopping

I gave in and did some shopping on "Black Friday," which I don't think I have ever done before.  No "Cyber Monday" action, though.  With the economy now officially in a recession, I did my part by purchasing shoes, a coat, and even a dress.  The deals on the day before Thanksgiving were just as good.  I went into one store and everything there was at least 50% off.  I have never heard of that before.  It sure made me more willing to spend since things were more affordable.  The folks I went shopping with were also pleased that I am replacing my favorite pair of shoes, which died months ago, but I still wear because they are so comfortable.  It was just the perfect pair of black flats, but now I have a new one.  Besides shopping for a couple of things I need, I have been shopping for gifts for others as well.  This holiday season I have planned well in advance.  I am usually the last person in the stores on the night before Christmas picking up gifts for everyone on my list, but this year I purchased all along.  Whenever I found something throughout the year, I bought it, and right now I have done most of the shopping I need to.  I even started writing Christmas cards!  Now I just have to drop some more money for stamps.