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.

Charity Food

 

A lot of Greek organizations like to participate in philanthropy activities. The most common of which is philanthropy based cookout. Each house has a specific philanthropy that they give to each year. I like attending these events for multiple reasons, first of which is fairly inexpensive food. Usually a ticket costs about five to seven dollars. And I feel good about spending this money, because after the group’s costs are paid for the remainder of my money goes straight to charity. It is hard to find a meal anywhere around campus for this price anyways.

Secondly, I get to see some friends who also introduce me to more people on campus. And who can complain when you meet attractive sorority girls. Thirdly, these events usually offer some form of entertainment. Even if it is only a single acoustic guitarist, it is a nice way to enjoy a quality hamburger or hot dog. Some events will even bring in celebrities. The celebrities are fun to hang out with, because they always have interesting stories. If I really wanted to, I could capture an autograph and sell it, but I would rather have a story to tell the grandkids one day.

If I hear of anymore charity food, I can guarantee that you will see me chowing down and socializing.

Money Tree

No matter any situation, I guarantee that I will find the positive out of it. For example, I was forced to do the worst possible task in the world, laundry. I cannot stand anything about the whole laundry scenario. My main complaint is the time demand. I just do not have the free time to dedicate to do a couple loads. But as I said, I always find a positive note. For example, while doing my last load, a whole ten dollars and eighty three dollars fell out of the dryer. This would brighten any college student’s day.

Now if only money could grow that easy. I soon realized that I clumsily misplaced that money and found it at a later date. This got me to thinking, how much money have I misplaced that I have yet to find? So, I made a promise to myself to keep a closer watch on my pockets. Now I check all my pockets before washing. I also keep my back pocket buttoned. Although I love this money tree, I believe I want to enjoy its fruit sooner rather than later.

Clothes on Loan

Though my friends and I (especially those of us who live together) have always shared clothes since we have been in college, I have only just now realized what a money saver it has ended up being.  If we have an event to go to and do not have the appropriate attire whether it is just a blouse or even a nice dress, our closet door is always open for a new wardrobe selection.  It was not until this morning when a friend came by my room to borrow a blazer before she went out and about that I realized what a great system we have going.  Instead of buying new clothes each time we need them for only a single event, we just borrow each others, which saves us tons of money.  While it helps that we are around the same size, things like jackets are a little more flexible.  I don’t know what I will do when I graduate, though.  I guess arranging to have great roommates is in order.

Let's Eat!

I am currently the Vice President of a professional organization on campus. My main responsibility is to plan the monthly meeting. The agenda includes contacting speakers, organizing announcements, setting up the room with required equipment, and arranging the food. The first three are fairly simple but the fourth was the hardest for the last meeting I planned.

All companies love the opportunity to represent themselves in front of possible new employees or clients, therefore speakers are very easy to recruit. I also allow the companies to bring pamphlets, promos, and literature for our members. They also cover their own travel arrangements. A simple email to the other officers handles the announcements. By using department printers, our organization does not have to pay for office supplies. The department also supplies the projector and any required chords for the speaker’s presentations.

The largest headache is involved in arranging the food. As I told you in a previous entry, I attend meetings for “free” food. On the flip side, our organization attracts members with “free” food. Consequently, each “free” has different meanings to both sides. For a common member, “free” enticement means they may or may not have to pay their dues in order to receive food. “Free” to the officers’ means we would prefer for the companies to sponsor the dinner. If the company does not want to sponsor the food, our organization has to tap into our weak budget and pay for an inexpensive dinner.

For the last meeting, I persuaded the speaker’s company to donate money in order to cover a portion of the food. But I also persuaded a local restaurant to cut a very good catering deal. By being resourceful, I was able to escape a large ticket for our monthly meeting.

In regard to our budget, I believe the school’s student government association has funds for all student organizations. I need to check into this, because we might deserve some “free” money.