Quick Fix: Saving Money

By Kathryn P

Maybe prom is coming up and you need a fabulous dress. Or perhaps you want to buy that new iPod you've been coveting for months. Either way, you need money fast! Here's a quick guide to minding your dollars without losing your sense.

• Beware of the Starbucks effect. Are you unable to study unless you're sitting in a Starbucks with a mocha latte and a cookie? The prices may not seem high at first, but all those $4 drinks definitely add up. In fact, if you visit Starbucks once a day (spending $4 per trip), you're spending $28 a week just on coffee! So skip the lattes and study at home for a few weeks.
• If you always buy your lunch from the school cafeteria, try brown-bagging it for a few weeks. You'll save lots of cash in a short period of time. Besides, your mom's homemade cookies are much better than the stale desserts they serve at school.
• Look for a part-time job. Read your local newspaper and keep an eye out for help-wanted ads. Babysitting and yard work may not be glamorous, but these jobs will definitely help you raise the money you need. Just be sure to have an adult confirm that a job is safe and remember to trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, don't do the job-a few extra dollars isn't worth feeling unsafe.
• Ask your parents if they need any help around the house. Offer to water plants, vacuum, or rake up that pile of leaves in the yard. You could also ask if your little brother or sister needs any help with homework - you'll get to spend time with your sibling and earn some extra money at the same time!
• Do you always blow your allowance at the nearest mall? While you're saving up, try to cut back on unnecessary purchases. Borrow books from a library instead of buying the best selling hardcover. If you always splurge on new outfits, try to buy a few accessories (like a belt or earrings) instead of a whole new look.
• The average person has hundreds of dollars worth of items that he or she never uses just sitting around the house. So hold a yard sale and let your trash become your neighbor's treasure. Go solo or get a bunch of friends together and hold a money-making closet clear out. The week before the sale, tell all your friends and post signs around the school to spread the word.
• Not a fan of yard sales? Get an adult to help you set up an ebay account to sell your items online.
• Practice the five dollar rule. Every time you get a five dollar bill in change, put it in a special place instead of spending it. This rule will ensure that your piggy bank never runs dry!
• Make a penalty jar. Choose a bad habit (like swearing or biting your nails) and put a quarter into the jar every time you do it. You'll break the bad habit and save money at the same time.