By Keesha Brown
Have fun, the Cheapskate way.
So, you’ve made it to College Station. What’s next? Northgate has its moments, but it is not the only place to have fun. I’ll teach you how to do it big, and do it cheap.
Are you ready for some football?
Tailgating season is here! You can have a successful tailgate or watch party without spending a lot of money. First of all, don’t go at it alone. Share costs with roommates, family, and friends. Next, do not go into a grocery store without a game plan; research coupons and sales ahead of time. Lastly, one cut of meat could have many flavors. You can cook with many different spices and seasonings, and then lay out a few different sauce combinations. Chicken, sausage, and even shrimp can take on a variety of flavors.
Shop at our local places; B/CS has Readfield’s, Ed’s Butcher Block, The Farm Patch, and Mrs. Baird’s Thrift Shop. Not only can you get good deals, but you can also support local business. Just please remember, it is hot out. Make sure you have plenty of coolers. Nothing is worse than wasting money because the food is inedible.
Stay at home!
You can save so much money by staying at home or visiting someone else’s house. No cover charge, most likely free food and drinks, and you can do more than just sway to questionable music. If you are hosting, make it pot luck. Ask your guests to bring a snack or their favorite drink to share. And themes can save your life. It could be as simple as a carnival- hot dogs, popcorn, and lemonade. The possibilities are endless.
Keep real money.
I got into the habit of just swiping the debit card. If you don’t have a great memory or keep a register, that is a great way of losing track of money. Create your budget, and keep your spending cash separate. You will have a better grasp on how much money you physically have. Oh, and keep the change. It adds up so quickly. I have personally collected as much as $100 in loose change. Something else I do is hiding money in random pockets or purses. I don’t always do it on purpose, but it’s a great way to save money.
Buy off-brand.
A vast majority of the time the only difference in similar products is the label. I have a few favorites I won’t scrimp on, but if you actually take the time to read labels- they don’t vary that much. Save a couple of dollars by buying the store brand.
Random Tips.
#1) Always become familiar with your surroundings. This saves on gas, your sanity, and the road rage of others around you. #2) Listen to the locals. They have been here for most, if not all, of their lives. #3) Try to remember what you learned in kindergarten, most of it still applies.
Questions? Comments? Need more tips? Contact the Do It All Diva at diadiva@live.com.