Buying Clothes

These are a few pieces from my own closet.  I have got each of these items for less than $20 at one of the stores in my post.

Whether you're like my roommate and go shopping once a week or like me and go once every few months, everyone buys new clothes in college.  The difference is my roommate would shop at Buckle and get one pair of jeans for $110... and I would shop at TJ Maxx and buy three shirts for $20.  Today I'm going to give you some tips on how you can get a great wardrobe for less.

Like I mentioned, TJ Maxx is a great store to get cheap clothing.  They have a wide selection of designer handbags, dresses, shoes, shirts, and accessories.  Some other good stores with cheap clothing include Target, Plato's Closet, and Gordmans.  Target has cute style and are good for getting clothes, shoes, and especially swimsuits.  I shop at Gordmans for their cheap name-brand perfumes, camisoles of any color, and apartment or dorm decorations.  Other stores to try are American Eagle, Vanity, and Rue 21.

The first place you should always shop in the sales rack.  You never know what goodies you're going to find on clearance.  Another tip is to sign up for emails from the stores you shop the most, or even ones you wouldn't shop at without a coupon.  This comes with a warning because sometimes these daily emails can make you want to buy things just because you can get a good price.

Bottom line: Buy clothes for cheaper at these stores or with coupons.

Get Water Instead

If you're like me, you like to go out to eat. This can get expensive over the course of a year, but by following my tips you'll be able to save big!

First, you can follow my other post's tip and use coupons. When thinking of going out to eat, skim through your coupon book first. That will save you a couple bucks off your total.

Another tip I have for all you college savers out there is to DRINK WATER. Not only is water healthier for you, it's also free... Score! Who doesn't like free stuff?! If you figure you go out to eat once a week, it costs $2.00 for a pop. Take that times 52 weeks in a year = $104.00 a year. And most students go out to eat more than that. Figure twice a week times 52 weeks = $208.00 a year.

Think of all the things you could spend that money on! Whether it's clothes, shoes, or beer... it's worth more than that one or two sodas a week.

Bottom line: Soda is expensive. Getting a water saves lots over time.

Stock Up on Coupons

Coupons, coupons, coupons!

As a bargain shopper, there's nothing I love more than a good coupon.   As a student, you don't have a lot of excess money for going out to eat, getting your hair done, buying groceries, and getting your oil changed in your car.  Luckily, there's coupons!  At the University of Northern Iowa there are plenty of ways to get coupons.  You can easily get the College Coupon books, Campus Special coupon books, and the university planner with coupons in the back.  They hand out all of these for FREE around campus.  The best part is that you can take as many as you want, so stock up!  My favorite coupon is the Old Chicago coupon: buy a drink and get a personal pizza for 99 cents.  These coupons are great for when you want to go out to eat with friends, but don't have a lot of money to spend.  Also, many apartment complexes get fliers for different food stores in the area.  Look through these fliers and save on food you'd buy anyway.

Bottom line: Coupons can save big and you can get them for free, so stock up!