Don’t Waste Money on Fads

For my final post (to achieve the minimum requirements for class), I wanted to try and write something inspirational. I wanted to share something with my readers that they can remember for years to come. Sadly, I don’t have anything super amazing- like the key to success or the directions to the fountain of youth…but, I do have a pretty important tip on how you can pinch some pennies. 

As a young adult who is actively involved on social media, who reads magazines, and watches television, I am pretty aware of what is going on around me.  I would say that I have been aware of these surroundings since middle school.  Over the years though, things have obviously changed. In middle school, everyone pictured in magazines that I was reading (Teen Vogue & Seventeen) were wearing puka shell necklaces and ripped up jeans. So, what did I ask my parents for when I went to the mall? You guessed it- a puka shell necklace and ripped jeans. *Hopefully you guys didn’t waste too much money on those. 

 Hint- You can buy $3.75 jeans at Goodwill and rip them yourself.

 

I don’t think that you have to be “out of fashion” in order to save money, but I do think it is important to not waste money on fads. Fads become lame just as quickly as they became cool. Some examples of fads that I remember growing up are jelly bracelets, wind suit jackets, and anything Lisa Frank. As a kid, my instinct to give in and go with the flow is going to be more understandable. But, because I am an adult now- I need to realize when something that is being advertised is a fad and not spend a lot of money on it. I need to spend my money on items that I will like and be okay with wearing in 6 months to a year from now. 

I think I spent nearly $60 on a pair of  (hideous) shoes like this in middle school.

If you see an advertisement for something and your first instinct is that what you just saw seems silly, chances are, it probably is. Be comfortable with who you are and what you like. Don’t go buy $100 snake skin leggings just because Beyonce wore some at the VMA’s. Spend your money on items that you like, and will continue to like for months to come.

Look to Social Media for Good Deals

Surely if you are somewhere in between the ages of 10 and 65, you have some form of social media. Whether it is Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram- we all have some way of connecting with many people at once. Most of us don’t think about using these social media sites as way to save money though. But sure enough, there are plenty of ways to use social media to find some great deals.

The main social media site that I use when looking for inexpensive items is Facebook. The town that I am from actually has their own “yard sale page” on Facebook.  I come from a rather small town and it’s less than thirty minutes from where I go to college so I look on the page often to see if someone is selling anything that I am interested in. I also use the page to sell items that I no longer need. The site is made for locals to post items that are gently used. There are rules to follow so be sure to check those out before you join a yard sale site similar to the one I use. 

Some items that are for sale on my home town's yard sale Facebook page

Another way that I use Facebook to find bargains is by looking for pages that belong to my favorite stores. Most of the national chains that have Facebook pages don’t offer too many good deals online, but I have found that local stores will often do contests and give-a-ways. If you “like” the business’ page you will receive their status updates on your timeline and will be informed of any upcoming sales or promotions.

Some examples of give-a-ways on Facebook business pages

Some other Facebook pages that can help you save are exchange or trade pages. Some colleges and universities will set up a Facebook page for students to post and sell items such as clothes, text books, and room decorations. 

Now that you know Facebook can be useful for more than just tagging embarrassing pictures of your friends- go take a look around and see how many ways you can pinch some pennies using the social media site.

Time For a Guest Post! Reece Shares Her Love For rue21

When I was asked to do a guest post for Brandi’s blog, Pointers from a Penny Pincher I was very excited, not only because she is a wonderful person but because her blog is about saving money when shopping and finding great deals, and that’s something I personally love to do when I go shopping as well. 

What’s so great about rue21?

 

I personally love to shop at rue21 because they have great deals on everything. Every time I go to rue21 I never leave empty handed because I always find something cute, but at a very reasonable price. One time I walked out of the store with a dress that only cost me $3. Clearance, yes, they have a great clearance section, don’t be afraid to check it out because usually that’s where all the good findings are- trust me. Another great thing about rue21 is that they not only sell great clothes for women but for men as well.  They also sell jewelry, shoes, hats, perfume etc. all at good prices.

Here are a few dresses and tops that I purchased from rue21 and none of them cost over $7.

 

 

 

       Here are some earrings, necklaces and rings that I have purchased at rue21 all for great deals.

Online shopping at rue21

Yes, they even have online shopping at rue21 you can check out all their great deals, so if you like to do all you’re shopping online go check them out and find some great deals without even going to the store. 

http://www.rue21.com/

                        

Thank you so much for your post, Reece. I love your style and you always have the best tips for saving money- especially on beauty products. Your blog, Beauty Tips on a College Budget is one of my absolute favorites.