Learning Curve: Money

I'm making lunch today for my little brother (he's 11) and am having to get REALLY creative. Mom forgot to pick up milk & bread yesterday on her way home from work, so that ruled out about half the stuff we had in the cabinets, out. I ended up finding a can of biscuits in the fridge and made a turkey & cheese dish. It turned out better than I expected, but it got me to thinking about all the creative ways I've learned to stretch my dollars since I got to college. Now that summer's here, I'm constantly looking for cheap ways I can hang out with my friends and still have a lot of fun.

1. Look for discounts: A lot of places (movie theater, bowling ally, skating rink, amusement/water parks, zoos) have discount days or offer special rates/privileges to certain groups or on different days of the week. At my hometown theater Tuesday Nights are "College Night". If you show your ID you can get in for $5.75. On the same night, if you bring your own bowl, you get free popcorn & refills. Our bowling ally has "quarter days" on Wednesdays where every game you bowl is only a quarter. Bigger places, like the amusement parks) offer group discounts. This is a great way to get all your friends together and have some cheap fun.

2. F-R-E-E As well as discount days, a lot of places have days where you can get in for FREE! Everyone one likes free stuff right?! Many cities will do this for things like museums & art galleries. Check the website of the place you want to visit. I'm sure you'll find all the information you need right there.

3. Parks: A great way to have fun with friends & be active, visit a local park! Get a bunch of your friends, pack a lunch, soccer ball, Frisbee, and spend some time out in the sun.

P.S. Tuesday I went to Wal-Mart with my best friend Sara and got my copy of LINES, VINES & TRYING TIMES, the Jonas Brothers new CD. I love it!! The sound is so mature and different from all their other albums. If you haven't gotten a copy I strongly recommend it. Even if you're not a JB fan, I think you would like this.