Mo' Money, Mo' Problems...

I've always heard of broke college students... but I had more money in college than I've ever had before, thanks to scholarships, grants, and a little student loan. So in school, I thought man, if this is what it's like to be a broke college student, things aren't too bad. The recession didn't touch me in college. I heard all about people having financial troubles, and was so thankful to be in my little TTU bubble (that's how I refer to my college life... it's its own little world).

No one ever tells you that you'll be broke AFTER college. I thought I would be rolling in dough by now... I mean, I really thought that someone would walk up to me as soon as I turned my tassel and hand me a job on a silver platter. Boy, was I wrong!

I am learning for the first time how to make a strict budget and it is NOT easy, people! This job of mine is such a wonderful experience and I love it, but let's just get real for a minute. It is a minimum wage job and it is technically only part time. I have rent, an electric bill, insurance, and a phone bill to pay with a tiny little paycheck biweekly. Please don't think that I am complaining, because this job has been a tremendous blessing! I just want to share with you one more thing I am learning along the way. I am learning to stretch my dollar like nobody's business.

For example. I love clothes. They are the only thing that I really spend much money on... However, since graduating, I have only purchased a $5 pair of pants from Old Navy and a $10 scarf. (and a pair of tennis shoes, but I broke into the graduation money for that one... so it does not count). Since clothing is no longer in the budget I've started making jewelry so I can at least feel like I'm stretching my wardrobe out.

I eat oatmeal for breakfast; TWO BUCKS for a huge tub that lasts over a month!

At El Tap, I get the $1.75 taco with beans on the side. $3 meal! Yes please!

Also, I made homemade laundry detergent! It cost about $4 and will probably last me a year! It was soooooo easy and I hate buying any type of cleaning product, so I am super excited about it!

As much as I wish I could buy a ton of new clothes and shoes (the summer stuff will be out soon :/ my favorite), I am proud to be learning a lesson in budgeting and how to make each dollar count now, so when I am making more money, I will be a wise steward of all that the Lord blesses me with.

-Miss Land