Cha-ching! Cha-ching! Money woes...

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Remember being in high school and college and going days, maybe weeks without spending a dime? In college there was food service or the sorority house kitchen that we ate all our meals in. We rode to and from places using the bus on campus or hoofing it. Beer was free at the frat houses or house parties we attended (being a girl is good). What did we need money for?

I miss those days. A lot.

This past year I quit my job and have drastically had to analyze my spending habits and although during the school year I can live pretty much the same way as I always had, the summer was a different story. I didn't have near enough savings to get me through the summer without a part time job, but I couldn't start the part time job until July after half of my summer courses were over. Insert problem.

I figured, ok. I can make it. Which I did, I am. Has it sucked? Yes. Am I learning? Heck yeah! I'm realizing all of the silly, stupid things I waste money on. The past couple months have been interesting and I have grown quite a bit. I've used the ol' credit card a little too much, and am excited to get it BACK down to a $0 balance soon.

After analyzing my spending habits and going through it with a fine tooth comb here is what I discovered I could cut back on.

1. Gym. I spend $32 a month on a gym membership when I can get the exact same thing on campus. I'm still debating whether I want to give this up or not because the gym membership is so convenient and the campus gym is so not. I live about 20 minutes from campus, so you see my dilemma. Working out outdoors is not an option for me year round. I live in Iowa. Brrrr.

2. Food. I am terrible at using leftovers and I let a lot of food go to waste. I really need to learn to eat what is in my cupboards before going to the store and restricting myself to $50 a week in groceries. That should be plenty for just me. Somehow, it never is though.

3. Gas. I could be a bit more pro-active here. I always jump to drive and don't think twice about driving all over the place. Some days with a little extra planning I know I could cut out quite a bit of miles.

4. Books. I can't stop buying books. If there is a new book out that I have been wanting to read, I buy it. I used to be so good at utilizing the library, and I am actually getting better again, but I am still bad and buy a lot of books. I don't plan to cut it out completely because I enjoy owning the books and want to support my favorite authors, but there are many books that just sit on my shelf and go unread for years. Yes, years.

5. Kohl's. Yep, Kohl's. That place sucks me in every time. I get those dang $10 coupons in the mail and I just have to go use it! It's a free $10! But, that $10 always turns into $50. :/

6. Drinks. My friends like to go out. I like to go out. I feel sick when I think about the money we spend in bars. It's ridiculous how much drinks cost these days and not to mention it's just not good for you to indulge so much.

Now, not to be a negative nancy, there are many times that I am good at when it comes to dealing with money.

1. Textbooks. I despise how expensive textbooks are. I have no problem emailing the prof before the class starts to see if we can purchase an older used edition online. I am a pro at finding the book for the cheapest price available.

2. Markdowns on clothing. I was in retail. I also majored in fashion merchandising. I can eyeball just about anything and estimate the percent of markup and let me tell you... it's disgusting. That will make you put down that awesome top that is full price almost immediately! Wait for it to go on sale or look for a coupon.

3. Coupons. I'm not the greatest with grocery coupons, but coupons for retail stores? I am on it. Thank goodness for stores that accept iPhone images because I have been known to quickly search for a coupon code while in the store and show the associate to get my discount. Works every time.

4. Parents. Yep, parents. I totally take advantage. Ten years ago I moved out of the house and about four years after that my sister moved out and I think my mother still has empty nest syndrome. She is constantly inviting us over for dinner and urging us to eat at their house. I think she just doesn't know how to cook for just two people after cooking for four for so long. I don't really consider it taking advantage though, because I enjoy my parents company. My dad is a big reader like me, and my mom and I enjoy most of the same shows. It's fun to have quality time at their house a couple times a week and I know they like having us over.

5. Library. Wait, how can books be in both categories you ask? Well, although I think I can do better at utilizing the library, I do still use the library more than the average person (at least I think so). I am constantly putting books on hold and regularly visit three of our local libraries.

There you have it, my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to handling money. I might be missing a few things, I sort of wrote this spur of the moment, but oh well. Isn't it interesting peaking into another person's spending habits? It's like looking into their medicine cabinet while using the restroom in their house. Off limits, but oh-so-interesting. ;)

Where do you spend money unnecessarily? When are you good at finding the best deals?