Watching Your Wallet: "How to make the most of your summer job/internship"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on April 28, 2010.

Here we are, nearing the end of yet another school year. For those of you with a few connections, ambition and luck, you may have caught the dream summer job or internship. But how do you make the most of it to get valuable experience or possibly convert the opportunity to a full-time job? Here are some tips and tricks from various sources for internship success.

1. Set personal goals.

To make your internship structured and productive, set realistic goals of things you want to learn and accomplish. Sit down with your supervisor and discuss your goals, and also their vision for your position (be sure to meet with your supervisor frequently throughout your internship to receive feedback, refocus and maybe revise these goals).

2. Have a positive attitude and avoid negativity.

As an intern it's likely you'll have to do some grunge work here and there. Tackle every task you're assigned to with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. Avoid negativity – don't gossip, whine or be disrespectful or demeaning. Stay out of the office gossip (and definitely avoid office romances). Remember, you are at the bottom of the totem pole, and people are often looking for reasons to blame or dislike the intern.

3. Arrive early, stay late and don't waste time.

It's OK to be an "eager beaver;" you want to show your supervisor and co-workers that you are excited for the opportunity and are willing to do anything to be successful. Always be on time (and early, if possible), stay late to work on projects (shows your dedication and willingness to sacrifice) and don't waste your time. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. Make it a point to stay off Facebook, only check your e-mail on breaks and don't use your cell phone.

4. Take initiative.

If you see a problem that needs to be taken care of or a task that needs to be completed, do it. Exceed expectations. It will impress your employer that you're so willing to dive in and help. However, do not overstep your bounds. Be sure to talk with your supervisor to OK a project before you jump in and begin.

5. Find a mentor.

Make a friend who's at a higher level of the organization who will stick up for you, answer your questions and be a sounding board for your ideas. This may be your supervisor, but it could also be any other employee at the organization.

6. Take every opportunity to learn.

Attend every meeting, conference, training and event and read all the company materials. Get as much exposure as possible to other company departments, employees and activities. The more you're exposed to people and ideas, the more you'll learn (and network).

7. Ask questions.

Although you may feel dumb, asking questions shows you're thinking, want to get something done right and that you don't think you're a "know-it-all." Seek advice and ask questions if you are uncertain about something.

8. Build bridges, don't burn them.

Network, network, network. Develop professional relationships with everyone you come in contact with. Although you may not be offered a job at the organization you are interning with, they may have connections or suggestions that could result in job opportunities elsewhere. Always leave your internship on good terms; burning bridges will come back to bite you.

9. Leave with tangible accomplishments.

Keep a record of the things you learn and the tasks and projects you complete. Keep copies of brochures, pamplets, memos and other evidence of the things you accomplished. These things will be valuable to show off to potential employers in the future.

10. Have fun.

This may sound corny, but enjoy the learning opportunities you'll have as an intern and have fun. Don't be so uptight that others can't get to know you and enjoy working with you.

So there you have it. Follow these tips, be the dream intern and leave with great experience, an awesome letter of recommendation or a great job opportunity. Do you have experiences or tips from an internship or summer job you'd like to share? Sound off below and leave a comment.

As this is the final installment of "Watching Your Wallet," I'd like to thank my loyal cyber readers who gave this column the time of day and the occasional "thumbs up" or comment. I wish you the best in all your financial endeavors, and remember to watch that wallet (har, har)!

Watching Your Wallet: "The upside to being a poor college student"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on April 21, 2010.

So far in this column I've really only discussed the disadvantages to being a poor college student and the ways to get around it. We can't afford nice dates, so I compiled a list of cheap date ideas. We can't afford classy decorations, so I gave suggestions on how to spruce up your apartment on a budget. We can't afford gourmet groceries, so I gave suggestions on saving money on healthy food. But, as this year begins to come to a close and I think of the final financial topics I'd like to cover, I'd like to see the glass half full and discuss why being a poor college student is so great.

1. Being poor is socially acceptable.

For starters, in no other time of life can you say, "I can't. I don't have any money," and maintain your dignity. However, as a college student, it is all too common and not looked down upon at all. With little or no income, being poor is just a fact of life for most collegiates, and no one (with a heart) will turn their nose up at a poor college student. Get out into the real world and people expect you to have a real job with a substantial income, and you're going to sound pretty silly if you're always complaining about lack of funds. So, enjoy this time of life when being poor is not only OK, it's expected!

2. Having a crappy job is also acceptable.

Working at a bakery in the middle of the night. Nannying ornery children. Grading hundreds of tests and papers for a professor. Working at a convenience store. Bussing tables. None of these are exactly ideal jobs. However, when you're just looking to pay your utility bill and eat food for a month, a job is a job for a college kid. No one thinks, "Gee, that college kid sure is a bum on a log. Why is he working at 7-11?" Nope, instead they're just thinking, "What an industrious fellow! Going to school and working? Good for him." Never again will such a dead-end job be acceptable, so enjoy your time driving city buses or completing other mindless duties – people are going to start expecting things from you when you graduate.

3. Sympathy (and sympathy cash).

Just drop the phrase "I'm a student" and pretty soon Aunt Susie, Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Neighbor Joe are there offering sympathy. They'll reminisce about their college days when they lived in a lean-to at the city park and ate ketchup packets for two weeks waiting for a much needed paycheck. And sure, sympathy is nice, but sometimes this sympathy converts to sympathy cash or goods – a $20 slipped into your pocket when you leave a family party or a grocery bag of food and treats from Mom when you head back to school after a long weekend. Enjoy it, because pretty soon all these people will just be nagging you about where you're going in life.

4. (Acceptable) Government aid

College students receive the only socially acceptable government aid in the books. A Pell Grant to help with tuition, fees, books or housing can go a long way and is smiled upon by society. Because, of course, the government is investing in the future of America! But, give it a couple years and you are going to get some smug looks and some upturned noses if you're still relying on the government to support you after graduation. So, enjoy the freeloading and the one time the government will be giving back to you (acceptably, that is).

5. Sweet living arrangements.

I live in a blue shack. The girls down the street live in what looks like a pile of bricks, rocks and decaying wood slowly slipping into the canal. In fact, look anywhere in a five-mile radius of campus where students live and you'll find some pretty unsightly stuff in terms of living conditions. But it's totally OK, and sometimes it's even kind of cool and fun. For the rest of our lives we're going to be paying mortgages on stuffy, up to code houses with functioning toilets, decent carpet and correctly hung doors. Why not enjoy living on the wild side for a few years?

6. Activities on a whim.

Backpacking to Salt Lake City. Sleeping in the back of a truck in Logan Canyon. Road trips to Vegas on the weekends. Staying up all night for a Harry Potter marathon. You're never going to be able to get away with these kinds of things with a 9-5 job, spouse and kids in five to 10 years. So enjoy! Do something crazy – you're only in college once, after all.

Our View: Texting and Driving

*Our view is a column published in the Opinion section of the Utah Statesman. Written by the newspapers editors, it expresses the opinion of the writers of the paper on various issues that arise at Utah State University and around the world that affect students. I wrote the following Our View, published in the newspaper on March 3, 2010.

"Where are you guys?" "I'll be there in a minute," "I love you" and even "What are you up to tonight?" are important messages, ones you want to get across as quickly as possible when you're texting. We're college students and, for most, texting rules our social planning and day-to-day conversations with friends in Logan and all over the country. Texting has become incredibly casual. It's done while carrying a one-on-one conversation with a friend, on the front row of a lecture, at movies and performances, and even at the dinner table with Grandma. While society may have evolved and texting has become more acceptable in these situations, we agree with lawmakers that texting while driving should never be acceptable.

The sad thing is that many agree whole-heartedly, and yet recall a time in the last week or so when they sent a text while driving. It's pretty easy to rationalize away -- most are proficient enough to text without hardly looking down at their phones or are simply sending a short reply. But that's probably all 19-year-old Reggie Shaw was doing when he sent a text to his girlfriend while driving his suburban into Logan. Shaw, distracted, clipped a Saturn with two passengers, causing an accident that killed both instantly. Since his accident, Shaw said it has "haunted him every day" but has since worked toward lobbying for laws against texting and driving, which passed in Utah last year. We commend Shaw for his proactive efforts against texting while driving, moving past the accident and becoming a catalyst for change.

It is amazing what little it takes to change a life forever. Shaw's small decision to be distracted while texting and driving changed countless lives in addition to his own. "Be more aware behind the wheel," Shaw warns. "It changes lives so fast." We challenge you to stop texting and driving. You may think you're in control, that you can send it quickly or that you just do it without getting caught. But regardless of the law that prohibits texting while driving, think beyond the risk of getting a ticket to the lives that will be affected by your actions.

Watching Your Wallet: Family Life Center, another amazing student resource

Published on the Utah Statesman website on April 14, 2010.

In my sixth semester at USU, I am amazed at the resources I am still discovering offered to students for free or at little cost. As much as we complain about heightened tuition costs, budget cuts and decreased course options, the people manning this ship really are here for the students and want to help in anyway they can. One of these newly discovered resources is the Family Life Center, a center offering financial and housing counseling for USU students and the community. Located just below Old Main, the mission of the center is to educate the community so they can effectively manage their financial resources and be knowledgeable about housing. So how can they help you, a poor college student who hardly has any resources to manage? Sam Nelson, USU graduate student in consumer science and Family Life Center employee, spoke with me a bit about what exactly the center can offer to students.
Nelson said the center, a nonprofit, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved counseling center that offers housing counseling for free and financial counseling for a minimal cost (which sounds a little ironic, but Nelson said the cost is based on your income and is often free for students). The center offers four different types of financial counseling, including budget, credit management, debt reduction and risk management. She said developing financially sound habits now will help students establish good credit and save thousands of dollars of debt and financial problems.
"If you get a bad credit score now it's going to affect everything. We help people avoid big pitfalls with financial products and get on track to surviving," she said.
Financial counseling with the Family Life Center begins with a Nuts and Bolts Workshop, a basic financial management class. Following the class, clients meet one on one with a certified counselor who help with whatever their goals may be.
"We do anything from budgeting to getting out of debt, setting up goals, plans to get into houses, money management skills in general and improving credit scores," she said.
The other half of the Family Life Center is dedicated to housing counseling, for students and community members looking to learn more about buying a home. The center offers pre and post purchase counseling as well as rental, mortgage default and home equity conversion mortgage counseling. Nelson said clients attend an eight-hour Home Ownership workshop, attend one-on-one counseling, and, if they finish the process, they get paid. The Bear River Association of Government offers a certificate of $2,000 toward a down payment on a home for anyone who completes the course. Sounds like a deal to me. Nelson said the workshop and counseling is very informative and incredibly useful.
"It can honestly save them thousands and thousands of dollars if they take the advice given at the workshop and just know certain things," she said.
Nelson said the workshop and counseling together give clients the confidence and knowledge they need to go out and buy their first home.
Clearly these resources can be very helpful, but Nelson said they are underused by students.
"We don't see a ton of students. We want to reach out to more of the student population," she said.
Not only do they have professional financial advice to offer, Nelson said they have hundreds of ideas on how to save money and decrease expenses.
So, in response, I challenge you, loyal readers, to give the Family Life Center a try, because I plan to. Whether you have financial goals you need help to reach, want to get out of debt or are wanting to know if moving out of an apartment and into a home will ever be a possibility, the Family Life Center has information and advice for you at for little or no cost. For more information or to attend a workshop or meet with a financial or housing counselor, call 797-7224, or visit http://www.usu.edu/fchd/htm/housing-financial-counseling.
– karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu

Watching Your Wallet: "Dating on a Dime"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on March 30, 2010.

Every few weeks I get a call from my older brother that goes something like this: "My roommates and I got dates for this weekend, but we just don't know what to do. We were thinking dinner and a movie and maybe get ice cream ..." and that's when I stop listening. Dinner and a movie? A show and ice cream? Those things are all fine and dandy, but that must get expensive, and old. Now I'm not saying I wouldn't enjoy dinner and a movie every once and a while, but girls understand that just because guys are a different gender doesn't mean they aren't poor college students, too. Plus (as I'm sure you've heard from your mom and grandma and who knows who else), how much can you really learn about another person at a dinner and a movie?

So, with some Internet searching, ideas from friends and a little creative juice of my own, here are some fun and cheap date ideas. Also, if you're single, bitter or both, most of these ideas can easily be converted to roommate or friend activities, so don't you fret.

- Make homemade ice cream

- Buy puzzles from the dollar store (or the DI, if you're brave) and assemble

- Have a "Jr. High Dance" in a parking lot complete with Backstreet Boys, N'sync, Hansen and other early adolescent favorites

- Go for a walk or a hike (add a headlamp for an romantic evening hike)

- Eat cereal and watch a favorite childhood cartoon or movie

- Night games or swings at a park

- Pick a game at the DI and play it

- Face or finger painting

- Make cookies and doorbell ditch them at friends' houses

- Share and listen to favorite music

- Tie-dye an old shirt

- Make and decorate cupcakes or cakes

- Bonfires with hot dogs, smores or tin foil dinners

- With a large group, have an "All Seasons" date. Go house to house and include pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving food, Christmas carols, a chick flick (for Valentine's) and other holiday-related activities.

- Play croquet, frisbee, badminton, four square, wally ball, sidewalk chalking or fly a kite

- Go to a book or music store and read, look at or play your favorites

- Have a read-a-thon and cozy up with your date and a favorite book

- Attend university music or drama productions, cheap and often free for students

- Visit the university art museum, free for students

- Have a picnic (or a car picnic for a chilly or wet day)

- Play Charades or Pictionary

- Food parties: fondue with cheese or chocolate, waffle party, pizza party, dutch oven

- Borrow bikes from Aggie Blue Bikes for an afternoon and take a ride

- Make it an international night with food and a movie to match

- Go to garage or yard sales and the summer Farmer's Market

- Take a factory tour at Charlie's Ice Cream or Pepperidge Farm

- Take a stroll through downtown Logan and pick up a complementary piece of bread at Great Harvest

- Create a time capsule and bury it

- Drive up to Idaho, buy a lottery ticket and hot chocolate

- Go to one of the less attended athletic events on campus: softball, gymnastics, track, volleyball, etc.

- Look through old photos and yearbooks

- Drive through a neighborhood and create awards for the best lawn, best decoration, best Christmas lights, etc., and deliver them to the homeowners

- Visit a greenhouse

- Pick out an inexpensive outfit at the DI for your date and then go to a public event

- Have an ice date with ice blocking, ice cream and watch "Ice Age"

Watching Your Wallet: "Ramsey Review"

Published on the Utah Statesman website March 23, 2010.

As I've mentioned before, I am most definitely a ridiculous product of my frugal parents. It is simply a part of who they are, and they have taught me to follow in their footsteps. The most recent reminder of this was when I was home for Spring Break. After discussing at length what kind of face wash I should buy with my mom (and if there would be a cheap brand of the kind I wanted available), I went to the store and decided to go with a well-known, name-brand cleanser that was a little more on the pricey side. It is important to note, however, that a brand can still never pay full price for an item, and I was armed with a coupon I had dug up online, which I was quite proud of. I came home and showed my mom my purchases, and I watched her face fall and slight disappointment set in when she realized what I had paid "just to have a name brand plastered on the front of a soap dispenser." Oh well. Can't please everyone.

Aside from the (sometimes silly) frugalities my parents are constantly bombarding me with, they do have genuinely good financial advice. They have been very wise with their money and taught my siblings and I to stay far out of debt and save for the future. Their most recent finance educational endeavor has been taking "Financial Peace University" courses – a program by a popular consumer finance extraordinaire, Dave Ramsey. Now, I must admit, it sounds a little hokey, but after some encouragement from my parents, I decided to look into it and share what I learned with you.

As an easy and simple introduction, Ramsey is a regular old guy who made lots of money selling real estate but squandered much of it in his youth on short-term debt. He and his wife decided to get out of debt and learn the best way to handle money and be successful. He learned everything he could to get out of debt and started counseling people who were dealing with financial stress, wrote a book, started a radio show, and now he's pretty famous. He even seems like a pretty nice guy! As I perused around his Web site, www.daveramsey.com, I realized it was chuck full of information, links, articles and worksheets to get your money in order at any stage of life. In fact, I found myself enjoying reading past radio show discussions, browsing his easy budgeting worksheets and looking through his recommended links. I would certainly suggest looking through it to learn a thing or two about getting your finances in order.

All of Ramsey's advice and suggestions are based on what he calls "The Seven Baby Steps," ways to become and live debt free one step at a time. Once these steps are mastered, one can really reach financial peace and security – and who doesn't want that. Some things obviously don't pertain to college students or are even realistic things to work toward at this point in life, but that's why they're called baby steps. Work on one thing at a time and move toward mastery in all the steps, which will take time. But here they are, folks:

1. Save $1,000 for an emergency fund. It's not a matter of if, but when something unexpected will happen that will require a chunk of change. Broken down car, injuries, loss of a job and the list goes on. Plan now for these events so your bank account doesn't get shocked when they unavoidably occur.

2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball. List all your debts and pay off the smallest ones first.

3. Three to six months of expenses in savings. This goes along with the emergency fund idea – life happens, and it's usually expensive. This money is only used for real emergencies. As Ramsey says, it's a buffer between you and life.

4. Invest 15 percent of household income in Roth IRAs and pretax retirement. Once you've reached baby-step four, you've eliminated all debt except for a house payment, which ideally would leave you some money to invest.

5. College funding for children. And this is where I somewhat disagree. My parents haven't paid a dime for my college education, and although I sure would have appreciated help, I will pass the bitterness on and let them struggle and ... grow! Yeah, grow. But, if you have a heart and would like to help support your children, invest a little in the hopes they someday attend Harvard, become wealthy doctors and send you on cruises in your old age.

6. Pay off mortgage early. The sooner you can pay off your house, the sooner you will reach financial peace.

7. Build wealth and give. This concept is found throughout all financial advice. Once you've reached financial success and peace, share it with others.

As I said, these are lofty goals for a college kid making $8 an hour, is renting out the biggest dump in Logan and doesn't understand investing. However, the earlier you begin setting and working toward financial goals, the more likely you are to succeed. Even if you simply establish an attitude of eliminating debt and saving, you'll be set for a road of financial success – and peace, as our new friend Ramsey says.

Watching Your Wallet: "Stashin' your cash"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on March 9, 2010.

When all the Logan Lurker hub-bub was going on, I realized what a jackpot a college town would be for a thief. Thousands of apartments all in one place, full of laptops, iPods, social security cards, DVDs, TVs, other electronics and cash. Plus, it's all quite easy access. Most students are too lackadaisical to lock their doors. In fact, most students living in on-campus apartments and dormitories with indoor entrances tend to not even close their doors. No wonder Mr. Lurker was having so much success creeping around. Like most, my roommates and I started taking extra precautions (like locking our doors when we weren't home – pretty anal, huh?) when we heard about an increase in break-ins and thefts with the Lurker around. We've continued this habit although this fellow has been caught, and I've enjoyed the security of knowing it's likely my stuff will still be in my apartment when I come home from class and work.

Now what about keeping cash at college apartments or home? Experts recommend not to keep more than $100 on hand for emergencies or to spare you a trip to the ATM, but some people may keep much more than that. Like the Israeli woman who reportedly stashed $1 million dollars cash in her mattress. That's not even the most shocking part of the story. In June 2009, the woman's daughter bought her a new mattress as a surprise and threw away the $1 million dollar mattress, not knowing about its hidden contents. This true story is devastating. As far as I'm able to tell through my "in-depth research" (Google), the mattress was never found, and thus the woman never reclaimed her life savings. That's enough to make you take all your cash at home to the nearest bank as soon as possible.

Another online article gave ideas, all sent in by readers and viewers, of places you could safely and secretly stash cash at home. Ideas included a cookie jar, a fake drain in the garage, at the bottom of a clothes hamper, old purses, inside fake I-beams and inside toilet rolls. My two personal favorite stash locations were the following:

"I put my serious money under the mattress. My lazy 350-pound wife is usually in bed most of the day and night. A thief would give up trying to move that "beached whale" off the bed. So for me, I have a great hiding place."

"When my son was only 5 years old, I found his piggy bank in the freezer and asked him why? He said he wanted cold cash. He's made me laugh ever since."

If you have a desire to save some cash at home, remember not to keep more than $100 on hand (more than that should be in the bank accruing interest) and to keep it in a safe, but memorable place. Just keep it far away from your mattress, you never know when someone will surprise you with a new one and chuck the old one.

Watching Your Wallet: Job fair/expo success

Published on the Utah Statesman website on March 3, 2010.

Any spare time I've had in the last week has been consumed by writing and rewriting a résumé and cover letter for an internship. Let me tell you, it's tedious work, finding an internship or job in the real world. Fortunately for me, this is just a temporary thing. I'm not selling my soul to a company permanently. I still have time to be a playful college student having a "fake" job. However, someday the time will come that I'll graduate and put on a nice business suit and start interviewing to find a job that I will devote eight hours to every day. And, today, hundreds of potential spring 2010 USU graduates will do just that at the Career Fair (10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the TSC). For those of you considering attending or are simply preparing for the eminent job hunt in the future, here are some tips for success at job fairs and expos.

1. Research Organizations View the list of organizations attending the fair at www.usu.edu/career, identify the ones you are most interested in and visit their Web sites. Browse their sites to get a better feel for what the company is like and then compile a list of the organizations you'd like to visit.

2. Prepare Your Résumé You already know how important résumés are, just be sure to spend time and effort on this important document. Fairs and expos are different than applying for specific jobs because a more general, broad résumé is OK. USU Career Services offers drop-in résumé edits daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about perfecting your résumé, check out the article published in Monday's Statesman.

3. Dress for Success Even though you may be stopping by the fair in between classes, if you are serious about finding a job from the fair, then dress professionally. This is the first impression future employers will have of you, so consider coming prepared for the job you would like to get. Business casual is recommended.

4. Prepare your Approach and Introduction Be sure to grab a name badge at the entrance of the fair and list your name, major and graduation date. Visit the booths you are most interested in early in the day. Be brave and introduce yourself by smiling, making eye contact and giving a brief "commercial" about yourself: your name, major, experience and a request to learn more about their company. Ask if you can give them a résumé and ask for a business card so you can follow up later. Meeting an employer face to face is incredibly valuable as you follow up later.

5. Ask Questions Be prepared to ask questions. What's the application process like? What skills are they interested in? What kind of additional skills or experiences would set you apart? Finally, if the organization is staying for interviews, be prepared to ask to schedule and interview.

6. Follow-up After meeting the employer, follow up as soon as possible with a phone call, e-mail or letter. Thank them again for meeting with you and answering your questions, and then state your interest in pursuing a position again and request the opportunity to meet with them again in greater detail. Having face-to-face contact at the fair will help you get a foot in the door. If you're attending the fair, best of luck. If you're still plugging away at school, consider these suggestions and plan to maximize opportunities in the future at job fairs. Have more suggestions? Let me know by commenting below.

Watching Your Wallet: "Spring Break on a Budget"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on February 24, 2010.

Congratulations, Aggies. We've almost made it to March! If you can hold on through a few more weeks of bitter cold, smog and ice, it will be spring break – a gasp of fresh air for drowning, spring-fevered college students. When I think of spring break, images of cruises to Mexico or lounging on white sandy beaches in Florida come to mind, but for most, economically this just isn't realistic. However, you can still enjoy a break from the cold, or at least Logan, on any budget if you're creative and take time to plan. If you haven't yet made plans for the break, here are some ideas. Find something that fits your budget and go wild!

$$$$ (Not so cheap, but won't break the bank)

– Cruises: If you have the money, a cruise is the way to go. Cruises let you sit back and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning where to stay, when and where to eat, how to be entertained and where to visit. They do all that for you! Plus, all-you-can-eat buffets. I can't think of anything better than no school and constant eating. Interested in a cruise? Check out Web sites such as http://www.cruisedeals.com, http://www.cruiseonly.com, http://www.cheapcruises.com or simply Google for cheap cruises. I found a three night Baja Mexico cruise from San Diego at $259 and a six-night Mexican cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan from Los Angeles for $399. You will have to get yourself to the departing port, but if you can find a group of friends, carpooling to California won't be terribly expensive.

– Flights: If you have someone to stay with or can find a cheap hotel, flying can be a great spring break option. New York, $335; Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., $306 or Los Angeles; $186.

$$$ (Cheap)

– Road trip to California (Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, San Francisco, among others) or Las Vegas with some friends. Split gas, find a cheap hotel and agree to spend as little as possible on food and entertainment. Spend time at the beach, Disneyland or Knottsberry Farm, shop or just relax.

$$ (Cheaper)

– For the week of March 14, St. George averages about 69 degrees. For only being about six hours away, that is some serious temperature change. Plan a smaller road trip to St. George, split gas, cheap hotel, the works and enjoy a little sunshine.

– Plan a camping and hiking road trip to Zions National Park, Bryce Canyon or Arches. Also a big temperature change but for a smaller cost because you'll be sleeping on the ground in a tent. Be sure to plan ahead because camping spots go quickly, especially for international renowned Zions National Park. For more information visit http://www.utah.com/nationalparks.

– Ski or snowboard? Plan a small ski trip to Salt Lake ski resorts such as Snowbird, Park City, Alta or Brighton. Stay with friends from the Salt Lake area to save.

$ (Cheapest)

– Don't have much cash to spend on a break? Make some day trips to local hot springs, rent from the ORC and go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking or hiking depending on the weather (www.weather.com predicts an average of about 50 degrees for Logan the week of March 14). Visit friends in Salt Lake City or Utah valley, if anything just to get out of Logan and take a break.

Watching Your Wallet (and your weight)

Published on the Utah Statesman website on February 17, 2010.

Growing up, my mom rarely came home from the grocery store with things like Oreos or Wheat Thins. Wait, let me rephrase that. My mom never came home from the grocery store with such delicious prepared treats. Our after-school snacks were chips and fresh salsa, fresh fruit and vegetables, toast on hearty wheat bread and, occasionally, the homemade treat or cookie. My mom is very thrifty so I always thought it was because she was just being cheap, but I didn't realize until I moved out and began buying food for myself that often those healthy things are actually more expensive than the cheap, prepackaged (unhealthy) stuff.

For example, a Totino's Party Pizza (um, DELICIOUS) is about $1.50 and weighs in at a whopping 770 calories, 40 grams of total fat and zero nutrients. I don't know about you, but I know I'm not the only person who can eat one of those in a short sitting. Compare that to a healthier dinner of baked chicken (about 250 calories), rice (about 200 calories) and fresh broccoli (about 40 calories), which totals at more like $3-5 per serving. That meal is much healthier than the Totino (about 500 calories vs. 770) but takes much longer to prepare and is more expensive, especially if you're only cooking for one. What about a quick snack? A bag of potato chips (about 75 cents) is much cheaper and easier than a big apple (up to $1.50 depending on your preference). As a general rule, fresh fruit and vegetables are usually a bit more expensive than easier and unhealthier, prepackaged snacks. And thus, as poor and cheap college students, we find ourselves in a pickle. We need to be eating healthy, but the pressure from lack of time and funds finds us turning those calorie and fat-packed frozen burritos and pizzas, TV dinners and dollar menus. What are we to do? Here's some tips on eating healthier and saving a few bucks:

1. Buy Whole

Fruits and vegetables can be pricey, but if you buy them whole, instead of precut or prewashed, you can save big time. Buy heads of lettuce instead of the bagged (heads last much longer) and whole pineapples or carrots instead of precut.

2. Buy in season and check the freezer aisle

Find out when fruits and vegetables are in season and buy accordingly. You'll spend a lot more on produce if you buy out of season. In the summer and fall, check out the farmers market at Merlin Olsen Park for good deals on fresh local produce. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also a great option. They're inexpensive and easy to prepare.

3. Buy in bulk when you can

When buying for one, you really can't shop at Costco like your mom (plus your roommates will hate you for using up all the freezer space), but buy things like meat, soup or snacks (granola bars, etc) in bulk. Not only will you save money but you'll have healthy food more accessible and ready to grab on the go or when you're wanting to cook.

4. Plan ahead

You're going to spend lots of money if you are consistently giving in to spontaneous buys at the Quickstop, Hub, vending machines or on your way to work. Going to be studying around lunchtime? Pack a sandwich and an apple or granola bar. Cramming late at the library and know you're going to need a snack to keep you going? Bring something along so you don't get stuck paying $2 for a stale (and unhealthy) cookie at the Quadside Cafe. Also consider planning your meals at the beginning of the week and go grocery shopping on a set day each week. Examine your cupboards and see what healthy meals you can prepare with what you already have. I've always been amazed at the people who restock the first row of their cupboards every week but completely forget about the food they have a little deeper on their shelves. Use the food you have to avoid wasting.

5. Water

Save money by drinking water. Out of the tap. Invest in a reusable water bottle and use it so you won't catch yourself spending $1.50 for a bottle of Dasani out of a vending machine. Steer clear of soda, which adds empty calories and sugar and drains your wallet (we've all seen the figures and heard the news flashes – if you spend a buck every day on a Coke, that adds up to, yep, $365 at the end of the year).

6. Store Brands

Kroger. Great Value. Western Family. Go with the cheap store brand rather than the name brand. For some reason, some people think their food is going to taste like cardboard or they're going to get a food-borne disease if they buy one of these cheap store brands. I am here and alive as a testament to these cheap brands. I still find great satisfaction in my food and I don't think I've ever got a disease from the cheap stuff. Give them a try and you'll be amazed at what you'll save and how similar they really are to the more expensive stuff.

7. Take the time

Eating right takes time. It will take time to broil chicken, cook rice and steam broccoli instead of popping a Totino's in the microwave for a few minutes. But if you can commit yourself to spending a little time on preparing real food you'll spend a lot less money and eat much healthier. There's tons of ways to prepare real food without spending lots of time doing so. Last week I made homemade pizza rolls and then froze all the leftovers (lots of them). I've defrosted them in the microwave and had them for lunch and dinner a few times over the last week. Throw chicken, potatoes or ingredients for soup in a Crock Pot in the morning and you'll have a warm, delicious meal when you get home from school. Take the time to eat right.

8. Sharing is caring

I've found the number one difficulty in eating healthy and spending less on food in college is that we're usually only cooking for one. It's really, really difficult to make a casserole or pasta dish for one person- recipes just aren't made that way, and most people don't want to have leftovers for weeks at a time. So, most students tend to take the easier route with microwave one-serving meals. Work it out to share food with your roommates- either by going in together on groceries or by taking turns cooking meals. This can be difficult to work out and takes time and commitment, but it's a great way to eat healthy, real meals and save money.

Give these tips a try or submit some of your own below. If you're used to having premade microwavable dinners and buying soda and Corndogs from the Quickstop everyday don't expect to switch straight to broccoli and water in a day or two (and I would hope no one ever would – moderation, my friends, moderation). However, try out a few things and see what works for you – hopefully it will help you eat a little healthier and spend a little less.

Watching Your Wallet: "Decor on a Dime"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on February 10, 2010.

Flattened, discolored "elementary school-esqe" carpet. Blank, whitewashed, yet slightly yellowing, walls. DI furniture with who-knows-how-many years behind its belt. Grungy, dim lighting that feels like Costco or some other industrial warehouse. Sound familiar? This sounds a lot like my little apartment and probably a lot like most college dorms and apartments. The problem of dreary decor and furnishings has been an issue for as long as college housing has existed, but there is no reason to live in such misery. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a ton of money for your place to feel a little more homey. If you're getting sick of your living space, try sprucing it up a bit with some inexpensive decorating tips.

Now, now, I know what you're thinking:

A. "Decorating is for (female) interior design or FCHD majors. I'm a manly-man who doesn't care where I live or what conditions I live in."

B. "You're wrong. Decorating is expensive. Unless you want your living space to look chintzy and cheap, you have to spend a lot of money."

Or:
C. "I'm not creative. I'm doomed to white-wall, flattened-carpet disdain for the rest of my college years."

Fortunately, all of these excuses are incorrect. Decorating isn't just for girls and cutesy art- or homemaking-related majors. It does not have to be expensive, and you don't have to be creative to make a dreary place livable. In fact, you don't even have to call it decorating. How about "redesigning the layout" or "sprucing up your residence" or "renovating your living space"? Okay, we'll stick to "decorating." Nonetheless, here are some ideas to liven up your college living spaces without busting your wallet.

1. Lighting will absolutely revolutionize your dorm or apartment. Living in the dorms my first year often felt like living in a jail cell. Cinderblock white walls, terrible (and uncomfortable) furniture and lighting. Oh the lighting. It really did feel like Costco or a classroom sometimes. My roommates and I decided to try putting some lamps out in our living room, which made our dorm feel more like a home away from home, rather than a school away from school. Try using lamps in your bedroom or living room to make it feel cozier.

2. Posters are a cheap way to cover a lot of white wall space. Some argue they make a place look cheap and trashy, but one must remember, we are in college and can't necessarily afford real art. There are posters out there that will express your personality, look decent and cover up the endless white walls.

3. DI, DI, DI. It's a magical place in so many ways. If you're looking to add that "something" to your apartment, DI is the place to look first for new furniture, lamps, art, rugs, etc. Look for the unexpected to add something fun to your apartment. To decorate shelves in my room I bought some old movie records from the DI. They were 50 cents each and the cases add a lot of color and personality to my room. DI is fantastic, and, in all honesty, we are in college: find something funny or strange as a conversation piece in your apartment.

4. Perhaps you don't actually need more stuff, you just need to organize or rearrange what you already have. Install shelves or a rod in your closet, buy storage units or simply rearrange your room. By decreasing the clutter and seeing your stuff in a new light, perhaps you'll find the touch you've been looking for.

5. For most, furniture (particularly couches) for college apartments can be quite nasty. We have a brown striped couch that I'm quite sure was originally a light tan color. Who knows how many college apartments it has inhabited in its day? That's part of the magical mystery of DI. To mask your furniture's "used" qualities – stains, discolorations, mysterious crustiness, etc. – check out places such as Ross or TJMaxx for discounted furniture covers, or simply cover it with a nice blanket or quilt. Another way to liven up old couches and furniture is to add inexpensive throw pillows for color and comfort.

6. Throw rugs can make all the difference in a room, especially for dilapidated, flattened, industrial carpet. To cover unsightly carpet, look at DI, TJ Maxx or Ross for a washable rug.

7. Add some life. Buy or grow plants to liven up your dorm or apartment, especially in the dreary, smoggy days of Logan's never-ending winter.

8. Put up some curtains or window treatments. My roommate brought up an old curtain her family no longer used and it softens the room and adds color to the walls.

9. Is your place tiny? Use mirrors to open up the space and make it feel larger. We bought a big mirror from DI for $10.

10. Let your family and friends know you are willing to take any hand-me-down furniture, decorations and appliances. Who knows what people have sitting around in their basements, garages or storage rooms?

Best of luck, and if you have any more inexpensive and easy decorating tips let us know by commenting below.

Watching Your Wallet: Improving yourself to improve job prospects

Published on the Utah Statesman website on February 3, 2010.

This week's edition of "Watching Your Wallet" is a follow-up to last week's "Time is Money," and I will be expounding on the concept that our financial worth depends on more than what we earn and spend, but on other factors, such as how we spend our time and how we are improving ourselves.

I've found it easy to pummel my way through college to finish, but often find myself forgetting things like really learning and improving myself through my education. Sometimes we get so caught up in staying on top of our reading schedule, papers, studying for tests, completing worksheets and assignments, and working early and late to pay the month's rent, that we forget why we are actually in college – to learn and, for lack of a less cheesy term, to grow as individuals. We plow through all we have to do, not realizing that what we are doing should be enriching us as individuals to help us become productive and engaging members of society and the workforce. In addition to trying to benefit and learn from what we are taught in our classes, we shouldn't forget to also improve ourselves in other areas to increase our quality of life and, in a roundabout way, to someday hopefully increase our paycheck.

However, this lovely idea of self-improvement may seem rather nebulous and, frankly, impossible. I mean, between all that we do as students how do we fit "self-improving behaviors" into our schedules? And you're also wondering how this is supposed to increase your paycheck some day. Well, yet again, thanks to Trent Hamm from www.thesimpledollar.com, we have a five ideas of how we can improve ourselves as individuals and why it will someday help pay the bills.

1. Improve Your Health

This one really doesn't require a whole lot of explanation. Improving your health will make you a happier individual and live longer. You don't have to take my word for it – go read any article about healthy eating, exercising and other behaviors to see why. Walk more, eat less junk, engage yourself in a fun physical activity and your quality of life will improve.

2. Improve Your Knowledge

Clearly, as a college student, you are demonstrating your desire to learn. But when was the last time you read a book for your own enjoyment and interest? I know it sounds absolutely impossible, but read something instead of surfing Facebook, watching yet another episode of "The Office" or taking a nap. I'm not perfect at this, but I'm trying. It wasn't until a book captivated me at the beginning of the semester that I realized I actually do have time in my schedule to read. I'm just wasting the time doing unnecessary, dumb things. Another excellent way to learn is to have an engaging conversation with someone. Instead of talking about your obnoxious neighbors or how much you hate your professor, talk about current events, things you are learning in your classes, your hopes. No, you don't have to do it over tea and crumpets, and no, it doesn't have to be a planned, weekly conversation. Just try to expand what you talk about, and you'll improve your knowledge of all aspects of life. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."

3. Improve Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are things such as communication skills, time management skills, creativity and leadership. Things that will help you as an employee, in relationships and simply working with people on all levels of life. These skills can be developed through all sorts of activities, but not by playing video games or seeing how many movies you can watch in a single weekend. Join a club, play board games with your roommates or volunteer for service activities. It doesn't have to be painful, just find things you enjoy doing that improve these types of skills.

4. Improve Your Personal Nature

Of all the suggestions, this one sounds the cheesiest, but Hamm suggested we figure out who we really are and what we value. Take a look at things such as your relationships, possessions, health, activities, etc., and ask yourself how you feel about them and what you want to change. This sort of introspection, as Hamm calls it, and acting on what you've evaluated, will improve yourself as a human being.

5. Improve Your Relationships

By now you've probably noticed that without a phone call, text or a visit every so often, most friendships just don't last on their own. Our relationships with others are incredibly valuable in all aspects of life, and it is worth the time and energy to maintain them. Get back in touch with people you haven't talked with in a while, improve your relationships with your family and friends you care about and take the time to become a better friend. As Hamm said, "Those relationships are invaluable, and any time spent maintaining them will pay off in surprising ways over time."

Hopefully, these suggests help you capitalize on the college experiences, which can help you better yourself and recognize areas of life that you can convert into behaviors that will help you improve as an individual. This improvement as an individual will not only better your quality of life, your relationships and your health, but it will make you a more valuable, qualified and creative potential employee.

-karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu

Watching Your Wallet: "Time is money"

Published online on the Utah Statesman website January 27, 2010.

It happens at the beginning of every semester. A whole whole new schedule begins and your classes change, your work schedule changes, your play time and free time changes, the time you go to bed changes, and you have to learn how juggle each of these old elements in a new way. Part of me really likes it; I love the new classes and the opportunity to learn new things. I like being able to spend what free time I have how I want to. But the other part of me really, really stresses out. What had become such a day to day groove doesn't work anymore, and I find myself wasting time trying to adjust. Eventually, through a little bit of planning and lots of trial and error, I finally find my "new groove" (although I am not an emperor) and am able to better manage my time, check things off my list and find time to have a little fun.

Well, you're probably wondering what this rant about time management has to do with money. At first, I was wondering too. But while searching for financial ideas to cover in this column, I fell upon a blog by a fellow named Trent Hamm called "The Simple Dollar" (thesimpledollar.com). He created his own "14 Money Rules" and lists "Stop Wasting Time" as the third rule. Essentially, he reminds us that we each have precisely 168 hours every week- everyone from the dumbest, laziest of freshman to Bill Gates and Michael Phelps. Subtract the time most of us are sleeping and that leaves about 120 hours left. Hamm makes an interesting point in that many of us "trade" a large portion of these 120 hours for money (working-or in our case, an eventual diploma). With those remaining hours subtract the time for household chores, personal hygiene, and other time-wasting necessities, and that leaves a very small pile of hours for us to do whatever we please with. So, it only makes sense that in order to make the most of this small amount of free hours, we be as productive as possible at school, work and with the other necessities. Therefore, we make more money by being more productive at work or work hard to free up more "free" hours to enjoy. So, here is what Hamm suggests to increase productivity to make the most of your time (which is money).

1. Start with a plan

At the beginning of each day, set aside some time to work through the schedule of the day and what needs to get done. This will save you from running around like a chicken with it's head cut off later in the day, and will also spare you any "what to do next" time.

2. Multi-task and single-task

There are times when it can be productive to be writing an email, working on a paper, watching a movie, texting a friend and organizing your desk. However, when you really need to complete a complex task, put away the other little things going on and focus. By eliminating interruptions you'll be able to complete the task more efficiently and at the best possible quality.

3. Meditate (or, as I would say, have some "veg" time)

By around three o'clock, I find myself pretty burned out. It's the lull in the day I'm ready to be done with school, work or whatever I have going on. But, nstead of wasting a few minutes here and there, Hamm recommends taking a solid 15 minute "meditation" break. Sit back in your chair, close your eyes and clear your mind. By taking some "veg" time, it will help improve your focus to finish the rest of your day productively.

4. Write down things on your mind

At any given time during the day, I have about four or five "bullet points" in my head that I'm desperately trying to remember- where I left my keys, who I need to call or send an email to when I get home, to be sure to finish that reading assignment, etc., etc. A simple solution to this is to have a small notepad or planner (ha, what novel idea) to write down all these little ideas floating around in your head. As Hamm said, "Getting these things out of your head and onto paper means you can spend far less mental energy trying to remember it – and use that energy instead focusing on your current task and getting that done as well as you can."

Best of luck regaining those precious free hours and making the most of the working ones. Have any ideas on making the most of your time and being productive? Comment below!

Watching Your Wallet: "Saving on your utility bill"

Published online on the Utah Statesman website on January 20, 2010.

I always feel a tinge of angst when the utility bill arrives each month. I anticipate my monthly rent, but always seem to forget about the additional $25, $30, sometimes $50 to heat, light, electrify and provide warm water for my dilapidated little house. It can be a bit upsetting at times. Fortunately, I've never had too wasteful of roommates, but everyone has heard stories about that "one" roommate who runs a load of laundry with just a few socks, who never turns their bedroom light off or who takes 45-minute showers.

It seems we're always hearing about ways to reduce energy and save money on our utility bills, but none of them seem too applicable to college students. There's no way I'm replacing my toilet in my apartment for the newest low-flush model, and I'm probably not going to pay to install a programmable thermostat. But that's just me. So what can we poor, helpless, financially cheated college students do to lower our utility bills (without paying for expensive, "energy-efficient" upgrades)? Here's a few simple tips that, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, will help you pay less on your utility bills each month:

1. Unplug it or turn it off

When you aren't using things such as your phone charger, toaster, blender or computer, unplug them or turn them off. According to energystar.gov, U.S. households spend $100 per year to power devices while they are simply in a standby mode. Interestingly, it's not quite this simple when it comes to lightbulbs, which leads us to No. 2 ...

2. Turn off incandescent lights when not in use

Incandescent lightbulbs should be turned off whenever they are not in use. Fluorescent lighting should be turned off if not in use for more than 15 minutes. So, if you are leaving the room for 15 minutes or less, it takes more energy to turn fluorescent lights off and then on again when you return.

3. Fix leaks

Although most college students may not be able to repair a leak in a faucet or showerhead, this is something a landlord should be willing and able to fix. Although it isn't much, a leak of one drip per second can cost $1 per month.

4. Be stingy with your hot water

Use less hot water by taking shorter showers (or taking quick showers instead of a bath) and only run the dishwasher or washing machine when it is full. A lot of water is wasted by only running a partially-full dishwasher or load of laundry.

5. Double pane your windows

It's not very attractive, but improve your home or apartment's insulation by installing your own double-pane window. Apply double-sided tape to the window frame inside your apartment and place a sheet of shrink wrap plastic film over the window, pressing it onto the tape. Use a hair dryer to tighten the shrink wrap. My landlord has noticed a significant decrease in our utility bill when he has put plastic over our windows during the winter.

6. Keep things clean

Always clean the lint out of your dryer, clean airways allow clothes to dry faster. Clean air vents and be sure furniture isn't blocking the air flow.

7. Buck up

Buck up a bit and lower your thermostat and turn it off when you aren't going to be home for several hours. If you can't handle sleeping in the cold, consider purchasing an energy-efficient space heater for your room.

Information gathered from www.energy.gov.

Watching Your Wallet: "New Years Financial Goals"

Published on the Utah Statesman website on January 13, 2010.

Next to streamers and a new calendar, making New Year's resolutions are the next big thing when ringing in a new year. Many are health-oriented: lose 10 pounds, run a marathon, eat healthier, cut soda from diet, etc. And there are New Year's resolutions as vast as traveling to Europe or getting better grades. But what about financial goals? Where do you want to be financially next month, next year or in 30 years? If you don't set goals you could be a long way from where you hope to be. The most exciting part about financial goals at this stage of life is that you can dream big, real big. We're young college students with a whole life ahead of us. We might as well set high goals to work toward.

The best way to go about making financial goals is to set short-term (within the next few months), intermediate (one to five years) and long-term (five years to lifetime) goals. Make a little worksheet that includes a description, plan, cost and date for each goal. For example, a short-term goal could be to save $300 to take a trip for Spring Break. Write down your plan for saving that money (save $25 from each paycheck until April), the cost ($300) and the date (April 1). From there you can break down the plan to save $25 each paycheck – eat out less, take the bus or ride your bike more often, etc.

Long-term goals are the most fun to make, because with careful planning and determination you can really make your financial dreams come true. When I was a kid, we had a babysitter who dreamed of going to Europe since she was a little girl. When she was about 7 or 8, she began to save all her money from chores, babysitting jobs and birthdays. For years, she saved all her money, and by the time she was 14, she had saved enough to take the trip with her sister. Most little girls dream of saving enough to buy a new doll or some candy from the grocery store, but she had saved enough to visit Europe.

So, really dream big. What do you want financially? Maybe a trip to Europe doesn't ring your bell, but what about a $2,000 emergency fund, elimination of student loans and credit card debt, a new car paid in cash, a down payment on a home or a fluffy retirement fund? Figure out what you want, then plan how you can make it happen.

Although many New Year's resolutions begin with vigor and determination, few will make it to February and even less will string into March or April. In all honesty, I have yet to meet many people who make their New Year's resolutions a reality the entire year through. I believe – and professionals and textbooks tend to agree – the reason for this is that they failed to make their goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic or timely (and yes, that spells smart). This acronym for setting goals was first introduced by George T. Doran in a magazine in 1981, and since then, the steps have been widespread in their use to help create goals. And yup, you guessed it, this acronym can even be used in making financial goals. Here's a little more information on each of the steps.

1. Specific

First, goals have to be specific. Define what the goal is, who is involved, where it will happen and when it will happen by. Instead of saying, "I want to get out of debt," define when you want it to happen by, which debt you specifically need to eliminate and how you will get there.

2. Measurable

Define how you will measure your progress. If your goal is to get out of debt, set the dollar amount you need to earn to get there. If a goal is measurable, you'll be able to answer questions like, "how much," "how many" or "how will I know if it is accomplished?"

3. Attainable

Make the goal attainable by planning the steps to reach it wisely and by establishing a time frame. By doing so, you will be able to adopt the attitudes and abilities to reach the goal.

4. Realistic

It's probably not likely for you to reach a goal of saving for a Spring Break trip if you are living paycheck to paycheck, surviving solely on Ramen noodles. Set goals that are realistic, that you believe you can reach. However, don't rule out high goals – if you believe you can achieve them, make it happen.

5. Timely

Again, establishing a time frame is crucial to setting a successful goal. Words like "someday" or "sometime" don't belong in goals. You must set a date and a time line on how to get there.

T can also stand for Tangible. Can you experience it with one of your senses? Goals that are tangible are more likely to be successful.

So now, go home and redraft (or draft – you have to write goals down or else they're just wishes) your goals and make sure they fit the SMART criteria. Making goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely and tangible will increase your chances of success. Happy New Year and good luck.

Watching Your Wallet: "Really, you shouldn't have"

Published on http://www.aggietownsquare.com on December 2, 2009.

It's Christmas time, and that means pretty soon we'll need to buy gifts for our moms, dads, siblings, friends, cousins, grandmas and dogs. Now I'm not complaining; in fact, I love giving a good, thoughtful gift. But gifts can become quite expensive around Christmas time, and as college students, we certainly don't have a whole lot of free cash lying around. So I thought I would discuss one low-cost (and often, no cost) option for gift giving this season: regifting.

When most people think of regifting, bad memories of used toasters and unwanted hairless Barbie dolls may come to mind, but regifting can be classy and tactful. After suppressing the Barbie thought, I realized I have actually had several regifted gifts I've very much appreciated and enjoyed.

For example, a few years ago, my uncle gave me his used Sony digital recorder for Christmas. At first I was a little disappointed (especially because he readily admitted he'd really like it), but once I started using it, I realized that it was absolutely invaluable. It works perfectly. I use it for every interview I hold and buying my own could have cost $50-100. A great example of when regifting is completely OK.

I wanted to learn more about proper regifting etiquette, and as I started doing a little Internet research, I was astounded at how much thought and effort has been put into discussing the issue. I had no idea it was such a hot topic. I came across dozens of articles about regifting etiquette and found that regifting even has its own Wikipedia page. In fact, according to Wikipedia, Dec. 18 is National Regifting Day in the United States. Now, whether that is truthful is really irrelevant; just think, a national holiday dedicated to a gifting practice. However, the best find from my research was a regifting Web site, www.regiftable.com, complete with a Guess the Regift game, regifting story contest, regifting tips and a regifting blog. Its motto? "Really, you shouldn't have." What class.

So, I decided to sift through these articles and Web sites and compile the best tips and tricks for regifting, so you can use the gift-giving option to your advantage while maintaining your dignity. Here's the dos and don'ts:

1. Do clean and rewrap.

All the articles and Web sites agreed that you must clean the gift and rewrap it. There's nothing worse than receiving a gift that still has the tag with your name on it or looks like it's been sitting in a dusty closet for five years.

2. Do keep track.

If you plan to regift an item, remember or write down who originally gave it to you. Wouldn't want to give cousin Joe the DVD he gave you for your birthday last year.

3. Do make it thoughtful.

Although we all do it, a person should never give a gift just to give a gift. Reserve regifting items for people who you think would actually enjoy and appreciate an item that you don't need or use. If it's broken, severely used or just downright awful, chuck it.

4. Don't tell the receiver.

When it comes to regifting, mum's the word. Don't tell the receiver he or she is receiving a second-hand gift that you don't need or want. Keep regifting a secret unless completely necessary.

5. Do have a sense of humor.

In appropriate situations, regifting can be used for humor. Giving junk can sometimes be quite enjoyable. If you think the receiver would find it funny, go for it.

6. Don't give used gift cards.

Don't give a $50 gift card that only has $34.72 left on it. Super, super tacky.

7. Don't give something you've owned for a while.

I've had a bad experience with this one. Surprising, I know. But friends and family actually remember your stuff. Don't give them things you've worn a few times or have sitting around your house, because they'll know and wonder why you grabbed it off your shelf on the way to their party.

With these tips, you're well on your way to successful regifting this Christmas season. But first, I want to hear from you. Is regifting tacky or OK? What good and bad regifting experiences have you had? Let me know and leave a comment below.

-karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu

Watching Your Wallet: Health Insurance 101

Published on http://www.aggietownsquare.com on November 17, 2009.

Of all the nasty, big, scary, confusing and icky financial matters in this world, I think insurance may top the list. Perhaps it was simply the way I was raised and perceived insurance. My dad has owned and managed his own business for the past five years, and one of the most complicated implications of self-employment has been finding an insurance plan that will cover our family of eight. We like to consider ourselves healthy, contributing members to society, but health insurance companies don't seem to like the idea of past knee surgeries, heart inconsistencies, kidney stones and some stitches, broken bones and sprains here and there. Needless to say, I have many memories of my mom filling out long and detailed applications for different health insurance plans. Fortunately, we have been able to find a health insurance plan that fits our needs but has definitely been very expensive since it is not subsidized by a large company. I was curious what health care plans were available to students, and in a few years when I am no longer on my family's health insurance plan, what health insurance options I will have? So, I took a trip down to the Student Health and Wellness Center and talked with Jim Davis, the director of the center, about health insurance and how it concerns students.

Davis said according to surveys completed by the Student Health and Wellness Center, about 81 percent of students on campus are insured, either by their parents' plan, university plans, plans through their employers or from independent insurance providers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Altius or Etna. He said most USU students are still insured under their parents, but according to Utah law are emancipated from their parents' plan either when they marry or turn 26. After that, Davis said students have several options. But, before we outline the health care options, let's define some important insurance terms.

- premium: the payment for insurance- a flat rate paid annually, semi-annually or monthly regardless of the health services used.

- deductible: a fixed amount (in addition to the premium) one must pay before the insurance coverage begins.

- co-pay: a fixed amount or percentage (in addition to the premium) one must pay each time health care is accessed.

- co-insurance: a required percentage a person must pay after they meet the deductible.

Davis explained these additional costs serve as a deterrent so people don't use expensive venues like the ER when their concerns could be addressed at less expensive venues like the SHWC.

Now that those are understood (or not understood ...), let's move on to our health care options as students.

1. Go without health insurance. Davis said students who choose to go without health insurance do so simply hoping they don't get ill or injured, and if they do, that it will be minor or will have assistance from someone to pay the cost. The upside? It's very cheap. The downside? Besides the services offered at the Student Health and Wellness Center and necessary stabilization in the ER if necessary, they will not have access to health care services for major injuries and illnesses, and when accidents happen they will have to cover the costs themselves. Financially, going without insurance can be completely devastating. One slip, one car accident, one major illness could send you thousands of dollars in debt. When I asked Davis if he had any horror stories about students without insurance he said, "I have horror stories every day." Going without insurance is certainly something Davis said he would not recommend.

2. Pay for the University Student Health Plan. The university offers health plans to students, their spouses and children. Davis said the plan is heavy on the ability to cover catastrophes and weak on prevention because students and their families have access to the Student Health and Wellness Center for minor medical needs and preventative services. For a single student to receive health insurance for one year, Davis said the premium is about $1,700. If both spouses are students they can both receive the plan for $1,700 each (a total of $3,400). To add a spouse who is not a student it costs around an additional $3,000, and to add children it costs $1,200 per child or up to all children for about $3,000. So, for example, let's say we have a student, his/her spouse who is not a student and their child who would like health insurance. The total would be about $5,900 per year. On the surface, that isn't cheap. However, with closer examination of the student plan, Davis said it is very comprehensive and covers pregnancy and obstetrics, something most independent insurance companies don't do without an additional $5,000 cost per year.

3. Choose an off-campus private health care provider. If want health insurance but aren't covered by an employer and don't want a student plan, your only other option is a private health care provider. Davis said these plans can get pretty pricey. It also could be difficult to find a company that covers you if you have a hairy medical history because of the concept of underwriting, or denial of insurance based on previous injuries or health conditions. This is why finding a plan that covered my family was so difficult; the companies didn't want to cover us if previous health conditions could return for costly health bills in the future. Another downside to private health insurance is that most don't cover pregnancy and obstetrics without adding $5,000 to the premium each year.

So to have insurance or to not have insurance? It is certainly expensive, but isn't it worth it for the security? It's not necessarily an easy decision, especially for a college student barely making it after tuition and housing payments are due. But Davis made an important point about students rationalizing going without health care.

"To the generic student I ask why would you ever come here not having a place to live, why would you ever come here planning to starve with no food, why would you ever come here planning to be cold with no clothing? If the answer is, ‘Well I wouldn’t, then why would you ever come here planning not to have health care?"

Davis said overall, the university student plan is a great option for students looking for a comprehensive and reasonably priced insurance plan. Davis reminded that although the plan and health care in general may be expensive, the reason for the high cost is because our high expectation of quality. Davis pointed out that many students don't mind driving old beater cars, wearing second-hand clothing or living in run-down apartments, but they do expect the very best health care and with that often comes a high price.

So what are your thoughts on health care? Is it worth it for the security and peace of mind or is it a waste of money? If you are no longer on your parents' health care plan, how do you cover health care costs? Comment below and let me know what you think.

Bargain of the Week: Use the "Aggie Buck," a coupon insert in The Utah Statesman, to receive $2 to $3 off places like Tummi Yummi's, Pita Pit, Indian Oven, the Fun Park and others.

Each week I'll be sharing a tip or bargain of the week – ways to save money or make the most out of it. Got an idea or heard about a discount? Please comment below or send me an e-mail.

Karlie Brand is a junior in public relations. "Watching Your Wallet" will appear online each Wednesday. Questions or comments can be sent to karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu

Watching Your Wallet: Shopping, just for the fun of it

Published on http://www.aggietownsquare.com on November 11, 2009.

On Monday morning I had the pleasure of receiving a root canal. After way too many tools being shoved in my mouth, a numb face, pent up anger from the ridiculously high bill and dry and cracking lips (as always happens when one stretches their mouth as wide as possible for an hour and a half), I was in need of some relief. While some may turn to a slurpee, their moms or even a nap for comfort, I turned to the place that is guaranteed to ease pain, sorrow and boredom. Ross. Beautiful, wonderful (often medicinal) discount shopping. I am a Ross addict. The neon orange tags indicating reduced prices and shelves of discounted clothes, shoes, gloves, hats, purses, home decorating items and random junk bring joy and peace into a troubled heart. Perfection in frugality cannot always be expected and "recreational shopping" at Ross is certainly my weakness. When I'm bored or need something to keep my mind off school or work, a little trip to Ross does the trick. And although I usually go just to peruse the discount items, it is almost inevitable that I will come home with my wallet a little lighter and some great "undeniable" deal. The cheap stuff is the shiny bait, and I am the dumb little guppy. I can't say no to a $20 pair of Asics (suggested retail: $65) or a $7 skirt (suggested retail: $30), both recent Ross purchases. I didn't need a new skirt or a pair of shoes, but how could I leave them on the shelves with such a tempting price tag? So, unfortunately, for me the only cure for recreational shopping is simply not going. Until I learn more self control and am able to better distinguish needs and wants, it will have to be strict abstinence from recreational shopping when I don't want to spend any money.

So when does shopping become recreational and why is it enjoyable? For me, I like seeing the latest and greatest seasonal fashions and designs and sifting through the designer bags and jackets and jeans at what seems like ridiculously reduced prices. For many, stores like Ross and TJMaxx are stressful. The rows and rows of unorganized merchandise are obnoxious but, for me, walking into a discount store is as exciting as trying to find a diamond in a pile of rocks. The digging can be tedious but after a little bit of work, you almost always find a treasure that is most wonderful and quite fun to brag about to your friends (like the dress I bought this summer for $10).
But what about for the guys? Surely most men are not tantalized by a steal of a deal on dress shoes or a nice half-zip sweater, but they can't be completely free of the leisure shopping bug. Then a small store came to mind ... Okay, a monstrosity of a store – Cabela's. This is not the place for a quick stop to pick up the necessities – it is an outdoor enthusiast's heaven. Cablela's has turned a simple shopping experience into a tourist attraction. You could fill an entire day by perusing the entire store of hunting, fishing and outdoor merchandise, taking a lunch break at the store restaurant and examining the taxidermy displays and fish tanks. Want to extend your stay?Cabela's Web site even provides information about local lodging to make it a multiday event. Talk about recreational shopping and needs vs. wants. One can't help but buy a little bit too much when items are displayed like pieces of a grand museum.
My conclusion after pondering recreational shopping? Simply be careful. Unless you are prepared for the consequences (a drained wallet), steer clear of using shopping as a way to fill time or relieve stress. But, when I can spare a few bucks, Ross will continue to be a wonderful recreational option for a free afternoon.
-karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu