Hello everyone! In this economy, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their dollar and pinch their pennies. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your lifestyle just to save money. Well, I have a few tips on how you can save money in fashion, food, fitness, entertainment, relaxing, and dating. Every month I'll have a new tip for each category for all your recessionistas and recessionistos out there, looking for ways to be thrifty!

Fashion
Tired of your wardrobe and want to revamp? Clean out your closet of all the clothes that either don't fit or you no longer want to wear and visit a cosignment shop. Stores like Buffalo Exchange will allow you to sell your clothes for either money or store credit. If you choose store credit, you'll have a great selection of clothes for a great price.

Food
Want something easy to cook that's also affordable? Albertsons has a deal called 4:15. You buy certain products that will make you a meal to serve 4 people for under $15. The food is easy to make, tastes great, and in your budget. Invite your friends or save the servings for leftovers.

Fitness
Can't afford a gym membership? Make a workout out of your surroundings. Walk around the neighborhood or on campus for at least half an hour; it's free! Try to hit those steep hills to increase intensity.

Entertainment
Want discounts on tickets to the movies or amusement parks? Your school's student union should have a place where you can buy tickets at a discounted student price. Use it to your advantage!

Relaxing
There's an app available at the iTunes App Store called Mind Wave. Listen to binaural tones that manipulate your brain waves. The app has a tones for studying, sleep induction, relaxation, deep meditation, getting you mentally refreshed, boost your energy, boost your creativity, getting you focused, weight loss/smoking, treating headaches, relieving PMS, and more! The cost is $1.99.

Dating
Bust a movie marathon! If you get a Netflix membership, you can set a weekly date with your sweetie to watch a movie or three. Memberships cost as much as $16.99 a month with unlimited time and the availability to watch some movies and television episodes online!

I hope these tips help you in your quest to reduce spending and maximize your savings! I'll be back with more tips next month.

Briana