cooking artichokes: 2010

Year End Wrap Up

Now that the fall semester is a distant memory and finals have become an after thought, it's the perfect time to look over your budget and put to use many of the tips we have offered throughout the semester. Use the break to reevaluate your spending habits and to take an honest look at how you did. Were you able to stick to your budget or were there times you went off track? The winter break is also the perfect time to prepare financially for the spring semester when renewal aid applications are due. So, as New Year's looms closer and the unmistakable "Ole Lang Zine" plays out, we would like to offer a few last 2010 parting pieces of advice.

First of all and most importantly- CONGRATULATIONS!!! You survived the fall semester and are coming back for more. If not more school, then more advice from the staff at Savvy Student. Such smart readers we have!

Second, in terms of personal finance create a new budget for yourself or readjust an old one. It is not uncommon to update your budget throughout the year to account for your spending habits or change in circumstances. If you spent the semester tracking your purchases and sticking to a budget then the big question is how did you do? If this holiday season drove you into the red zone, perhaps you can focus on cutting back a little in January. Either way, give yourself a pat on the back for trying to budget, and then learn from your successes or failures, making your New Year's resolution about mastering the art of money management.

Our third step for success is to plan ahead and begin the process of renewing or applying for need-based financial aid. All U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are required to re-apply for assistance each academic year by submitting the CSS Profile, FAFSA and prior year's Federal tax returns. The Profile has been available since October and the FAFSA will be up and running by January 1st. Over break you can take the time to get a jump start on your application by rounding up all family financial information and locating your FAFSA pin. All materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Services by April 29th. That leaves you plenty of time to apply, however, the spring semester goes by in a flash and you don't want to be left outside in the cold.

In addition, break is the perfect time to start a job search for the spring semester. Whether it be an On-Campus job or an internship for the summer, it's best to move quickly and be prepared. Get your resume ready and set up the necessary interviews and meetings through Hiatt Career Center.

When you've got a handle on your budgets, deadlines, and necessary career steps, you should be ready to celebrate 2011 in style and with all your finances under control.

Good Luck and Happy New Year!
Savvy Student

FAFSA Help

For returning students throughout the country, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a perennial requirement for qualifying for Federal Student Aid. Though students can't begin completing the FAFSA until January 1^st (Brandeis’ specific deadlines are available here), it is advisable to acquaint yourself with the Application earlier rather than later. Doing so will better prepare you to complete the form by the deadlines and ensure that you're eligible to receive any federal assistance you qualify for

Moneywatch.com, a website run by CBS has offered their advice for preparing to tackle the FAFSA in the coming months. If you haven’t completed the FAFSA before, remember you must apply for a FAFSA PIN, which can be taken care of online, at the following address: http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/appinstr.jsp.

Also encouraged is reviewing the information that is required for the FAFSA. Students can print out the FAFSA worksheet here, to view what financial information they will have to report.

The recommendations of the article are also available here.

Finally, if you have any trouble completing the FAFSA, remember that there are many resources at your disposal. Moneywatch.com offers their own list. Additionally, each student at Brandeis has a financial aid advisor willing to help them through the application process.

Savvy Student

No Rest for the Weary

Thanksgiving is a day to relax and unwind, to be thankful for our many blessings in life including family, friends and winning NFL team. In all seriousness, it is a time to catch up on new stories and reminisce over old ones, while sitting around the table eating a warm turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Some may gather by a fire and others around the flat screen, but either way it is a break from school and the calm before the storm of the holiday season which officially kicks-off with Black Friday.

For some, Black Friday is a holiday tradition that involves trekking out to the mall in the wee hours of the morning to either begin or complete holiday shopping. For others it is a game of grab and go to avoid the mob scene and insane lines. Either way, whether you love the idea or hate it, Black Friday is a great shopping day for budget conscious people. And, if you are not use this kind of shopping scene then please stay tuned because we have the 411 on how to survive and be successful amongst the crowds.

1. If you are shopping for others Be Prepared. Have your list and check it twice. Plan a course of action and be aware of what each store is offering on Black Friday. Some sales are considered "Door Busters" or are offered in limited quantity only, so you should arrive early to take advantage. Other stores will have day long or weekend long deals, so decide where you wish to exert your efforts.

2. Check out the deals ahead of time. Click here to connect to the official website for 2010 Black Friday Deals. You can also visit slickdeals.net for a comparison of Friday's best deals.

3. Do your research! There are lots of great online resources that break down the best deals for different sale items. For example, check out this CNet page for laptop deals.

4. Shop online.. early! Many stores are offering BlackFriday deals online on THURSDAY.. so after you've eaten your turkey you can get the deals you want without leaving home! See this news article to look at stores that offer this deal.

5. Use connections. If your family member or friend is out shopping too ask them to help scout out deals for you. You can tri-county or tri-state shop very easily this way which can be especially handy for hard to get items such as electronics.

Should you wish to avoid crowds and stay inside you will still be able to snag great deals online for Cyber Monday, the internet follow-up to Black Friday. this year's Cyber Monday event is November 29th.

Happy Holidays!

Savvy Student

Used Books, and New Ways to Sell Them

Stuck with a book you bought for a dropped class? Or how about that old chemistry book that you never want to see again? Savvy Student knows how to take away the bulk, and for a profit.

As the semester end approaches, all students will want to sell their books as soon as the last final is over. Most go back to the bookstore for the low price because they don’t want to worry about it later on. But for those who are willing to search around and find the highest price, Bookscouter.com is the place to go.

BookScouter, an online book selling blog, has plenty of useful tools to help you track down the best prices for your used books using their ISBN. BookScouter will not help you to necessarily sell your books, but at least you will know how to get the most for your old Calculus friend.

Once you have determined how much you want to get for your books, it's time to go to Half.com
You can post your items online after an easy registration process. The website will show you suggested prices in comparison those advertised by other sellers. Be realistic! Don't expect to get $70 for a textbook that someone else is selling for $30. As you have probably noticed, many supermarkets attract their clients by setting the price at $29.99 for something their competitor is marking at $30. Strategize!

Once someone decides to purchase your book, you will be notified via email by Half.com. Additionally, they will send you a print-out page that you will attach to the book you are mailing. Make sure to follow all the instructions and mail the order promptly! Half.com will refund you for the mailing costs, and you will receive the entire amount you sold the book for. The refunds are disbursed twice a month. Pretty good deal, right?

Also, don't forget to check with your friends; perhaps one of them is planning to take the same course next semester, and is willing to buy it at a reduced cost without any hassle. MyBrandeis has a forum for students advertising their used books.

Happy re-selling,
Savvy Student

A Deliciously Inexpensive Thanksgiving

As the smell of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie gets closer by the second, students across the country are faced with many decisions regarding plans for Thanksgiving. While the holiday can be an excellent opportunity to connect with relatives, watch the yearly football games and enjoy Grandma's most beloved dishes, it can also be something of a financial burden for cost-conscious college students. No need to fret, however, because Savvy Student is here to make this Turkey Day just as memorable, and much more affordable.

For students living more than a short drive from campus, transportation often comprises a large portion of Thanksgiving expenses. To minimize the cost of getting home, consider all the transportation options available to you. For lots of students, flying is only one of many options, and the other options may be cheaper. Consider taking a bus, train, or passenger seat in a friend's car if you live near one another.

This year, the Brandeis Student Union will be providing Turkey Shuttles again for those heading off to New York for the holiday. It is not always cheaper to take this shuttle rather than taking the Mega Bus or the Bolt Bus, yet it is much more convenient as you will not have to face the Thanksgiving craziness taking the public transportation in the city.

If you do choose to fly, compare the prices of all major airlines before making a decision. For example, www.kayak.com allows travelers to compare the flight prices from most online booking services simultaneously. Moreover, take when you're buying tickets into consideration. Though there is a bit of disagreement between travel gurus, most recommend either Tuesday or Wednesday as the optimal day to buy airline tickets.

Also, think about getting yourself an ISIC (International Student Identification Card). For a $22 investment, you are eligible to receive an 11% discount off of Jet Blue flights and 15% off the lowest AMTRAK fares. The STA travel web-page, also offers student discounts, so be sure to check it out.

Make sure to check MyBrandeis for car pools before you get any tickets. Other students may be offering a ride to those who are looking for one, especially around the holiday time!

Happy Turkey Eating!
Savvy Student

Pump Up the Prime...

How many of you have student loans, but no clue who the lender is, what your terms are or even the interest rate? Credit and loans can be quite complicated and too overwhelming to understand without some guidance. Instead of taking the time to research and understand your debts, it may be easier to plug in the iPod and zone out of reality. That is, until graduation when loans become a borrowed reality that require repayment. So, instead of hitting the old snooze button, splash some water on your face and continue reading...

Wells Fargo bank has created a worksheet to layout, in lamens terms the difference between principal and interest and prime rate versus margin, etc. If you have loans or credit cards, but the terms confuse you please take a peek at the worksheet here.

Planning Your Meals

Buying groceries may be fun at first until you get to the checkout lane. As prices increase for eggs, milk and the like it may be hard to keep to a student budget and even harder to eat good-for-you foods. If you have opted out of the meal plan, then this has become a gross reality, but we at Savvy Student want to turn your frown upside down by providing some tips to help save you money.

1. Buy Local

Not only does it feel good to support local farmers - it can also save you money. Although the farmer's market in Waltham is done for the season, that doesn't mean that buying local isn't possible. Boston still has farmer's markets through November! There are markets near city hall and by south station. Cambridge also has markets going on during the week and weekend.

For more information, including a list of vendors and specific dates and times, check out http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org

2. Buy Big

Those individual serving-size packages may seem nice, simple, and easy, but they can cost you big time in the long run. Instead, buy larger packages (a good example is applesauce: cup versus large jar), invest in some reusable containers (20pk Ziploc at Costco for $10), and portion yourself out a serving whenever you need to bring your lunch. If you're afraid you're buying too much, buddy up and share with a friend! It will cut costs for both of you.

3. Don't Over-buy Perishables

Unless you have room in your freezer, don't buy more fresh food items than you could normally use in a week. While some vegetables may last a bit longer, you should be especially careful with meats, dairy products (other than cheese), humus, tofu, etc. If you're unsure how long a product can last in your fridge, check the package or do some good Google-searching.

4. Cook Your Own

Generally, preparing your own home-cooked meals will be much cheaper than buying pre-made items. Chicken for example, can become rather expensive when you buy bags of pre-breaded and baked strips. Instead, you should buy a large freezer-bag of chicken breasts, and find different ways to prepare them for yourself. This will give you the freedom to add more variety to your diet sparing you the boredom of a routine meal.

5. Communal Eating

Many of these suggestions become easier when made into group activities. If you and your roommates have very similar eating habits, or at least consume many of the same items, you can go grocery shopping together. This way you can share the responsibility, cost, and can buy fresh items in bulk without worrying about waste. You can also share the task of preparing food, which is especially nice if you consider cooking to be a chore. This can save time, encourage group time even during midterms, and add more variety to your pallet with the different cooking styles of your group.

6. Simplify and Stretch

Make the recipe your own, a lovely college-student budget version. Eliminate any garnishes, make sure the number of servings is appropriate (allrecipes.com will automatically calculate the recipe to the number of servings you want), and trim the rest of the recipe down to the main flavors. If your apple-squash recipe calls for walnuts, you can skip them if they break your budget. You can change various fruits and vegetables (if you already know how they taste) to work in cheaper and in-season ones. Slim down on the amount of seasoning, oil, butter, etc you use to cut costs and calories. If you're nervous, just keep an eye on the consistency, etc as you prepare the meal and adjust the ingredients as you go. If you're big on the boxed meals, stretch them. For example, you can add an extra cup of pasta and a cup of water to your hamburger helper for additional servings. If you can, always add cheap "filler foods." You have your entire life after graduating, paying off loans, and beginning a career to make yourself into a more "gourmet" cook.

7. Nutrition

To cut down on the amount you consume in a week, fill your diet with items that keep you full. Usually this means they have a lot of fiber. You can take a multi-vitamin, and make small changes to your diet. Instead of drinking a few gallons of juice, stick to the actual fruit. The juice is often full of sugar and missing many essential nutrients that the fruits themselves contain, including fiber. This is especially true for orange and apple juice. The longer you stay full, the less you eat, the less you have to buy.

8. Experiment

Use what you have. Did you know you can make delicious peanut butter cookies with just a cup of sugar, a cup of peanut butter, and an egg? There is a great website that will give you recipes for whatever food you have on hand- it's fun to experiment and it's practical for those days when you don't think you have options. Check it out here: www.cuisine.co.nz

9. Clip Coupons and Shop Generic

If you have access to a grocery store cheaper than Hannaford's, take advantage. If you can find coupons online or in the paper for your favorite items and grocery stores, don't forget them. It may help to clip in advance and pin them to the fridge. If your brand isn't on sale, get over that mental barrier and finally admit that a bag of Toasty Oats tastes exactly the same as a yellow box of Cheerios.

Check out these links: http://print.coupons.com/, www.couponmom.com and www.couponcabin.com

Happy eating!

Savvy Student

Shop 'Till You Drop And Save Money

The Holiday Season is upon us and here at Savvy Student we are investigating new ways to shop for those holiday gifts. With the end of the semester, it is often times difficult for students to focus on anything other than final papers and exams. There is certainly no time to go to the mall and spend time waiting in long lines to check out. Instead, why not save money and go shopping without ever having to leave your dorm room or apartment? Research shows that online shopping does in fact save you more money. Our detectives have uncovered a few websites that we hope you will check out below.

1) Couponcowgirl.com Everyone loves using coupons, but finding coupons for a particular store is very time consuming. Couponcowgirl.com is a website that groups discounts for popular apparel, consumer electronics, books, music, and everything else imaginable into one easy to navigate location. There are tons of online coupons and daily offers that can be found on most sites and are often combined with free shipping deals.

2) Similar to couponcowgirl, some websites will alert you when new sales come up. One such site is dealspl.us which shows you all kinds of deals- sales, free items and coupon codes for online shopping. It updates frequently during the day so check back every so often!

3) The ever-so-frustrating two days after you purchase reduction has met its match with PriceProtectr.com, a website that tracks the price of a product that you are looking to buy. After signing up and entering the URL of the item at the online store, this website will track its price. If there are any changes, you will receive an email notification. What could be simpler?

4) Price comparison sites such as PriceGrabber.com enable the consumer to shop smarter, by compare several retailer's prices of a specific product. The consumer not only gets competitive pricing information, but also product reviews and site reviews in order to help with their decision of what and where to buy online. Learn more about the advantages of online shopping here.

5) Take advantage of free gifts offered with purchase. Many stores, especially during the holiday season, offer free gifts and discounts with purchases of a certain amount. This way, you purchase the holiday gifts you need while also receiving a free gift(perhaps a little well deserved holiday present for yourself!) But be careful to not overspend! Don't splurge on something that you don't need just to receive that bonus flowered scarf that you're never going to wear!

6) Check out auction sites such as eBay.com , Yahooo Auctions, or uBid.com. Scouring these sites will allow you to get the best deal possible for the product you are looking for. And of course, you get the added bonus of watching the countdown of the clock until your exciting victory of that adorable pair of shoes or the LCD TV that you've been dreaming of.

Online shopping is often a fairly simple process, and most retailers have improved their sites to be more user-friendly. It sure beats standing around in long lines, especially during the mayhem of the holiday season. Take advantage of online deals and discounts, making sure you find the gift you're looking for at the cheapest price possible!

Happy Shoppping!
Savvy Student

Holiday Season Employment Opportunities

If you're still trying to find part-time employment on campus, you may find it easier to instead work off-campus at one of the many area retailers. While November and December may not be the best time to find university jobs, it happens to be the best time to find part-time retail work. So, while you wait for the new spring job list, take a look at this article from CNN Money and start applying to some local shops.

Where to look:

Watertown & Arsenal malls

Stores like Old Navy, Marshall's, Target, Best Buy and the Gap will be hiring extra workers for the holiday season. The location is easily accessible from Waltham via the 70 & 70a buses.

You may also choose to spend the day walking around Harvard Square and Newbury Street (both reached quickly and easily via the Brandeis shuttle). Each of these areas have a large selection of stores and would be a great way to kick off your holiday job hunt. Make sure you take a look at the Form I-9 online here to ensure that if you are offered a job, you'll have the proper identification to be hired.

While some of the available jobs may turn into permanent part-time positions, keep in mind that most will be "temporary" or "seasonal," so it's best to keep an eye out for spring postings on campus if you're looking for a permanent gig.

Good luck!

Savvy Student

The Golden Rule...

Life's Golden Rule is to treat others how you wish to be treated. When it comes to your money, the same rule still applies - treat your money how you wish to be treated. What do I mean? It's simple, really.

Your money, your credit score, and your spending habits are all a direct reflection of you. If your goal is to be treated with respect and perceived as a responsible adult, you will handle your money accordingly. As such, you will probably create a budget and stick to it, while tracking all of your expenditures. Students in this category will have a higher credit score, which is a good indication of how likely you are to pay your bills on time. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate and, ultimately, the cheaper the items will be that you are investing in.

Do you have tendencies towards disorganization? Are you focusing more on your wants than simply your needs? If so, your personal finance skills will suffer and you will be haunted by a series of bad decisions and long recovery time. The free spirit, party boy/girl reputation may be fun while at college, but always remember the Golden Rule because it still applies. Do you want to be seen as unreliable and therefore your money being treated as such? Of course not! So, if you want your money to work for you, you have to treat it with respect. Money doesn't grow on tree's, but it can multiply in a savings account or proper investment account. this will only work if both the individual and money are maturing.

In the simplest of terms, do not spend more than you have, and do not use credit cards or loans to pad your lifestyle.

Wells Fargo has a great money management blog called the Student Loandown. There is also other very valuable information on their website specific to college student finances. Writer Ben Osmond speaks about the "Simple Rules for Success in College". Please check out his article here.

If the Golden Rule is to treat others how you wish to be treated, then the Platinum Rule is treat others how they wish to be treated. Your money should be treated with respect and honor because it was earned out of hard work. Money should multiply and grow. It does not want to be wasted on late fee's or overdraft fee's bred out of irresponsibility. Whether you receive a paycheck or you took out loans to help afford school you want to be certain that your money is not being spent frivolously or without purpose.

The next time you make a purchase think about it. Decide how it will affect you in the long run and whether the cost per use is enough to validate the sale. And, don't forget to check out Wells Fargo, Student Loandown!

Thanks,

Savvy Student

Mountain Madness

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder it is a sure sign that winter is right around the corner. Now for some people it's best to just hunker down, wait it out and reappear in the spring, kind of like Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog. For others, however, especially in New England it's best to bundle up and ride the mountain, taking in all the fresh air and great views. Yet, if you are new to the area or have spent the winter trying to catch snowflakes on your tongue you may be unprepared for such winter activities as skiing, sledding, skating and snowboarding.

So, if you are waiting by the sidelines for winter to come and go, wait no longer. Take The Situation (hehehe) into your own hands and get prepared for a winter full of fun outdoor madness. The more it snows, the more fun you'll have.

The biggest hurdle to overcome besides the cold is the money involved in affording such fun. Well, although the outdoors is free, most of the activities are not and equipment can be somewhat costly. But, instead of saying "forget it" please keep reading.

Not to bury the lead, but if you are looking for skis, snowboards, boots or bindings and the cost has you twitching, you can go to Building 19 in Burlington, MA for their mega ski sale this Saturday (10/23). If you get their early enough you'll be shredding in style. The quality and pricing may vary, but you can expect to find gear starting at $40 and up.

If you are unable to make it on Saturday, there are still deals to be had. Play it Again Sports is another great solution for building your winter activity portfolio. There are several locations, but as the name implies you are buying gently used or refurbished equipment.

If you are inclined towards purchasing items online there are a few great websites to check out. Backcountryoutlet.com offers a huge discount on clothing and gear. Sometimes colors and sizing are limited, but you can always check for deals on the main site, Backcountry.com. Steapandcheap.com is another online retailer that offers one deal at a time until either the clock runs out (every 20 minutes) or until the items are sold. You can expect to find a range of items from clothing, shoes, and camping gear to coats, bags and sunglasses. Steapandcheap will also display deals from its cousin websites such as Tramdock.com, WhiskeyMilitia.com and Chainlove.com. Each of the above sites specializes either in winter/ski gear, skateboarding gear, etc.

With all of your gear squared away you will be ready to hit the slopes in no time. Getting inexpensive lift tickets, however, can be another hurdle, but if you begin your search early enough you should be able to snag a great deal. Some mountains, including Wachusett and Nashoba Valley will discount their season passes if you buy before a certain day. Also, lift tickets are cheaper at night or when purchased in a group.

If you would rather spend your time on a frozen pond or at a rink there are several to choose from. Of course, ponds are free you just need the skates which you can get at a thrift store, discount retailer, etc. As for an ice rink, between the Frog Pond in Boston or the skating facilities at Nashoba, you'll be able to rent skates and have access to the rink for roughly $12 per session.

With all of these winter activities you will be able to conquer the cold, save money and it will be spring again before you know.

See you on the Northface,

Savvy Student

Trick or Treat, Scholarships are Sweet!!!

With each passing semester, student loan debt gets scarier. But instead of being haunted by thoughts of repayment, Savvy Student wants to help untangle your web of concern. Instead of dressing like a ghost or goblin this Halloween, put on your "most likely to succeed" costume and keep reading...

Instead of filling your bag with candy this year, why not fill it with money instead - hypothetically anyways! There are numerous websites for outside-scholarship opportunities including our own through Student Financial Services. With so much FREE money at your fingertips, we wanted to help you get started.

To begin, we have recently come across a scholarship resource called Lilyslist. This website was published in the October/November issue of the Student Loan Buying Guide magazine. Created roughly eight months ago, Lilyslist offers any individual with current student loan debt the opportunity to publish information about their career goals and student loan debt online. In turn, family, friends and alumni can donate money directly to the student's loan account. This is a nice way to help rid yourself of mountains and mountains of debt incurred after graduation. Suggest it as a nice holiday, birthday or graduation gift.

Another useful ingredient in your cauldron of success is www.scholarships4school.com. This site is free to use and well organized. There are suggestions on where to find scholarships as well as a categorized list of opportunities.

As your Tricks and Treats wear down for the night, you may wish to consider another avenue for outside money. If essays are not your strong suit, you can search for unique scholarships that may require creativity over writing skills. For example, there are scholarships awarded for dwarfism, for height, for being left-handed and even for those that have the best "buy/sell" stock predictions. Add to that list Starfleet Academy Scholarships and The Klingon Language Institute for Memorial Scholarship, which is a Star Trek scholarship for language and linguistic students.

Hopefully your candy bag is filled with yummy treats, but if not, at least you have a few tricks up your sleeve to help afford college.

Happy Haunting,

Savvy Student

Scary Cheap Halloween Tricks and Treats

Frightened by all the costs lurking behind your ideal Halloween? Savvy Student is here to shed some light on the shadows and protect you with a salt-circle of thrilling but wallet-friendly fun.

DO NOT spend a lot of money on your costume. No college student should willingly spend $60 or more for an over produced costume from a costume shop or Halloween Store. The costumes available for purchase are generally made from cheap fabric and can be easily copied.

Go through your own closet! You never know what those old sweaters and hats are good for. Get creative! Look around your dorm or apartment to get ideas. You may even be able to borrow your roommate's or friends accessories to help finish off your look. Costumes can be a mix of styles and genre's.

If you are still missing an essential part of your costume visit the local thrift store here in Waltham or hop on the Brandeis shuttle and visit the Garment District. If you start planning early enough chances are you will be able to create an original costume or revive one from prior years.

Lastly, refer to our popular post from last year titled: DIY Halloween Costumes.

Now all you need is your train ticket to Salem,

Savvy Student

Budget-Friendly Fall Fun (BFFF)

There is nothing better than fall in New England, from the array of colors, apple orchards, and clean, crisp air to, of course, football season with Tom Brady and the Patriots. No matter the season, there is always something fun to do or somewhere unique to go in and around Massachusetts. We have picked a variety of activities that can be enjoyed on a college student's budget. So, if you are interested in seeing what sets New England apart from the rest of the country, please read on...

1. Go Apple or Pumpkin Picking

There are several apple orchards near Waltham where you can enjoy hot cider, fresh donuts, apples, and pears. The more popular spots are located just west of Brandeis, like at Honey Pot Hill, Carlson, or Carver orchards. Oftentimes, Brandeis coordinates Saturday bus trips to one of these locations, so feel free to check with Student Activities. If you've had your fill of apples and your interest lies in the "Great Pumpkin," you can find an array of sizes and colors at local farm stands, grocery stores, or any of the above-listed orchards. You may even want to check out the Waltham Farmers Market for some good fall deals.

You can find a list of MA orchards here. Keep in mind most of these farms have home-grown and homemade items in their shops throughout the year, but are only open temporarily for picking season.

2. Take Advantage of the Off Season deals to Cape Cod and other destinations in Massachusetts.

Many of the NE summer hot spots, such as the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, or Newport, R.I., have fantastic off-season deals for those who wish to enjoy the changing seasons. The prices drop significantly after Labor Day at tourist destinations in and around Massachusetts. This can be a great time to visit places that are traditionally crowded during the summer, but still offer year-round activities.

3. Get Out

Take a walk or drive through the streets of Massachusetts. Prospect Hill and Wachusett Mountain offer fantastic views of all the fall foliage. By exploring a little, you may find a hidden gem that sells hot cider or apple crisp. What is more New England than that?

4. Cold-Weather Camping

Many campgrounds are still open for the fall season, so it's still a great way to get away from college stresses for a couple of days. Check with the Mountain Club (MountainQM@brandeis.edu) if you don't have any gear, as you may be able to borrow theirs on occasion. Look back to our Cheap Summer Fun Camping (2010) blog for more ideas.

6. Biking

Rent a bike from DeisBikes for the day and explore the area. Wear a backpack to bring your meal with you, and just get lost! (You might want to remember to save enough time to find your way back to return the bikes on time.)

Have other Fall fun ideas you'd like to share? Send them to us at sfs@brandeis.edu!

~Savvy Student

Living Off Campus...Now What?

Have you recently traded your on-campus diggs for off-campus city living? Having an apartment for the first time can be quite exciting- a new space all to yourself. However, having to furnish an apartment can be quite costly and overwhelming. With furniture and food not readily available it can be stressful thinking about where to get plates, glasses and silverware, not to mention a bed, linens or desk. But (dundadadun) never fear, Savvy Student is here and we have the 411 to put all your fears to rest.

Remember that you are still in college and will have plenty of time to buy nice things for future homes. Get only what you need or will truly put to use, and make sure to get it cheap. Chances are you will either have to get rid of some things when moving to a new place or they may be destroyed from wear and tear, so investing a lot of money into your apartment might not be the wisest decision. Things happen, and your college-age apartment should be flexible enough to handle everyday use without breaking your bank or your heart.

For furniture or odds and ends, shop around. You can snag great deals on my.brandeis.edu or Craigslist. You can also find cheap home goods at a thrift store or garage sale. Try raiding your parent's basement or garage for old items you can reuse, what is better than free? If you have roommates decide what each of you will contribute, lessening the individual burden. If you do need to go shopping remember that you are in college and although Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and William Sonoma sound great, you may be on a Kmart, Walmart or Christmas Tree Shops budget.

Depending on your apartment and lifestyle, it may not hurt to invest in one piece of good furniture, such as a mattress. Just keep in mind your budget and what you actually NEED, not what you may WANT. Live within your means, do not rely on student loans as a way to afford things you may not ordinarily have the cash for.

If you are going to be living with roommates, you may want to invest in a membership to Costco or BJ's - just make sure it will be worth the annual fee and that you have a way to get there.

Only think about the necessities. It's understandable that you may want to watch television here and there or surf the web, but start off slow. Brandeis has wireless connection throughout campus and the library is open until 2 am. You can use these resources to finish that paper and not have to pay the costly fees of Internet and cable.

As a college student, Savvy Student understands that there is budget to stick to and we are helping you do just that. Think wisely of every purchase for your brand new apartment. It does not have to be completely furnished in the first few days. Pace yourself--it will look like a home in due time.

Happy Home Making,

Savvy Student

Know Your Resources - MyBrandeis

Tired of using Craigslist to sell your old bike or electronics? Has Ebay become too expensive? These websites are a convenient way for students to earn extra cash for those items in the corner collecting dust, but they can also be a bit suspect at times. A great alternative to these sites and perhaps a hidden gem at Brandeis is the my.brandeis.edu classified ads. This website offers students the opportunity to connect with one another to buy and sell items, be part of PAID research opportunities, share carpools and other awesome chances to network with other Brandeis students and local people in need of assistance.

If you are viewing this site for the first time you can be assured that all the wanted and for sale ads are legitimate, as you need a Brandeis issued email address to post the information. Additionally, if you plan to sell your items you can use the campus for your pick-up address. Please be advised for job postings, off-campus housing or other ads a Brandeis email address is not required.

Aside from job postings and items for sale, my.brandeis.edu also has a great calendar with all upcoming on campus events. So, next time you are about to search ebay or craigslist, be savvy and check your own campus first.

~ Savvy Student

Christmas in October?

As each tree changes color and the scent of apples grow stronger it is hard to miss the fact that fall has arrived. With October on our heels, thoughts of Halloween, spiders, witches and ghosts come to mind, not Christmas tree's or holiday decorations. It is always shocking to see marketing efforts for the holiday season inflicted on us earlier each year making us complacent come December, but for many, 4th quarter sales help push the bottom line.

So, instead of being annoyed by the rush of the seasons and lack of holiday spirit it has become apparent that we should take this opportunity to embrace the moment and begin planning for what lies ahead. Specifically, this is a perfect time to begin looking at or creating your holiday budget. With the onslaught of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, it always seems that there is never enough money or time to buy gifts for all those special people on your list, but with Savvy Student we have you covered. Now is the perfect time to get organized and make your list.

You should first figure out how much money you will have to spend on holiday gifts and travel. You will also want to consider what time frame you have if you need to save up. Try to avoid buying gifts on credit unless you have the cash to pay it off. Interest will ultimately hike up the price of your purchases if you are not able to pay off your balance on time.

Determine how many people are on your shopping list and what budget you have set for each person.

If you are handy with tools or possess arts and crafts skills, put these to use and make presents. Homemade gifts are more special than store bought ones and will potentially save you money.

If you start window shopping early enough you can gather great ideas. This will also give you time to potentially find your gifts at a discount.

Another helpful tip is to think backwards in order to save money. As winter approaches, all summer and fall items will be discounted making potentially great gifts. Even though it's cold outside, you are not required to give presents relevant to the season. A gift you get in the winter, but can use in the spring or summer is like a two for one deal. The same applies in the spring, when all winter items are deeply discounted.

Also, think outside the box, literally. Volunteering is free of charge and could be the best gift around. Sending money to a legitimate charity can be a great way to share in the holiday spirit. You can also give your time away as a gift, free of charge by providing services such as shoveling, cleaning or cooking for your loved ones.

Something old, something new, something borrowed...usually pertains to weddings, but why not gather old gift cards for the holidays and re-gift them. Find the cards that you have been holding on to, the ones that have miscellaneous amounts remaining and add to them. It may not be a huge savings for you, but every little bit helps.

So, the next time you are out and about this month and you come face to face with a Christmas tree or Menorah don't roll your eyes, but be thankful for the opportunity to budget and plan, thus saving you a huge chunk of cash for the holidays. A little planning goes a long way.

If you have any other money saving tips please let us know and we will post your thoughts.

Tis the Season,

Savvy Student

Get to know your loans

Its that time of the year again--time to complete your Entrance Counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note. Don't you hate when you request your refund but can't get it until you complete entrance counseling? Get a head start and visit studentloans.gov and complete it now. Not only should you do that, but you should also do a little research on your loans.

Know your lender and have a plan.
This may seem basic, but you may have multiple loans from multiple sources. Contact your lenders to let them know when you are out of college and about to begin repayment. Can you set up payments online? What repayment plans are available? Check out your repayment plan options and remember you can manage your loan account online.

Stay prepared, stay in touch, and stay organized. Getting ready to repay loans means understanding your responsibilities and being ready to make good on them. Do you have any money saved to prepare for when you have to start repaying? It's a smart idea to put a little aside during your grace period (and before if possible) so the monthly payments have less effect on your monthly budget. Open all mail and e-mails you receive about student loans immediately, because the information can be vital and time-sensitive. Keep all files and communication about your loans organized, so you can stay on top of your payments and stay on track to repay them on time.

Should you consolidate? Consolidating multiple loans into one loan can simplify your payments.You can consolidate your federal loans as well as your private student loans. Plus, if your financial situation has changed or you apply with a cosigner who has good credit, you may qualify for better terms on a private consolidation loan. Keep in mind that by consolidating you're extending your repayment term, which may lower your monthly obligation, but could mean paying more interest over time. However, since student loans have no prepayment penalty, you could always make additional payments when you are able to do so.

Understand deferment and forbearance options. No matter how much you plan for repayment, you may still run into unexpected bumps in the road and need to postpone your payments. We offer several deferment options for federal loans. And if you experience financial hardship, can't make your payments and don't qualify for deferment, you should be aware of the option to get a loan forbearance.

Hope this helps!

Savvy Student

Money Management Tips For College Students

Just because we love talking about it, we have included a link to Bankrate.com's website where they have established 12 really great tips for saving money and learning how to budget.

Bankrate, Inc was established in 1976 as "Bank Rate Monitor," a print publisher for the banking industry. After two decades of conducting quality, trusted rate research Bankrate made their online debute in 1996.

If you are interested in checking out their article please click here.

Let us know what you think and please give ideas for future posts that you want to read/know about.

Savvy Student

Fun Free Fantastic

Those of you who just moved to the East Coast might not be aware of how cold it gets out here. It is hard to imagine 20 degree weather now, especially after the recent heat wave. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a nice day while you can! And what Savvy Student particularly likes - spend zero dollars on it!

Explore Free Fun Fridays last weekend offers!

Discover Prospect Hill Park in Waltham (free!)

Take the Brandeis shuttle into Boston and visit the Berkley Jazz Festival on Columbus Ave. from September 15th to the 25th (free!)

Grab a book and visit The Public Garden and Boston Commons (free!)

Take the Freedom Trail from Downtown to the North End (free!)

Share a ride to the Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord Mass. Hike, swim and fish! Take 117 to route 126. (Parking $5)

Watch a free movie at Brandeis.

Or check out this calendar :)

Happy September!
Savvy Student

Overdraft Protection

If you have a debit or ATM card, it's likely you've received a letter encouraging you to opt-in to their overdraft service. For anyone who previously saw a $5.00 purchase turn into a $40 expense, it may seem strange that your bank would request your permission to participate in overdraft protection. The letter you received was prompted by a series of new federal overdraft rules that went into effect Sunday, August 15th. Included within these rules was a provision that requires a bank to receive permission to charge you fees for their overdraft service.

If you choose to participate in overdraft protection, your overdraft service will continue as it has in the past.

If you decline the bank's offer, your card will be declined when a debit or ATM transaction would overdraw your account, but you will not pay a fee.

For more information, check out this MSN article.

As always, continue checking on your personal finances frequently. You shouldn't depend on your bank to police your spending. Even though this new regulation will help you avoid unnecessary expenses, paying attention to your money will help you build good habits, and good habits will take you (and your wallet) far.

~Savvy Student

Credit Card Protection For Students

As our government passes new legislation to help our economy recover, there is news all over the place about what changes are occurring, specifically in the world of Credit Cards and Debit Cards. You may have heard recently about Overdraft Protection, this went into effect at most banks back on August 15th. We will post more about this later. As for now, please check out an article from the San Francisco Chronicle her e that discusses the new Credit Card law. This law went into effect back in February, so please look for our other posts on the details of this law.

If you like this article please let us know. If you have ideas for other posts we would love to hear them.

Thanks,

Savvy Student

More Student Deals

We're preparing for a brand new school year and while picking classes, buying books and outfitting dorm rooms are undoubtedly time consuming, you should start thinking about all of the things you'd like to do or try during your time at Brandeis. There's never a shortage of cultural events and restaurants to try in Boston and in the Greater Boston area, so it's important to know where the best student deals are to maximize those precious "poor college student" funds. That's where Savvy Student comes in.

1) Cheap Thrills Boston

Every day blogger Rob V. updates with events and happenings that are either free or under $10. Bookmark Cheap Thrills and check it around noon every day (Rob only posts events on the same day).

2) 15% off at Eastern Mountain Sports (there's a location close to the shuttle stop in Harvard Square)

3) 10% off at JP Licks (locations in Harvard Square, Davis Square and on Newbury Street)

4) Harvard University has an online guide to cheap arts & entertainment events in the city here.

5) Get 10% off with student ID at J. Crew!

We'll continue updating with more affordable fun throughout the school year. Enjoy!

Savvy Student

An Oldie but a Goodie: Buying Books Without Breaking the Bank

The beginning of a new semester arrives in a flurry of setting up dorm rooms, catching-up with friends and preparing for classes. And in all this preparation, students must face the burden and expense of buying their course textbooks. All students know the harsh feeling of sticker shock as they watch their total climb higher and higher out of the realm of affordability. Yet as painful as the buying process can be, receiving 10% of the cost of all those books back when selling is even more defeating.

So, with the acknowledgment that textbooks are a vital part of your educational experience, what can students do to ease the burden?

Buying Textbooks:

While the campus bookstore may be the most convenient and fastest way to acquire all of the books you need for the semester, you may save money by doing a little digging first.

1. Buy Books Online-

There are many online companies that sell textbooks. E-bay, half.com and Amazon are all obvious choices, but there are many other smaller companies that offer good deals. It's best to start looking as early as you can to compare prices. Of course, you should also try to buy early to ensure that your books arrive in time for your first class.

2. E-books-

This option can be less expensive than purchasing paper books. E-books can be read on a personal computer, and it is sometimes easier to carry around one laptop over several heavy textbooks. However, there are a couple things to consider when buying an e-book. Some textbooks are not available in electronic format. Also, you must have a computer and if the book is needed in a class where the professor forbids laptops, you could be unprepared.

3. Borrow or Buy from a Friend or Split the Cost of a Textbook-

Ask around with the people you know who may already have the textbook you need. See if they would be willing to lend it to you or sell it for a low price. You often get the best bargain for books by making a deal with another student.

Another option is splitting the cost of a course text with another student taking the class. Of course, this requires greater coordination and cooperation between the students sharing the book. It also may not be practical for classes with heavy emphasis on the reading material.

4. Library Reserves

Often, Professors will put required texts on reserve at the library. If you are willing to hike over, you can borrow the book for two hours at a time. With this option, you get the textbook for free. However, it requires greater planning on your part to make sure you get to the library early and allow for the possibility that another student may have already borrowed the book.

5. If all else fails, or after considering your options and you feel as if buying at the university bookstore is best for you- buy used. Some "used" books come at significantly lower prices than its' "new" counterparts.

Some other things to consider:

- Discuss with your Professor the possibility of scanning the necessary portion of a textbook onto LATTE instead of requiring students to buy the entire book.
- Ask your Professor if sharing a secondary text is appropriate.
- Ask your Professor what older editions of the text are usable for the course.

Selling Textbooks:

1. Sell Online-

You can often get more money back for your textbooks by selling them online if you price them competitively. There are a couple of online options. First, you can sell to an online company like Barnes and Noble Textbook Buyback, which will pay you a greater percentage of your textbook than the bookstore usually would. Second, you can sell online directly to a buyer through web-sites like Amazon and half.com. However, both of those companies take a small cut of your profit (usually around 15%). You must also ship the book and wait for payment while the bookstore provides instant gratification.

To sell a textbook online without facing a cut in your profit, post your wares on craiglist.

2. MyBrandeis-

The MyBrandeis forums are a great place to sell textbooks because the students viewing your ad are Brandeis students who may take the same course with the same required reading. It is often easy to meet up with the student for the swap because you will both be on campus at the beginning of the semester.

3. Sell by Word of Mouth or Post Ads-

Ask your friends if they will be taking the course that you have the textbook for, or if they know someone that will need it. You can also post fliers around campus advertising the textbooks you will be selling, and at what price.

4. Second-Hand Book Shops-

What to do with all of those novels you bought for Brit Lit? Well, second hand bookstores may buy them! Of course, the point of selling your books is to make money and the point of a second hand bookshop is to sell cheap books, so they may not pay you top dollar. However, if the campus bookstore won't pay you anything, it is a better deal.

5. Donate to libraries or charities

Some donations are tax exempt! That's another way to save money.

6. Of course, if you're too lazy to list your books online or lug them to a bookshop farther away, the campus bookstore will pay you for many of them. The buyback quote tends to be up to 50% of the sticker price assuming the book will be used the following semester. Be sure to bring your books in early because if the book is being used again, the bookstore may only buy that book until it has enough for enrollment. The bookstore may also use things like Brandeis and national demand to price books.

You can save on books without sacrificing your educational experience. To make sure you are getting the best deal, compare options and do the legwork yourself.

Welcome Back,
Savvy Student

Consumer Protection

At Savvy Student, we always do our best to bring you the most up to date news as it pertains to the world of personal finance. That being said, we would like to introduce the recently created Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection created under the Financial reform Law signed by President Obama back in July. The agency will have the authority to rewrite the rules regarding mortgages, credit cards, and loans and will be responsible for ensuring that firms adhere to these rules. The hope is to prevent consumers from being taken advantage of by firms that dole out high interest loans to individuals and families without the means to repay. The agency will also ensure that credit card holders are protected from arbitrary rate increases and exorbitant fees.

You can find a detailed description of the new agency here (and the full bill here), but we have highlighted some of the most relevant points (also from the source provided).

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau intends to:

Apply to “consumer financial products or services.” These are understood to include financial products or services that are to be used primarily for personal, family or household purposes.

Address all forms of credit, deposit, and payment products and services offered to consumers. It can also address related products and services such as prepaid debit cards, loan servicing, debt collection, and debt-related services.

Have the power to determine that products, features, or practices are unfair, deceptive, abusive or unsustainable. Its powers should include banning, restricting, or imposing conditions on practices, products or features, creating product standards, and requiring special monitoring, reporting and impact review of certain products, features or practices.

Require that all disclosures are clear, simple and concise.

Take a lead role in educating consumers about all credit matters. Review and streamline existing financial literacy programs.

Test disclosures regularly to see if they are clear and reasonable.

Have a five-member board - Four appointed by the President, and subject to confirmation by the Senate and the fifth is the Director of the National Bank Supervisor.

Provide a unified mortgage disclosure.

Require credit card companies to provide calculators that give payoff terms under different circumstances (i.e., only making minimum payments or paying off in only a year).

Require credit card issuers to offer "plain vanilla" credit cards in addition to other, more complex products for consumers who want basic cards.

Review mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer financial contracts to assess fairness. If needed, develop standards for fair dispute resolution or ban mandatory arbitration clauses in certain products (such as mortgages).

Have jurisdiction over debt collectors and debt buyers.

Many of these new rules are applicable to college students. Educating consumers about credit, ensuring that terms for loans and credit cards are clear and generally testing disclosures to ensure they are reasonable will greatly benefit the college-aged consumer. The point of all of this is to demystify the field of personal finance and make it more approachable for non-professionals.

Make sure you check out the resources we provided for more information. We’ll keep you updated as the agency begins its work.

Thanks,

Savvy Student

More Ways to Track Spending

We love nifty gadgets and programs that help us with the task of tracking expenses, especially when they're free. We've posted some budget worksheets before, but the cornerstone of personal finance is tracking your expenses as you go. If you don't track your expenses, you'll never be able to create a budget that will accurately represent your spending.

Angela from thecouponproject.com made her expense tracking spreadsheet available for free! Check it out here (click on the link in the upper left). Be sure to save your own copy to your hard drive before you make any changes. Not only will you be able to track what you're buying, but you will also be able to see how much you're saving by taking advantage of discounts and coupons. The best thing about this software is that is does all of the math for you! No need to fiddle with your calculator-- just input your purchases and watch where your money is going.

Also, be sure to check out some of Angela's other features, like how to score amazing deals at Rite Aid and Walgreens.

Here's another great link with programs to manage spending, and even information on "financial groups" that allow you to compare shopping interests with people, all while tracking your goals: http://www.brokegradstudent.com/6-cool-ways-to-track-your-expenses-online/.

So remember, with so many different ways to monitor your spending and manage your budget, you should always be able to keep track of your money.

Thanks,

Savvy Student

Getting Ready For Brandeis...

Summer is an exciting and stressful time for incoming first years, jam packed with shopping for dorm room decor and school supplies, registering for classes, communicating with new roommates and finding peers to connect with on Facebook. But what is often ignored are those tasks that relate to being independent and away from home for the first time. Knowing where the local banks are and what you’ll need to open an account, familiarizing yourself with public transportation options, and learning where amenities are in your college town should be done ahead of time to make the transition as smooth as possible. Over the next month we’ll be posting about each of these things as a part of our “Getting Ready for Brandeis” series. This time, check out our directory of local banks and credit unions (in no particular order).

Bank of America
800 Main Street, Waltham, MA
781-642-7254 (ATM located in the Gosman Sports Complex)

Citizen’s Bank
716 Main Street, Waltham, MA
781-647-8310 (ATM located in the Shapiro Campus Center)

Sovereign Bank
1 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
781-529-9001 (ATM located in the USDAN Student Center)

Danvers Bank
775 Main Street, Waltham, MA
781-891-1390

TD Bank
305 2nd Avenue, Waltham, MA
781-466-8105

RTN Federal Credit Union
600 Main Street, Waltham, MA
781-647-0848

Watertown Savings Bank
6 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA
617-928-9000

Many of these options are national branches, so be sure to visit the website for the bank you’re thinking about using to check out account options. If the bank is a local credit union, you can always give them a call at the number listed to find out if they have an account that will work for you. Always ask about student checking and savings accounts-- these tend to have few or no fees attached.

Stay tuned for more tips!
Savvy Student