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Holiday spending on a student budget
BY ANNE DAVIS | STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
Never does a dollar seem more inelastic than during the weeks surrounding winter holidays. Gift giving, party planning and decorating can take their toll on your pocket book, not to mention the karmic allure of donating to seasonal charities. College students are common victims of a lack of funds. But this needn't spoil your festivities; there are many ways minimize expenses during the holidays.
"[To celebrate within a reasonable budget] I set a budget and try to plan out the gifts I will give to make sure each present will match the individual," said junior Mark Thiele. "Handmade gifts are also a good idea, this year I am making end tables for my dad from a fallen tree he is familiar with."
Even if you lack the carpentry skills necessary to make furniture, smaller self-made presents can still be a viable option. Beaded jewelry is a relatively simple and affordable undertaking, as are edible gifts, decorated pots for plants, end-tied fleece blankets and framed pieces of original artwork. Reminiscent of junior high, you could also make "coupon books," giving them slightly more mature themes could increase their age appropriateness. For example, tastefully adult-themed books of promised favors for redemption at the recipient's discretion would be appreciated by a boyfriend or girlfriend, likewise a book of house-chores could satisfy a roommate.
"I avoid the mall around the holidays, I usually try to shop for presents in the summer and pre-plan my gifts as much as possible," said senior Olivia Morales. UMD pharmacy student Darcie Sackett had similar advice. "I start buying very early and try to put lots of thought into presents," she said.
However, not all students are as cost conscious. "I buy only for family members. I try to buy things they will enjoy regardless of price and only cut costs where appropriate, for example cards are an unnecessary expense. For me, this is a time to express worth to those you care about through material goods," said junior Andy Reilly. "[To afford this] I make money where opportunity permits, I donate plasma a bunch."
Reilly is not alone in his altruistic approach, sophomore Amanda Svendsen also donates plasma to raise funds for holiday purchasing. Other students have different methods for fundraising this time of year. "I eat a lot of ramen and try to avoid driving to cut down on gas expenses," said sophomore Annie Heggernes.
Senior John Duesterhoeft suggests selling some things on e-bay to help afford presents. Whatever your budget, enjoyment of the holiday season should not be hindered by monetary worries. 'Tis the season for expressing appreciation generously whether that means presents in which you invest earnings, time or creativity, it is the investment itself that counts.
