Deals on the World Wide Web
Every year, when starting back to school, not only would I stress myself out purchasing all of my “back to school” items, but I also strained my bank account! Over the years, I have become more frugal; however, I still desire nice, name brand things. Aside from the popular, well known discount stores including TJ Max, Marshalls, Plato’s Closet and Nordstrom Rack, there are many bargains to be found on the internet. 

One of my favorite websites is www.ruelala.com . This website is used for finding designer clothes and accessories for half the regular prices. It’s a user friendly website and is updated every two days. 

Another thrifty website is www.zappos.com . Once just known for their shoes, they now carry handbags, clothes, sporting goods, even home furnishings.  The best part is that free shipping both ways and a 365 day return policy! 

Now, if you’re not crafty but enjoy the “handmade look,” www.etsy.com is a great website for you!  Will you have a Phi Mu little sister in the future?  If so, I suggest you check out this website before you start pulling out the glue and scissors, in an attempt to make her gifts. At Etsy, it is easy to find the items you are looking for because you search by color. Just type in the word “pink” and see what great bargains await you!  Also, don’t be scared to recycle your own Phi Mu items and pass them down from year to year.  It’s fun to be creative while recycling and add a twist to the items you already have.  You can do this by decorating with ribbon, fabric, or even paint. Adding trendy designs can make trash into treasurers instantly! 

Are you trying to furnish your apartment, or just curious about bargains on furniture? Craig’s List (www.craigslist.com) is an awesome website where you can find almost anything you’re looking for at a good price.  It’s like a garage sale online – easily find someone in your area who wants to sell their items and test out your bargaining skills!

If you have bare walls in your new place and need a little color, www.art.com has items that regularly go on sale.  Also, don’t forget about garage/estate sales!  Garage sale shopping takes a considerable amount of time and requires a little patience, but if you stumble on the right ones, it will be time well spent. 

Lastly, nothing upsets me more than spending my hard earned money on text books.  That’s why I started buying most of my textbooks on www.amazon.com !  I have saved hundreds of dollars and I don’t mind that the books are used. You can also find some great leisure reading books on this site as well.

As a college consumer, it is important to be wise with every purchase in order to ensure you are not being an impulse buyer, which usually leads to the dreaded “buyer’s guilt.”  Therefore, the next time you are tempted to go on a shopping spree, first check out these websites to find the treasurers that will suppress your shopaholic tendencies.

My Two Cents on Electronics
After reading the 2009 March, June and September Consumer Reports magazine, I have determined the best deals for televisions, cameras and laptop computers (all “must haves” for back to school).

Television – If your apartment or dorm room is begging for a 26-inch LCD television, the Insignia NS-LCD26-09 is the best option. Costing $480.00 and ranking number 2 out of 10; it is the wisest investment for a college student in terms of televisions.

Camera - To be sure and capture all of the fun memories with your wonderful Phi Mu sisters, you need a camera!  The two best deals are the Subcompact Samsung SL102 costing $130.00 and the Compact PowerShot A1000IS, also at $130.00.  I personally recommend the Samsung brand, because it comes in Phi Mu pink!

Laptop Computer - Every Academic Excellence Chairman would probably agree that having your own computer is a vital component in being a good student.  Consumer Reports ranked the Laptops with a 14-16 inch screens as being “the best balance of screen size, portability, and price for most people (June 2009 issue, p. 27).”  The most cost effective, highest performing computer I found was the laptop ranked fourth, the Toshiba Satellite A305-S6905, costing $630.00.