Here it is! What you have been waiting for all week long: the second half of Bargain Hunting with Morgan!
Below are a few more ideas on how to effectively live on a shoestring budget, without foregoing college life essentials. I covered up to item three last time, and so with this edition I am picking up where I left off.
Item 4: Dining
Eating out is hard on the average college student’s wallet. And yet, it is what we are best at. If we didn’t eat out all the time we would have to do something weird like . cook or something. But here are a couple of ways if you are strapped for cash to still go out to eat and be kind to your wallet.
For Nicer Restaurants: First, order water with your meal instead of that soft drink you always get. Water is always free. This will always save you at least a couple bucks.
Always check out the appetizer menu – and order from it. You can always ask to order from the appetizer menus as your main meal. Or, wait and take your friends to Applebee’s on Roan Street. Applebee’s offers half-priced appetizers from 3-7 p.m. every night, and then 10 p.m.-close.
Fast Food: As for fast food, always try to order off the dollar/value menu. Even get your drinks from the value menu if possible – you can almost always get free refills.
The portions are smaller, but you can afford more of it. It’s AMAZING how much you can save. Or, whenever possible, try to bring your own drink from home, or at least even buy the drink from a vending machine or gas station. Anything is cheaper than the minimum $1.50 that fast food charges you for that small cup. Unless you are stopping at Pal’s for their 85-cent sweet tea.

Item 5: Printer Ink
Ink prices are simply ridiculous. I would rather get out a chisel and stone sometimes. However, I have found that one of the cheapest ways to get ink for your printer in town is to simply go to Cartridge World on State of Franklin.
Nothing beats having your cartridges refilled. It is literally half the price of buying a new ink jet cartridge. Plus, when I went in they gave me free candy. Yum!
Item 6 Copies/Prints:
This one is mainly for the digital media and art students whom are in need of high quality color prints every other day. CopyMax seems to be the favorite in town as far as printing goes. But here today, I am asking you to expand your minds.
Try Kinko’s, it is by far the cheapest, and their policy is to always print on the spot, unlike CopyMax who changes their policy about turn-around time every other day it seems. CopyMax almost never comes in cheaper.
Something to keep in mind – popular is not always most practical.
Item 7: Miscellaneous
First, always check the Dollar Tree on Roan Street for miscellaneous items. You can find decorative items, stuff for your kitchen, seasonal goods, food, candy, cards, toys, nice gift-wrap and bags.
If that fails, try Big Lots on East Oakland Ave. They have TONS of stuff. Give it a try you will be hooked.
Second, watch the deals at CVS. Typically CVS is a little overpriced. But when they have a good deal on something, it is generally really good. Plus, at CVS you can sign up with an ExtraCare card for free – which makes the deals wonderfully sweet.
This isn’t your typical value card. You earn Extrabucks the more you buy. They are printed right on your receipt for you after every purchase. Many times these Extrabucks coupons are for things like: “$3 off a purchase of $10 or more” or “$1 off any purchase.” Last month I got a coupon for $5 off anything – no minimum purchase.
If you have any more ideas or suggestions for good bargains in town, online or whatever! Send me an e-mail: morganakens@charter.net.

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