MAKE IT CUTE

Before you freak, hear us out. If you got clothes that don’t fit or got a gift receipt with something you don’t like, now’s the time to take it all back. Don’t let them sit in your closet going unworn for all of eternity. Some stores have flexible return policies around the holidays, so call ahead if you don’t have a receipt and see what they can do for you.

Going to the movies costs at least 10 bucks, and that’s before you buy popcorn. The next time you and your BFFs want to go out to see a flick…don’t. Instead, have every girl chip in $1. Head to Red Box to rent a movie for a buck, or have someone bring along a few DVDs from home. Instead of having your ‘rents drive you to the cinema, ask them to take you to CVS or Walmart. Then, live up with your 5 bucks. Will you girls buy crazy amounts of candy? A deck of cards so can play a game after the movie is over? A disposable camera to take funny pics and develop them at some point later? A brownie mix for a speedy ooey, gooey snack? You get the point!

Don’t leave those gift cards just lying around…you’re bound to lose them if you don’t use them right away. And if you have any cash left, deposit a few dollars in the bank before you spend it all. A buck or two may not seem like a lot, but it adds up. We have a cousin who bought a Wii with the dollars and cents (literally!) his grandma gave him from time to time. Sound better than buying a latte a week for a year, right?

We can’t say it enough! Eat lunch before you go to the mall, make your afternoon snacks in your kitchen and pass by the convenience store whenever you can. Noshing food out is soo expensive and you’ll save a pile of cash. The next time you wanna warm up with a hot cocoa, make this recipe instead of buying one. So authentic—and it’ll taste better ‘cause ya made it yourself.