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Balling On A Budget

BY TINA HAMILTON

It all begins with the presentation of a nice ring followed by a proposal of love. What comes next can either be a wonderful experience or a stressful occurrence. Depending upon the future brides budget and for those couples with limited funds, planning a wedding can be a tedious task.

The 2011 Bridal Show recently held in Baltimore, Md offered a massive selection of vendors and venues. In attendance was Lisa, a newly-engaged grad student who said “I cannot afford a $50,000 wedding even though I would like one, so we have to be creative in our planning.” Lisa's sentiments are often shared.

The standard expense such as catering, music, rings, attire, decorations, photography, site rentals and officiate fees can allocate pretty quickly and according to The Wedding Report, a research publication, the average price of a U.S. wedding in 2010 was over $24,000.

“Modern day brides are paying for their own weddings with little to no assistance from their parents,” said Katherine Longfellow, a wedding specialist with The Elegant Champagne Ballroom.  “Priorities have shifted in the planning process and it's no longer duck or chicken for the reception dinner it's more so, wedding or down payment on a home?” she added.

A bride’s “Big Day” is certainly a major rite of passage, but spending a chunk of change on a one-day event is not wise, especially if you have other debt. The good news is that weddings on a budget do not have to be chintzy or cheap; when handled correctly, the guests will never notice your penny-wise choices.

Miguel Lozada with Hilton Weddings said, “A bride can save significantly if she shops for her dress on eBay or at a consignment. Yes it sounds a little unorthodox but think about it, you’re only going to wear the dress once.” Lozada added that a couple of thousand dollars can be saved by avoiding the high-season (May through October) because prices rise sharply at that time. Additionally, to get the best deals you should stay away from evening and Saturday receptions.

Savings can also take place by sticking to beer and wine, skipping the liquor. Replace a DJ with an iPod during the reception and go for a non-traditional venue like a park, botanical gardens, or beach.

Essentially, a bride should remember that’s it’s the longevity of the marriage that matters not the reception.

Tips For Healthy Living

BY AVA WEST

You probably think being healthy is expensive? Well, not always.

Though these are hard economic times, there’s still no excuse for living an unhealthy life.

Eating well and exercising regularly on a tight budget can be done effectively. No more of “I don’t have the time, I have to take the kids to school, my job is so consuming.” EXCUSES, EXCUSES!!

Sarah McClough, full time employee at a United States Post Office in Washington D.C. three-year-old twins, works part time as a sales associate in Macy’s downtown and manages to keep her family healthy on a tight budget. “ I like to say that I’m pretty frugal in everything that I do. Some call it cheap while I say frugal.” 

McClough uses coupons, “One of the websites that offers grocery manufacturer coupons that give you significant savings is the Cereal Foods site. If you are raising a family, you know that cereal prices have risen, sharply saving on every box is a great help to the family budget.”

Though eating healthy is a HUGE part of nurturing our bodies. Without some type of exercise the food will only sit in your stomach. Personal trainers and gym memberships can be overly expensive and even a hassle trying to get back and forth to them to make your scheduled appointment.

No worries! Form your own exercise program as Dwanna Stephens from Clinton Md. has done. She and her close friends have formed a group and they meet every other day at each another’s home. “If someone can’t make it, they have to inform the entire group, causing us to work out longer than time scheduled.” This way it motivates the group to be there at all times. ‘We each come up with a dish that consist of all natural ingredients and each person has to make their dish for the entire group,” she said.

Changes in our life can be difficult but taking one step at a time is the best way to form good habits. Having “a can do” attitude like McClough and Stephens also helps.

Living a life of inexpensive healthiness does not only relieve leisure for your pockets but provides order to your life. 

Top 5 Vacation Spots

BY SHENELL MOORER

Spring break has arrived! A time to relax, kick back and have fun. The pressure of professors nagging over past due assignments has ceased, well at least for now. 

No one probably looks forward to spring break more than college students.  Andrew Jones, a mass media and TV production major is one of many college students looking forward to spring break. “I want to party (responsibly) let loose, have fun, meet new people because in college they’re so [many] responsibilities. It’s a good week to put the books aside and its just all about you,” Jones said. 

However, when you’re a struggling college student on a budget you may not have the luxury of going away for an expensive trip. Well, don’t worry here’s the top five hottest affordable vacation spots for spring break:
               
1. Falmouth, Jamaica
The Royal Caribbean Cruise to Falmouth, Jamaica and other islands is an adventurous experience of a lifetime. There is never a dull moment on board. There’s rocking climbing, ice-skating and surfing. Once the sun sets hit the dance floor and enjoy live bands and concerts. Raquel Grinnell, a travel agent at Liberty Travel says cruising is becoming more popular amongst college students during spring break and is both affordable and convenient. “Cruising you don’t need a passport, the ships are really fun, there’s clubs on board, you can dance and really let loose,” Grinnell said. Pricing for an inside cabin, including taxes/fees is about $650 per person. This includes a double occupancy room, your meals, and entertainment. Book early and a round trip is about $300-$350.                 
               
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
A spot known for great nightlife!  Book your trip with student city and you will get a plethora of amazing deals, including accommodations at the world famous Palms Casino Resort poolside, parties and entertainment, free admission to all MTV’s concerts and events. That’s a considerable portion for just a little over $700, which includes four nights, flight and hotel.
               
3. Panama City, Florida
Panama City Beach in Florida is one of the most glorious beaches in the state. It has all the venues that are desired by college student looking to let loose, from hot clubs and lounges to concerts of prominent figures in the music business. About $860 gets you five nights at a luxurious hotel and a round trip flight if you book your trip with studentcity.com.
               
4. Daytona Beach, Florida
This is a reasonably affordable hot spot for college students to party and get rowdy.  Relatively nice hotels can be found for only about $100 a night and flight are ranging from $250-400 round trip.
               
5. Ocean City, Maryland
If all fails, Ocean City Maryland is still an option. Ocean City is convenient and affordable and is only three hours away from D.C and is a great choice if your main objective is to get away. The boardwalk is a lot of fun and is filled with outlets, souvenir shops, and nightclubs are nearby. Stay at the Hilton Suites Ocean Front for $840 for five nights that’s only $210 divided among four people.  Jones is a big OC fan, he says, "I went about 10 times in a row I love Ocean City. They have good places [to go] and the boardwalk is the best!”