Budget Cuts? No Problem.

            For many interns, there inevitably comes a point when the large number that used to be your bank account, not only diminishes, but ceases to exist all together. While this can be mentally deteriorating for some, it can be an enlightening experience for others. Though change is often easier said than done (just ask President Obama), sometimes it is necessary in order to start solving the problem(s) at hand. For me, this change came in the form of self-imposed budget cuts. With very little money available for the last two weeks of the summer semester, I was forced to do more with less. Thus, I felt that documenting my experiences could be a useful tool for interns faced with similar dilemmas in the future.

            Several times during my self-imposed sequestration, I questioned the necessity of the purchases that I was making. Listed below are some of the inquiries and solutions that should go through an intern’s head while trying to save valuable cash:

Out of shampoo? Yeah right! The correct mix of hand soap and dishwashing liquid beats shampoo every day of the week.

Can’t afford the to buy The Roberts Court for class? Read your roommate’s copy while he’s sleeping.

90 degrees with 200% humidity in DC and you’re dying to ride the Metro (w/ AC) home from work? Well, with only 90 bucks left in your checking account, there’s a 200% chance that walking 45 minutes home is cheaper. Lucky you.

Out of paper towels? Well, Chipotle has unlimited napkins.

Need a haircut? No, you don’t need a haircut, you need to be a trendsetter and rock the shaggy look.

Your suits desperately need dry-cleaning? False. Sweaty smelling suits build character.

Oh, your fridge is leaking and you want to hire a repairman to fix it? Save the money and just ask WISH to do it. And by that, I mean put in a maintenance request and never hear from them again. You’ll get used to the leak and its odor after a while.

Owe Blaire a lot of money? Smile and hug her until she forgets about it.

Out of laundry detergent? Little-known fact, hand soap and dishwashing liquid work here, too.

Need toothpaste for the last few days? You can get a box of eclipse gum for even cheaper!

Need bags to get your groceries home from the store? Save the five cents per bag and use a suitcase. It’d not visually appealing, but it allows you to reinvest your accumulated 30-cent savings somewhere else.

Dying for some gourmet Applebee’s? Eat Ramen noodles while staring at your computer screen after you’ve Googled “Pictures of Applebee’s Boneless Wings.” Does the trick every time.

Receipt from one of the many $4 lunches I had this summer, cutting down from the usual $8. Still upset with myself for going one cent over budget.

            Although these are just suggestions and I do NOT personally endorse any of them (except hugging Blaire), I think they are good thoughts to be aware of when you’re low on money and need places to save. Hope this is helpful for any future interns looking to cut back.

-Pat Lipaj