Over the Edge + September 22, 2010 Money Saving Tips Student debt, no problem, let OTE teach you how to save your money KALI FLICK MANAGING EDITOR Being a student makes it difficult to have a regular income and even harder to have the same kind of fun as some may be accustomed to. | have struggled with this issue, as everyone does to an extent, and have been asking relatives, finan- cial experts, and friends on the many different ways to organize financial chaos. TA AAALAAA ae This is what | have come up with: 1. Budget, budget, budget. Calcu- late your fixed costs for specifics such as, groceries, rent, utilities, vehicle expenses (gas), etc. There are many ways you can do this, week-to-week, month-to-month, or paycheck-to-paycheck. Whatever is remaining after these permanent expenses can go towards saving for a vacation or new snowboard. 2. Smart Credit. Many students give into the temptation to buy now and pay later. Unfortunately, these spending habits can come back to bite you. If you find that you can’t charge responsibly, hide the credit cards until you learn a little restraint. For purchases where a credit card is necessary, such as online or for hotel reservations, ensure that you have the money needed before- hand and transfer it to the card be- fore the purchase is made. 3. Decision Making. Make smart choices. You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything you want. Decide what’s important to you, and pursue that. When you want to buy something, ask your- self “Do | need it?” If you think you do, then wait on it, see if it fits into your budget without spending more than you have in your hands. Don’t buy on impulse. If it fits and after a few days of thought you still think you need it, then you’ve earned a smart, affordable purchase. 4. Savings. You can automatically have money transferred from your account into another account on a regular basis. You can opt to trans- fer a pre-determined amount (say, $25 or $50) on a monthly, weekly or bi-weekly basis. Not only do you save money, you'll earn more in- terest as your savings accumulate over time. With a healthy savings account there is no need to stress over a flat tire or cocktail dress for an annual event. | hope these ideas will help a few students out. Simple tips, but as students we don’t need more debt than the acquired student debt from tuition, books, etc. Good luck this semester! Wite for Over the Eye Features needs your style! Have something you want to share with UNBC? Send it to over-the-edge@unbc.ca A Merger of Comfort and Style A fergalicious definition every girl should be able to define ECATERINA CIUGURNEAU CONTRIBUTOR Recently it came to my attention that some individuals are not yet familiar with the term jeggings. Luckily, | am fairly sure there is not one person at our university who is more qualified to open the doors to this wonderland like yours truly. Yes, | own two pairs. Jeggings are defined as leggings which look like denim jeans, but | like to call them a warm hug around your hips. The details are fairly similar to real jeans, including pockets, zippers, belts, etc. If you don’t have a pair, you just make NO sense to me. They first blessed us with their presence in 2009. Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and other celebrities commonly seen in mug shots wore them for jogging. But much like sweatpants, the mass hysteria over this brilliant fashion creation just could not be contained in parks and workout facilities. Jeggings pulled a Diana Ross and sang, “I’m coming out, | want the world to know, got to let it show” and wandered into stores WORLDWIDE: Topshop, Winners, and the Moldavian fake Dolce & Gabbana store where | bought my first pair. Needless to say, girls cheered, girls cried, girls screamed. Jeggings are the new Beatles. It is a factoid that jeggings were at any point a controversial subject as a fashion trend. It cannot be argued, they have the mass appeal of UGG BOOTS. What in fact stirred up some chatter on the fashion blogs though was the word JEGGINGS itself. Some find it as atrocious as the concept of Brangelina, but seriously, who cares? This rose would smell as sweet under ANY name. If you want the facts, jeggings are ridiculously comfortable. It’s kind of like that nightmare where you leave your house without putting your pants on, BUT in reality you are just wearing your favourite jeggings. It’s like commando for your legs, simply liberating. My call to you is go out and get a pair. You'll feel more joyful than the chick in Herbal Essence commercials. ONLINE SOURCE They look like jeans, but feel like leggings. Win win. But be careful, we don’t want the whole gladiator shoe situation on our hands. They used to be so cool, but now everyone has a pair (or seven). The Perfect Winter Coat The search for something both functional and fashionable SHELBY PETERSEN EDITOR IN CHIEF Living in the frigid climate of Northern British Columbia the students of UNBC can appreciate the importance of the perfect winter coat. Being subjected to what feels like twelve months of snow and below-freezing temperatures, the average Prince George citizen needs a reliable and durable winter coat. However, said coat should not only be functional, it should also be fashionable. After all, this coat will go with you everywhere for the better part of the year. This coat will become a part of you, it will define who you are. Okay, so | am being dramatic. But this is a topic dear to my heart. For years | have been on the hunt for a jacket that is perfect for every occasion. A coat that is both dressy and suitable for the many bus rides | take to get to school. However, this jacket has eluded me to the point where it has become a personal myth or fairytale. While | now know that Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy are not real, | still hold firm in my belief in the perfect winter 4 - jacket. In an effort to help the residents of Prince George and the surrounding area make it through the often unbearable winter, | have compiled a list of the most versatile jacket styles to help you through those hard days where the sun sets at 3:30pm. The Pea Coat Originally worn by sailors, this coat has since captured the love of both women and men. Usually made out of wool, the pea coat it not only durable but stylish as well. When purchasing a coat like this make sure that the buttons are sewn on well because there are so many and you do not want to spend too much time sewing them back on. The Duffle Coat The duffle coat originates in a small town in Belgium. The duffle coat is named so because it is made out of the same material as duffle bags. After the coat was invented it quickly took Britain by storm and became a staple throughout the country. The coat is distinguished by its toggle closure and floppy hood. This coat is perfect for Prince George climate because it covers most of your — body without making you look frumpy. Throw it over a party dress and you are set for your Valentine’s date!