Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: job

  • 💸 9 Realistic College Budgeting Tips That Actually Work

    💸 9 Realistic College Budgeting Tips That Actually Work


    Budgeting can be hard (and kind of boring, honestly), but it’s essential — especially when you’re in college. I’ve been there! Between textbooks, rent, and late-night coffee runs, money disappears fast.
    Here are a few practical things I did in college that helped me save over $9,000 while working part-time at just above minimum wage.

    1. Work Part-Time

    Yes, you can work and still enjoy college life! Look for a flexible job that complements your schedule and builds your resume.
    If a company isn’t hiring, drop off a resume anyway — sometimes persistence pays off. If you need an internship, talk to your academic adviser about paid options. I made new friends and picked up valuable skills through part-time work.

    2. Donate Plasma (Responsibly!)

    It’s not glamorous, but donating plasma can help you earn extra cash and contribute to medical research. I went through BioLife Plasma Services, which often offers new donor coupons for extra money.

    3. Open a Checking & Savings Account

    If you don’t already have a credit union or local bank account, get one! Automate your savings — I set up a transfer to move money from checking to savings the day after payday.
    A budget planner like the Erin Condren Budget Book helped me stay organized.

    4. Buy Used & Save Big

    For two years, I didn’t buy new clothes or furniture unless it was secondhand or on sale. I loved shopping at Goodwill, eBay, and the Salvation Army.
    Fun fact: Ann Taylor donates gently worn clothing to Goodwill, so keep your eyes open for some great finds!

    5. Use Coupons & Cashback Apps

    I swear by Ibotta and Honey — they’re game-changers for saving money online.
    If you shop at Hy-Vee, load coupons directly to your Fuel Saver card for discounts on gas and groceries.

    6. Track Your Spending

    Keep a spending summary or log so you actually see where your money’s going. You can use a spreadsheet or a cute budget book like Erin Condren’s. A little tracking goes a long way!

    7. Set Up a GoFundMe

    Sometimes, friends and family want to help — they just don’t know how. A GoFundMe page can make it easy for them to support you when they’re able.

    8. Build Credit Carefully

    Credit cards can be great for building credit, but tread carefully. Use them for small purchases only, and always pay your statement balance, not just the minimum. Consider setting up auto-pay to avoid missed payments.

    9. Eat at Home (Seriously!)

    Takeout adds up fast. Cooking at home can save a ton of money — and you might even enjoy it!
    If you’re tight on cash, invite a friend to cook with you or have a potluck night. You can still have fun and stay within budget.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Budgeting isn’t about depriving yourself — it’s about being intentional with your money. Once you build small habits, it gets so much easier. Trust me, even a few mindful changes can make a big difference.

    Have a budgeting hack that’s worked for you? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

  • The Stories That Built Me

    The Stories That Built Me

    “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”
    — Maya Angelou

    Every family has stories that shape who they are, and around Christmas a few years ago, I got to hear some of mine. My parents sat me down and shared pieces of our family history that left me in awe — stories of strength, courage, and quiet resilience that built the foundation I stand on today.

    One of those stories was about my great-grandmother’s sister, who worked down South as a schoolteacher. She was light-skinned and could pass as white — something that came with complicated privileges during that time. Across from the school was a hat shop that allowed white customers to try on hats before buying them. Black customers, however, had to purchase any hat they touched. My great-grandmother’s sister would walk into that shop and try on as many hats as she pleased, knowing she could get away with it. It was a small, almost defiant act — one that spoke volumes about navigating an unjust world with quiet boldness.

    Then there was my grandmother’s father — my great-great-grandfather. He was also light-skinned, with light eyes, and worked as a painter at a hotel. One day, he walked in with the Black maids, and his boss pulled him aside.
    “Why did you walk in with the colored women?” the boss asked.
    My great-great-grandfather simply replied, “Well, they play cards with my wife.”
    The manager, shocked, said, “Your wife? You mean to tell me you’re colored!?”
    “Yes, sir,” he said calmly.
    The boss looked around and whispered, “Look, I like you. You’re good at your job. But don’t tell anyone you’re colored, or we’ll have to fire you.”

    Hearing these stories, I felt an ache — pride mixed with sadness. These were people who carried themselves with grace and strength in the face of injustice. People who worked hard, protected their families, and found ways to keep their dignity intact in a world that didn’t always see it.

    Some might say, “The past is the past — why bring it up?” But I think remembering is an act of love. It’s how we honor the struggle, the perseverance, and the humanity that got us here. Forgetting would mean erasing the very roots that keep us grounded.

    If I could talk to them today, I’d tell them how proud I am — proud of the resilience that runs through our blood, proud of the lessons they left behind, proud to carry their spirit forward.

    Resilience. That’s what created me.

    “You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone’s soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose… That is your role, your gift.”
    — Erin Morgenstern