The AP thinks thrifty teens is a new phenomenon. Hmm....

I was reading this article about the economy and the impact it's having on teenagers. According to the Associated Press, there aren't as many summer jobs available and with costs going up for everything from movies to flip-flops, teens are getting thrifty.

News flash: Teens have always been thrifty.

I mean, seriously, do they really think that teens had unlimited budgets before the market started to change? Teens have been shopping vintage and making their own clothes for years. For generations. Probably since the dawn of time. I think it's funny that the AP thinks this is a new trend.

What about you? Are you feeling the pinch from the stock market and rising costs of gas? Probably. But is it inspiring to learn to sew? Probably not. You would learn anyway because you have some killer ideas for a new skirt.

PS. Interesting fact: I read somewhere that a slice of pizza always costs about the same as one subway ride. Right now, a subway ride is $2 but the other day I bought a slice of pizza and it was $3. I couldn't believe it. Now I'm panicked that my subway fare is going to go up. Then I really might be forced to be thrifty!

If you're just starting down the yellow brick road of thrifty-ness, here are a few tips:

1. Recycle your clothes and wear your old t-shirts and tank tops to the gym. I actually sleep in mine. My Old Navy tanks are my favorite for summer when it's really hot in the middle of the night.
2. Craving a Jamba Juice? Pull out the blender, some bananas from your kitchen and some frozen fruit from the freezer. Mix with ice and voila! A free Jamba (at least free in the sense that you didn't have to pay for the groceries...)
3. Most grocery stores offer discount tickets to movies. Check with your local gas station, too. I used to get $4 tickets at the grocery store and save a few bucks every movie I saw. More money for popcorn!

What's your best thrifty secret?

Comments

[Jordyn]

Right now I have no job and am completely reliant on my parents for car insurance, gas, etc. I'm looking for a job though because I want money and hate having to rely on my parents for everything. Hopefully I'll find one soon but you're right, no one seems to be hiring.