Nickels, dimes: Students budget necessities
 
The economy forces people to learn how to budget money


Towson junior Timothy Dadourian contemplates which products to buy during a recent visit to the grocery store. Students across the nation are learning to pinch their pennies as the economy sours. (Photo by Amber L. Gillette / March 29, 2009)

By Amber L. Gillette| Towson University journalism student
March 29, 2009

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Natural sound: PA system announcement at Giant in Towson, Maryland
TRT: 11 seconds

Reporter:
If you are a college student, then you might be feeling more than a pinch in the pocketbook as the economy continues to decline. Some students are taking advantage of the many resources available to save money when it comes to one of life’s necessities: food.

In grocery stores around the nation, customers are closely watching the prices of the most common household items. College students, like Towson junior Timothy Dadourian, are keeping their eyes open for good deals.

Actuality: (Dadourian)
“Some ways that I save money now are basically I cut coupons out of the newspaper and out of mailers. It just helps save some money here and there on toilet paper, tooth paste and stuff like that you need as well as fruits and vegetables.”

Reporter:
Students are not just clipping coupons though to save money. Some students are taking extra steps in this hard economy to curb their spending habits at the grocery store. Towson Alumni Christopher Hines says he thinks twice before swiping his debit card at the register.

Actuality: (Hines)
“Before the economy went bad, I never bought food that wasn’t a brand name. I always thought generic was bad and did not taste good. I have tried some off brands and they were not too bad. I found out that the same people who make the brand name products make the generic foods. I think that is cool that companies are trying to reach out to consumers who like the product but can’t afford the name.”

Reporter:
One of the best advantages to the sinking economy is the prices. Towson senior Sandra Clausen says she is finding low prices for products she normally would not purchase.

Actuality: (Clausen)
“I know its strange but I actually like going to the grocery store now. My grocery bill has never been so low. Everyone is cutting their prices to get me to buy. It works out because I always get the lowest price.”

Reporter:
Whether clipping out deals, searching them out in stores or trying products outside of their normal box, students are looking at the wallet for advice in tough times.