A wise person once said money cannot buy you happiness, but it sure is more comfortable crying in a BMW than on a bicycle. Despite how much I enjoy the fresh air, I can see why this statement has some truth. With fall graduations a thing of the past, and Christmas and the winter holidays well behind us, my bank account is definitely not feeling any love. Anyone else sympathize?

For a holiday with such humble roots celebrating the birth of Christ, it is a wonder how so much of that holiday has been greatly commercialized. I definitely celebrate and honor Jesus’ birth on Dec. 25 however I, too, am guilty of falling into the commercial flow and buying gifts. It is amazing how convincing advertising can be (my roommate is beaming right now #admajor).

My main concern every semester is maintaining a budgeting system that allows me the funds to take care of what is absolutely necessary, like food, tuition and books, as well as money for play. But after fall graduation celebrations are over, and Christmas break well behind us, how can I start this new semester off and make the most on a low budget? Simple, it is called sacrifice.

No, no, Courtney. I cannot sacrifice this semester! I have my social life with friends, that new cute sorority tee, not to mention those new, cute arrivals at BLUSH! And do not forget Starbuck's. Think I would give those up? I know, I know. All of these seem crucial, but when your budget is looking a little sad, or  having a melt-down, it is definitely time to re-evaluate what you really need to make your semester run smoothly.

No, I am not condemning you to the most boring semester ever. I am, however, suggesting that you make the most of your semester by getting down to the skin and bones of what is really important to you! The best way I do this is by making a list. Call me old-fashioned, but grab a pen and paper and list everything you can anticipate: mandatory sorority t-shirt purchases, books, tuition, sorority fees, money for date nights, etc. When you are aware of your expenses and have them laid out in concrete form, it is easier to check off and decide how much should be allocated to each category.

After this, you can see how much you can reasonably allow per week. And here is where the sacrifice comes in. If I am invited to two different events one week, and I know I will likely spend more than my allotted amount, I chose which of the two events to go to. If your friends do not understand when you say you are budgeting or watching your funds, then you might want to re-evaluate the people you spend time with.

Seriously think about where your money, needlessl,y goes. Just because your friends make Sonic runs often does not mean you always have to get something! Half the fun is just riding along! Save a couple bucks by saying no to a drink and tots. No one is going to judge you. Instead of paying for an $11 movie ticket at the Warren, consider adopting your home theater as the new location for movie night! Your own popcorn and drinks are a lot less expensive than going to the theater. Whether you are getting together with friends or going on dates, it is not necessarily what you do, or where you go, as much as it is about who you are with.

Brainstorm fun things to do with friends that do not necessarily involve money, or that can be split. If you are really craving pizza, get your group to pitch in equally for a pizza movie night at home, or go to events on campus (there is always something happening). If your friends are going shopping and you want to join, go! There is no harm in going. You can make your appearance and stay for the ride, but it does not mean you have to buy the town.

Focus your time on what is really valuable – friendships and relationships. Fun does not have to be money-based. Just because your pockets are empty does not mean your fun supply is empty, too!

Check the UPB site for list of events around campus at  http://www.ou.edu/upb/

Check the CAC site for list of events around campus at http://www.ou.edu/sga/cac

Check the Norman Welcome Center’s list of activities in Norman at

http://www.visitnorman.com/attractions/?gclid=CKzwo-Sq17sCFclaMgodzQYAdQ