For a certain percentage of college students, it is easy to rely on money that comes relatively easy to us; university loans, scholarships, FAFSA loans, etc. In college year after year, we eagerly await that refund check from the university so that we can have fun, make experiences, pay rent, and try to learn to be an adult. Soon we become dependent upon this refund check, or these loans, and convince ourselves that we can splurge on frat shirts, concerts, dinner out...alcohol... Being an adult is easy, right?

Wrong. With money given to us, we subconsciously believe that we live in a sort of luxury life. A champagne taste.

But then, before the end of the academic year, we are back to square one. We are low on funds, buy more Top Ramen , and await more money from our parents. Or, we take summer classes just so we can get another “refund check” from financial aid. From this we crave the luxury life rather than taking care of the necessities. We just crave that champagne taste.

But, contrary to popular belief (I kid), we college students have champagne taste on a beer budget. We would rather pay for life experiences (luxuries) than pay for the boring things (necessities).

Of course, I am not accounting for all college students; however, this seems to be my observation and experience.

That said, what happens after college? After graduation? Suddenly reality strikes with the thought of getting a job and paying off all that money that we spent to have the college experience of a lifetime. Post-college, we do not have money saved up, we ask parents for some help, and work hard to cover the necessities. This makes it hard to have fun. Our friends want to do things with us, and we want to do things with them. Money certainly seems to be the underlying factor, and yet, we cannot look to FAFSA anymore.

So the big question is, as recent college graduates, how can we continue to live with our champagne tastes on beer budgets?

The answer is, be an adult about it . Although we hate to admit it, we all must have some sort of responsibility in our lives. I, for one, definitely need to get my act together. People “adult” so there is no reason that I should not be able to either. Yes, “adulting” is hard, but no one said it would be easy. I find that the best result for me is to compromise.

For example,

1. Pay rent, utilities, and minimal credit card payments before anything else.

This creates less stress overall and allows you to use leftover cash to have fun. Plus, a good credit score goes a LONG way my friends.

2. Budget your finances.

Make plans with friends down the road to go to concerts and have fun. Your friends will understand if you cannot do something that costs money every weekend because you do not have money to spend. It happens to all of us. Budgeting your accounts will make you feel better about living the life that you want.

3. Fake it 'til you make it.

Sure, we may want the top brands, the good quality luxury items, but truth is, we can all feel just as good sipping that $9.99 champagne instead of that $50 champagne. We do not need good quality items to live a good quality life all the time. Be confident in that $30 Target swimsuit versus that $50-$70 Victoria Secret swimsuit. (Of course, if VS has their Semi-Annual you may have to use that $30….)

3. Treat yo’ self with others, not clothes.

I know, we all need those eye-catching MissMe jeans or that cute and functional Kate Spade purse. Treating yourself does not mean to just go and spend a large amount of money each week on credit cards (though we sure do try). Share lunch with a friend, or go on picnics after a day’s hike so you can bring your own lunch instead of eating at restaurants. Company is way more luxurious than money.

Remember, after you have saved some money from that money-maker of a career, there will be time to acquire more luxury. Besides, inexpensive champagne means being able to enjoy even more champagne later on. Be minimal. Own that beer budget. Be confident and smart until you can actually afford more luxuries. There will be a time to do everything you want as long as you budget first.

Now it’s my turn to take my own advice (exits out of Victoria’s Secret website). *Sigh* Adulting is hard.