What do you think of when you hear the words college and summer? Personally, I automatically think of a summer job. Maybe a job as a summer camp counselor, or an American Eagle employee. Either way, college students are often as broke as can, so we're constantly in need of jobs.

After getting my first legitimate full-time summer job, I was frankly overwhelmed by how much money I was actually making (and how exhausted I was from making that money). An idea popped in my head as soon as the money came - go shopping. Go get your nails done, buy those expensive pair of shoes, get that Dunkin coffee you wanted.

Now, hear me out, I'm not saying it's wrong to splurge on yourself every once in awhile. Maybe going is an important experience for you. But let me throw a typical cliche at you.

Stop spending your money on stuff and start spending it on experiences. Live, learn, screw up, travel, all of that can be done with that paycheck you contemplated on spending on that pair of shoes that will wear out or fall apart in a few years. But guess what? Pictures of a trip to Spain, Myrtle Beach, or that concert you wanted to see for so long don't wear out or fall apart. Neither do those memories, the people you meet, nor the culture you immerse yourself in.

This summer I saw fireworks, went on vacations, day trips, and even saw One Republic in concert which was an experience I will definitely never forget and it truly taught me one essential lesson coming into this school year.

Money is an object, as are most of the things you spend it on. Yes, money is essential to our everyday lives, but it can be used wisely in a way that's not stingy - just smart. You don't have to be a penny pincher, you just have to live.

So go buy a plane ticket. See the ocean. Ride that roller coaster. Just please remember that material items are only as important as you make them.

Now, I have to stress that this is simply a personal opinion, and that I do enjoy material things as much as the next person.. But I guess they're just becoming less essential in my life. And by spending less money on clothing and unnecessary decor, I can think back on my summer and smile from all the memories I experienced instead. I'm not saying you should become a minimalist or anything, but rather there's more to life than that $250 purse you want to buy.