online shopping

You Too Can Be a Millennial Cheapskate

Adulting, Author: Mary Grace Donaldson

Among my varied circles of friends, I have a bit of a reputation for… hatred of parting with my hard-earned money.

Now, this may not sound like a surprising confession to you, especially considering that millennials, generation-wide, have racked up large numbers in student debt and are widely known for wanting to save money. But everyone has his or her own methods for penny-pinching, and mine are tried and true.

So, how can you also be a millennial cheapskate?

Know how and where to do your online shopping
Be sure to really scour Amazon –- they sell items at lower prices that you wouldn’t even think to look for there. Direct sales companies such as LuLaRoe often have discount programs if you purchase from a particular retailer a certain number of times.

Know where you can also make money online
Yes, that’s right — you don’t just save money online, but you can make money, too. Of course, sites like Ebates actually pay you to use their site while you shop, and CashCrate allows you to bring in some extra cash in exchange for asking a few marketing questions.

Don’t be afraid of discount stores
As much as I’ll always be a fan of shopping online, in my bed, wearing pajamas… there are certain instances in which it’s easier to just go to the store. Pro tip: Target really has everything — from supermarket food (I pay .79 for a box of pasta that costs around $2 in the supermarket) to gifts for all occasions to clothes (yes, clothes). T.J. Maxx and Marshalls already sell clothes and a plethora of other items at discounted prices, but you’ll find clearance racks all over both stores -– meaning that the items on these racks are marked down markdowns.

Live at home
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. There are many reasons why there’s nothing wrong with living at home even over the age of 25 –- but one of the more obvious reasons is living rent-free. While its important and responsible and just all around the right thing to do to help your family with expenses while living at home, it is certainly less costly than paying rent every month.

And finally… don’t spend money on what you don’t need
I’m not saying not to treat yourself once in a while. But, on a regular basis, don’t buy things that aren’t practical. Think about where that less than practical item will end up once it makes its way to your bedroom. What will you use it for? When will you use it? And if you absolutely can’t leave it alone, is there an alternative to either a) the item or b) the retailer?

I Gave Into the LuLaRoe Craze…and I’m Glad I Did

Adulting, Author: Mary Grace Donaldson

The power of social media has offered us an alternative to dating sites, career advice via Twitter, podcasts and, of course, LinkedIn. And now, it is offering a very quick and easy way to purchase direct sales products from consultants across the country.

Millennials, I know your pain — you’ve been invited to Facebook groups touting everything from dietary supplements to jewelry to Jamberry nails and the latest in the direct sales craze…LuLaRoe, a direct sales company advertising “simply comfortable” clothing, particularly their trademark print leggings with somewhat unusual prints.

Most of these types of invitations are ones I easily ignore, to the tune of “oh, no, what is this one selling?” We’re not talking about sites where you can save or make money while you shop, either. Many “consultants” selling all types of products are often stay-at-home moms who look to make some extra cash for their families on the side, but as with all groups of people, stay-at-home moms are not the only ones hocking their loot on social media.

But one day, it happened. I gave in. A friend (who is very much a millennial and very much not a stay-at-home mom) hosted a “LuLaRoe Pop-Up Party,” the social media equivalent of the Tupperware parties of my mom’s generation. Instead of visiting a friend’s home to purchase Tupperware products, the “party” was going to take place on a LuLaRoe “consultant’s” Facebook group (aka her “store”).

I only bought a few items — including signature leggings — at this “Pop-Up Party,” but later found out that my cousin buys LuLaRoe too…and she went ahead and added me to a number of Facebook groups. A month later, I’m hooked, and here’s why:

The clothes are comfortable, yet stylish.
While I firmly believe that leggings are indeed pants, I’ve never been one to think that I could wear them instead of pants to go out on a Friday night. And then I wore my floral print LuLaRoe leggings two Friday nights in a row and fell in love with how they looked.

They are made for all shapes and sizes. 
As someone who wears plus sizes, I find myself frustrated with the options available at mainstream stores, and I’m equally as frustrated with the prices at plus size specialty stores. LuLaRoe makes the same types and styles of clothes — not just leggings — in all sizes.

The prices are reasonable. 
While not as reasonably priced as the plus size department at JC Penney, LuLaRoe doesn’t totally hit you in the wallet. The infamous leggings run at $25 a pop, and that price is the same for smaller and larger sizes. Dresses run a bit higher, but the most expensive one I’ve seen is $65.

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So, why should millennials buy LuLaRoe?

The clothes allow for self-expression. 
There’s a print for everyone. One of my favorite pairs of leggings is pink with drawings of vintage cameras all over it. And if prints don’t float your boat, never fear…they sell solid colors too.

They are easily purchased. 
We’re all busy, right? You can buy a whole new wardrobe just by browsing Facebook groups on your lunch break.

You can support your friends who are working hard at a side hustle. 
As we’ve discussed, it’s hard to balance working a full-time job and a side hustle. Make the hard work worth it for those who are doing it.

There’s LuLaRoe for men and kids too! 
In a true showing of gender equality, LuLaRoe defies the direct sales stereotype of catering only to women. While women are clearly the target market, it’s great to see the brand’s inclusiveness.

Have you purchased any LuLaRoe products? What has your experience been like? Let us know in the comments!

7 Things to Buy on Amazon…Besides Books

Adulting, Author: Brett Pucino

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I’m not sure if “The Amazon Generation” has ever been used to describe millennials as consumers, but if it hasn’t, then it should be.

Millennials are the first digitally native generation. Since we grew up on the Internet, we take how Amazon revolutionized our purchasing process for granted. We can literally buy anything with one click and have it delivered to our respective doorsteps.

The most commonly purchased items on Amazon are books, but here are seven other items you can purchase on Amazon.

  1. DVDs
    Amazon is perfect for strengthening your DVD collection. You can easily find the hottest new releases-as well as cult classics that you can purchase used for cheap prices.
  1. Car Parts
    When one thinks of Amazon, automotive parts don’t come to mind. But Amazon actually has a whole section dedicated to automotive and industrial parts. Head to Amazon next time something goes wrong and see if you can save some money.
  1. Kids Toys
    I have three nieces, and I can tell you firsthand that Amazon is a great place to buy kids toys. Those who are diligent can often find what they’re looking for at a better price than they would in the store.
  1. Clothing
    Amazon’s clothing section is divided into subsections for Men’s, Women’s, Girls, Boys and Babies clothes. You can find clothing from a lot of your favorite brands, and for those with Prime, you can be wearing your new outfit in 48 hours.
  1. Computers & Tablets
    There are tons of consumers who buy computers and tablets online. People will go to a brick and mortar electronics store to compare models in person, and then ultimately make their purchase on amazon.
  1. Sports Equipment
    Amazon is a great place to score deals on sports equipment. As a lefty golfer, I am constantly scouring Amazon for deals on clubs.
  1. Smart Home Technology
    I’m sure you’ve all seen commercials for Alexa and Echo, Amazon’s two newest products. They both are among the most intriguing offerings on Amazon-which shows that Amazon is betting big on mass adoption of smart home technology.

Have you bought anything cool recently on Amazon? Let us know in the comment box!

7 Things to Buy on Amazon… Besides Books

Adulting, Author: Brett Pucino

I’m not sure if “The Amazon Generation” has ever been used to describe millennials as consumers, but if it hasn’t, then it should be.

Millennials are the first digitally native generation. Since we grew up on the Internet, we take how Amazon revolutionized our purchasing process for granted. We can literally buy anything with one click and have it delivered to our respective doorsteps.

The most commonly purchased items on Amazon are books, but here are seven other items you can purchase on Amazon.

DVDs
Amazon is perfect for strengthening your DVD collection. You can easily find the hottest new releases-as well as cult classics that you can purchase used for cheap prices.

Car Parts
When one thinks of Amazon, automotive parts don’t come to mind. But Amazon actually has a whole section dedicated to automotive and industrial parts. Head to Amazon next time something goes wrong and see if you can save some money.

Kids Toys
I have three nieces, and I can tell you firsthand that Amazon is a great place to buy kids toys. Those who are diligent can often find what they’re looking for at a better price than they would in the store.

Clothing
Amazon’s clothing section is divided into subsections for Men’s, Women’s, Girls, Boys and Babies clothes. You can find clothing from a lot of your favorite brands, and for those with Prime, you can be wearing your new outfit in 48 hours.

Computers & Tablets
There are tons of consumers who buy computers and tablets online. People will go to a brick and mortar electronics store to compare models in person, and then ultimately make their purchase on amazon.

Sports Equipment
Amazon is a great place to score deals on sports equipment. As a lefty golfer, I am constantly scouring Amazon for deals on clubs.

Smart Home Technology
I’m sure you’ve all seen commercials for Alexa and Echo, Amazon’s two newest products. They both are among the most intriguing offerings on Amazon-which shows that Amazon is betting big on mass adoption of smart home technology.

Have you bought anything cool recently on Amazon? Let us know in the comment box!