Frugality is the Newest Fad

It's official; thriftiness is no longer a mindset for just us college students. With economic conditions in a crazy downward spiral, more and more Americans are making do with a lot less. I noticed, though, that this new frugality isn't just about spending less, it's about making your dollar go further. And if anyone's an expert on stretching every dollar, it's a college student.

So in the spirit of thriftiness, I've compiled a list of my top five ways to be frugal:

1.) Make Walmart your new best friend. It's the one-stop shop that's not too hard on your wallet.

2.)Banish all thoughts of buying brand-name goods. Let's face it: in the end you are just paying more for the name.

3.) Clip coupons religiously.

4.) Cut out the $4 Starbucks coffees. You can make a pot of coffee for under 50 cents!

5.) Skip the exotic vacations.  Turn your home into your dream vacation spot. Run a bubble bath, light some scented candles, buy a bottle of wine, and treat yourself to a day at your home-made spa. The key is to get creative!

Follow these 5 simple tricks and you'll be a thrift expert in no time!