I love to travel, shop and go out with friends. The common thread among my passions? They’re making a big dent in my bank account – and these are just my hobbies! My actual list of necessities is even longer: tuition, gas, transportation, entertainment and my biggest expense of all – a 3.5-week backpacking excursion across Western Europe in August and a one-week, all-inclusive trip to Mexico in January.

With only the summer left to earn and save what I need for my trips, it’s critical that I start now! My only problem is that I’ve never made a budget in my life. So follow me as I learn to stretch my dollar without sacrificing my social life or the necessities of life.

Emily Ngai is a fifth-year student at the University of Western Ontario, studying Media Information Technoculture. She recently received a 2-year diploma in Journalism-Broadcasting from Fanshawe College and loves travelling, going to cottages, meeting new people, shopping and cooking.

Recent Posts:

• Episode #11: The Finale
• Episode #10: Why You Should Bring Your Smartphone on Vacation
• Episode #9: 10 Things I’ve Learned About Travel

On my 27th birthday it was time to take stock -- get a handle on things, see the big picture. Pinch myself. What did I have to show after 27 years? I want to have enough money to live with minimal stress and maximum freedom, but I’ve always invested my energy in work that has yet to pay off. The funny thing is, I’m still unwilling to sacrifice those passions for financial security.

Recent Posts:

• The Last Post
• A University Education: Priceless
• Civic Dreams

There are two kinds of people who go to journalism school. The first group attends because they have an interest in news and current events. They enjoy writing and envision reporting as their destiny. They make up about 20% of students. People in the second group have a simpler reason: they are bad at math. I fall into this category and, unfortunately, people like me make up the other 80% of journalism students.

Recent Posts:

• Subscribe and Save
• Busting out the Bike!
• The Early Bird Gets the Gig

I’m young. I’m fabulous. I’m also broke by the end of each month. Most students only have a part time job (or none at all). I myself work five hours a week during the school year, and spend most of my earnings on food, entertainment and clothing - none of it towards savings.

Watch as I try to change these spending and savings habits. Expect lots of pictures, cheesy puns, references to Kanye and most importantly, great money-managing tips!

Recent Posts:

• Denouement
• Frugal with Food
• Love on a Budget