Our Fav Girls’ Clearance Items from DSW.com

Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by DSW Coupons

DSW.com’s clearance section has one of the best selections out there, and you’d nearly always find something to like. This season I picked out some styles from Girls Clearance that would make great holiday gifts. You can drive the price even lower by using the free shipping code that is exclusive to DSW Rewards members. DSW Rewards is a loyalty program that gives you lots of coupons, discounts, bargains and points on every purchase that you can redeem for gift certificates. It’s really an amazing rewards program if you shop frequently at DSW.com. Just to give you an idea what to expect from girls clearance, it has shoes for infants (0-2 years), toddlers (3-5 years) and young girls (5 years and over). My top picks:

Bearpaw Emma Girls’ Toddler & Youth Boot

The Bearpaw Emma Toddler & Youth Booth looks like pint-sized UGGs. They’re not as ostentatious, however. The grey and dark brown colors make it easy to mix and match with any outfit, but I’d recommend wearing these with leggings/tights and a coat. It’s also easy to slip on and off; no zippers or closures to worry about. The upper is suede with fleece lining and moisture-wicking footbed. The midsole is cushioned foam. Measures 8″ (shaft height). Price: $39.94 – slash the price down 20% with DSW coupons codes

Wanted Pippy Girls’ Toddler & Youth Dress Flat

It’s never too early for girls to wear flats. The classic ones like the Wanted Pippy dress flat is simple and looks great either with dresses or more casual jeans. I’d pair this with dark tights and a red velvet dress or dark denim and a tan coat. The upper is patent leather with elastic collar for a snug fit. The lining is soft textile with a synthetic sole. Online only. Price: $19.94

2 Lips Too Radical Girls’ Toddler & Youth Bootie

For a mod romp in the snow, dress your little girl in these 2 Lips Too Radical booties. The bright pink color and wavy brown trim detailing go great with basic coats, sweaters and pants. One mom says that her 9-year-old loves them. The upper is faux suede with faux leather lining. The heel is 0.5” and the sole is synthetic. For easy pull-on, there’s also side zipper. Online only. Price: $34.94

Wanted Bicker Girls’ Toddler & Youth Casual Shoe

Another classic shoe is the Wanted Bicker loafer. I love that it comes in pink as well as tan and black. These would be perfect with dark denim or a casual dress, but also try it with dark tights and a neutral coat for maximum style. Reviewers say that kids love the pink color. The upper is faux patent leather with faux leather lining. Online only. Price: $19.94

Ralph Lauren Polo Cove Girls’ Infant & Toddler Sandal

My last pick from clearance is the pink toddlee sandal from Ralph Lauren Polo Cove Girls. These are perfect for the beach, pool or weekend getaway and just $9.94! Moms love that their kids can put on the shoes by themselves, but can get dirty quickly. The upper is stretchy fabric with Velcro closure, foam footbed and fabric lining. The sole is threaded foam rubber. Online only. Price: $9.94

How to Stop Impulse Purchases

Buying on impulse is one of the most damaging things you can do to your finances. It’s easy for other people to say “control yourself,” but like other bad habits, it takes much more willpower (and possibly therapy) to curb impulse spending. Quitting cold turkey isn’t a good idea if you’ve been impulse buying for years—it’s easier and more realistic to go slow and set achievable goals. Here are simple, no-nonsense ways to curb your spending habit:

Put It on a Wish List

Make a wish list, either on paper or on Amazon. Write down all the things you want to buy. It’s a good way to defer spending money on anything because your time frame is set to future and not to “now.” It doesn’t mean you can never have the things on the list; you’re just waiting to see if they’re worth having at a later date. Those golden booties may look like a necessity now, but utterly ridiculous in a few weeks. Anything that is really worth buying is still be worth buying next month, so procrastinate a bit and see if your mind changes. Often, it will.

Write Down All Expenses

By “all expenses” I mean everything, including that pack of gum and Starbucks latte. If you’re like many people, you’d be surprised at how much money you spend on non-necessities. Before grocery shopping or going to the mall, check your pantry, fridge and closet. How many socks/jeans/shoes do you have? How many leftover snacks are still sitting in the fridge? What do you really need? Write it down and prioritize. Save your wants for the wish list.

Use Cash

Put cash in envelopes—one for groceries, one for eating out, one for fun, etc. If the money runs out, you can’t withdraw money until the reset. It’s easier to use cash if you hide your credit cards. Entrust them to a family member or close friend who lives in another town. If you go over budget and have no more cash, borrow money or sell your stuff to buy food. It may sound drastic, but a little punishment can help you discipline yourself. Or you can counter the impulse with another impulse—donate $50 (or whatever amount) to a charity you hate each time you go over budget.

Auto-Save a Portion of Your Salary

Talk to your HR and see if you can have a percentage of your monthly pay go straight to a savings account, preferably an account separate from your main bank and one that makes it hard for you to withdraw the money. You can’t spend what you can’t see, and you don’t have to worry about impulse spending because you’ve already saved the money for that week/month.

Best Cheap Headphones for Working Out

Headphones or earphones for working out should be sturdy, sweat-resistant, comfortable, fit snuggly and not interfere with movement. They come in every price range, but you can get a quality pair without having to spend hundreds of dollars. First, determine if you want earphones (they plug into the ear) or headphones (they sit over your ears), and then pick from wired or wireless, depending on your device.

Here are our top recommendations:

• Five Below has $5 earphones that hook around the ear, but no word on how long they last.
• Skullcandy ($10) earphones are pretty sturdy and the cords don’t tangle. Try Skull Candy Smokin’ Buds (about $20).
• Sony MDRAS20J Sport Headphones are $15 at Wal-Mart. They’re loud and clear and don’t fall out when running or lifting weights.
• Yurbuds are custom-fit earbud enhancers that are great for exercising ($20-$60). Try Ironman Focus PRO.
• Some Sennheiser earphones are cheap (around $20), but they’re very durable and last for years. The Sennheiser CX400 II ($50-60) is more expensive but it sits in the ear canal and stays put. Another good option is Sennheiser CX 680 Earfin Sports Earbuds ($50). It’s compatible with most audio devices and designed for intense exercise.
• Plantronics 903+ are $49 from Amazon and they hook over the ear too.

If you can afford it, there are plenty of high-quality headphones/earphones from brands like Bose, Polk and Bowers & Wilkins. Your best bet is eBay or Amazon, where brand names go for really low prices. The selection is pretty unbeatable, too. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your money, shop around and read online reviews. This is a great way to narrow down your choices if you’re considering a number of options. Amazon has a review section on the product page (from consumers like you) as well as professional reviews on CNET, Macworld and Newegg.

It’s convenient to buy online, but you won’t be able to test the merchandise. If this is a priority, head to the manufacturer’s store in your area and ask to try out different pairs of headphones. Feel the material. If it feels cheap, it probably is. Wear the headphones for as long as you can to see if they’re comfortable. If you’re buying online, choose a store with a solid return policy and check the warranty. Most headphones come with a 1-2 year warranty, particularly the expensive ones.

10 Money Saving Tips for College Students

College is an expensive investment, and unless your parents are incredibly well off and can pay for everything, you’re bound to rack up a certain amount of debt. In fact, many graduates are now paying for the extravagant lifestyles they had led while still in school. It’s possible to keep debt at a minimum if you manage your finances responsibly. By learning to budget as early as possible, you’re preparing for real life, which we all know is much more unpredictable.

Here are some no-nonsense tips to save as much money as possible while still a student:

1. Manage the Money You Have

Shop around for a bank that caters to students, and sign up for a free checking and savings account. Make sure it’s really free—no fund transfer fees, no charges for too many withdrawals and definitely no charges for paying bills online. You should be able to manage your meager finances without getting nickel and dimed. Keep track of the EXACT amount of money you have in your checking account. Your card won’t be declined for insufficient funds, which is awesome—except for the ridiculous overdraft fees. Knowing what your bank charges for mistakes like these should help you avoid them.

2. Don’t Use a Credit Card

You should be using cash 99% of the time. If that’s impossible, get a student credit card with no annual fees, low interest rates and a tiny credit limit. Learn to use credit cards for emergencies only and pay your bills on time.

3. Keep Track of Every Expense

If you’re really broke and serious about saving, write down all your expenses in a notebook or use something like Quicken. Save every receipt in a shoebox, including ATM withdrawal receipts and grocery receipts. At the end of the month, add up all the expenses and see where most of your money is going. Is it on apartment rental? Gas? Cellphone bill? Textbooks? Alcohol? Games? You’d be surprised how much money you spend on non-necessities. Cut back accordingly and continue to record everything until you don’t have to. Get a big jar or piggy bank and put all your spare change in it. If you don’t have any, turn your room or apartment upside down: look under couches, electronics, inside backpacks, pants pockets, etc.

4. Be a Smart Shopper

Make lists of necessities first and wants later. Put your wants in a wish list on Amazon to defer spending money until you really can’t live without that extra pair of heels or Xbox. What’s really worth buying is still worth buying two months later, so make procrastination work for you. For necessities, shop at cheapo places that offer student discounts. Your student ID is like a senior citizen card, so use it as much as you can. Join Groupon, use coupons and look out for clearance sales. If you share an apartment with friends, buy as a group at Costco for bulk discounts. Make handmade presents for other people instead of buying stuff, or give your time instead. Shop online but only at stores that offer free shipping. Never shop hungry, and make shopping lists before heading out. Check the fridge, pantry and cupboard to see what’s still in there when making your list. For clothes and accessories, hit the consignment shops and garage sales. Never buy new textbooks; always buy used (softcover and international edition) on Amazon or from other starving students. Better yet, just borrow books.

5. DIY Grooming

Skip the salon for hair and nails. You can do pedicures and manicures at home and trim your own hair. If you need a professional haircut, go to the cosmetology institute nearby. If you can share expensive personal grooming equipment with others (blow dryer, curling iron, hair straightener), do so. Designer makeup is pricey; just get the quality “store brand” products at cheaper prices. Do your own laundry: buy discounted detergent and always do a full load.

6. Cheap Transportation

Lose the car. Ride in your friend’s car if you have to go to parties. Walk as much as possible and use public transport, or get a bicycle instead. Occasional road trips are fun, but expensive. If you must travel this way, split the costs with friends. Skip spring break and do something fun closer to campus. If home is on the other side of the country, save on air fare by using Priceline or similar services. Or just use your student discount on Greyhound or Amtrak.

7. Computers and Electronics

Instead of getting a standalone account, join your parent’s cell phone plan. Cut down on text messaging fees and use Twitter, Facebook, IM, Skype or email instead. Everyone has an Apple device these days, but don’t follow the herd if you can’t afford it. Go computer shopping during back-to-school sale season or tax-free shopping week. Always take advantage of student discounts. Get a cheaper desktop instead of a laptop if you really don’t need to carry it around with you. To save even more, get a refurbished model. Extend its life with free antivirus and firewall, and make sure to keep it under lock and key when you’re away from the dorm or apartment. DIY the ink refill and skip expensive cartridges. There are many how-to guides online.

8. Entertainment and Leisure

When I was growing up we didn’t have a TV, and I still don’t have a TV to this day. A computer connected to the internet is enough. I never pay for music, TV shows, movies, games or software if I don’t have to either. There are plenty of sites that offer them for free or for a few cents. Online radio is free too. If you’re looking for that particular art-house film, sign up for Netflix DVD rental. Or hit your campus for free screenings. Instead of staying in for the weekend getting wasted, volunteer at soup kitchens or habitat for humanity or work on your portfolio. Dating doesn’t have to get you in debt either. Impress the girl/boy with your character and not with your closet or game collection. Go for long walks around campus and enjoy movie nights at home.

9. Fitness

Walking around campus, eating ramen noodles and constant stress kept me thin while I was in college. You don’t need a gym membership to keep fit, just be active. Walk to class, go for a morning run, enroll in a kick-boxing class, walk people’s dogs for a fee, use the stairs and join those marathons some club is always sponsoring.

10. Make Money

Getting a part-time job as a server is the most common route for college students, but you can get better pay and more fulfilling jobs if you’re creative. Set up a blog and write about the things you are passionate about (it’s important to be a subject matter expert) and collect ad revenue. Studying to be a graphic designer? Showcase your works and sell prints online. Tutor kids, offer music lessons, troubleshoot computer problems for a fee, help with dissertations by proofreading, typing or editing. Spend your summers at a solid internship or working at a part-time job related to your major. Find a discount broker and get into the habit of investing.