What better time to start my budget lifestyle blog than at an all time low? At this exact moment, I have $1.89 to my name. That’s a whopping $1.81 in checking, and a hefty eight cents in savings. I’m so broke that my roommate just had to lend me money to pay for postage on a letter to my friend in Spain. Do you know how much it costs to send a letter to Spain? Pretty much nothing.

You may be wondering how I let things get to this point. Well, I’m not without my reasons. On Friday I had to dump out the entire contents of my savings account to pay a balance I didn’t realize I’d incurred on my tuition bill. So, for one thing, the Man is what’s keeping me down. I was also on a school trip for the entire month of January, which meant I didn’t work squat at either of my two jobs. You know what happens when you don’t work squat: you don’t get paid squat either.

I came back from my school trip in Costa Rica with a nice tan, a bag full of souvenirs, and a list of overpriced textbooks I needed by the end of the week. So, there went what remained of my checking account. I also may have impulse bought a pair of adorable shoes–but they were on sale!! Trust me, I would give up government secrets before buying anything full price. Of course in my financial state, even clearance loafers caused my bank account to utter a few dying coughs.

Now you understand the “budget” part of why this blog exists. In fact, you’re probably realizing that “budget” is a generous term. It’s more like “completely, desperately, painfully broke”.

So then, you may still be wondering about the “lifestyle” part of this blog. Why I am qualified to give lifestyle advice? The truth is, I’m really not. I wouldn’t exactly call the college grind I’ve got going on a “lifestyle”. I get by, and I have cute shoes and cute dorm decor (which in total cost me about $20), but I’m no #adsponsored #lifestyle Instagram Model. I think that’s exactly the point though. I’m a real human, with real money issues, and a real non-glamorous life, just like yours.

I may not be backed by famous brands or have a home worthy of Cribs, but I know how to kill at the thrift store, and I know how to re-purpose old ugly stuff into new cute stuff, and I know how to hunt down freebies. I know how to make the most out of a meager college kid income. So if you’re down for that, then stay tuned my friend!