Seeholzer's state of mind: Ballin' on a Budget

It’s no coincidence that BOB is my name.  I am well versed in the art of “Ballin’ on a Budget.”  After taking an exit poll at my last article signing session, I found that most people are confused about BOB so I provided this instructional guide.
The No. 1 rule of BOB is that you can’t be ashamed of it.  Wal-Mart? Your new best friend.  Sam’s Choice is now your choice.  Saving, scrimping, thrifting (that’s not even a real word) are now your favorite verbs.
College costs a pretty penny plus a couple thousand on top of that, so being conscious of every purchase is a must. You need to constantly have a tally in the back of your head of how much you’ve spent and how little you have left.  
Feeling guilty about spending your own money is to BOB what being seven feet tall is to playing in the NBA: you can’t teach something that invaluable.
You gotta eat, whatever you’re doin’, you gotta eat…I honestly don’t know why that Rally’s commercial is still stuck in my head after three years, but they’re right.  As college students I would recommend using meal swipes until you run out of them.  
If you run out on Friday you might want to consider not eating until Monday and using better swipe management next week.  
Another great move is to find out about events on campus that are offering pizza and pop (or anything edible) for free.
If you’re looking to go out to eat under the BOB plan then wherever you’re going needs to have a dollar menu.  Period.  

Combo meals are always a good idea.  Water is a delicious and cost effective way to quench your thirst (unless it’s bottled, then it’s counter-productive).

In order to be Ballin’ on a Budget, by definition you need to be ballin’.  Sitting at home is not classified as ballin’.  But how are you going to maintain your frugality if you have to fill up your gas tank?  Two words: public transportation.  Buses don’t smell good, but they don’t cost much either.  Plus you get to meet some really interesting people.

Entertainment is expensive, that’s why they both start with the letter E.  Movies in particular are quite the fund-stealers.  
With proper research, however, you can get your money’s worth.  Wait until there are multiple movies out at once that you are interested in. Then look up the times and see if any of the showings of one movie end around the same time that a different movie starts…you know where this is going.  
Double features are an economical way to stay entertained and keep up with pop culture.  And don’t give anything to the concession stand. Going to movies while BOB requires that you BYOS (bring your own snacks).

OK, your wallet/purse is empty, what do you do now?  This part requires extreme patience and a set of caring parents.  
No, you’re not going to ask them for money (despite my earlier claim that you had to be unashamed at all times, there will be no begging involved in BOB).  
Hopefully your parents cared enough to conceive you at a time where you’re birthday wouldn’t be too close to Christmas.
 This way you have at least two days a year where you bring in a good amount of cash.  Sometimes it’ll be another month or two until your next holi-pay, that’s where you’ll need the patience.

The secret to successfully Ballin’ on a Budget is making it appear as though you’re not.  
When shopping for clothes, don’t be afraid to buy a knockoff brand or even a shirt with an “irregular” tag.  
It shouldn’t look that bad and if it does, just wear a jacket or another shirt over it.  As far as shoes are concerned, Starbury’s are the way to go for guys.  

I’m not even going to pretend I know women’s fashion. Sorry ladies, you’re on your own.
And that is how it’s done.  Ballin’ on a Budget people, it’s a movement.  You can either get with it or get a job.