Carefree spending can lead to trouble
By Laura Becker, contributing writer
Posted on April 20, 2006

With 44,000 shopping centers spread out over the United States, it is no wonder that Americans view shopping as not only part of a “to do” list, but also as part of their social calendar. What do people do when they have nothing planned for the day? Hit the malls.

For JMU students, the Valley Mall at least has college-student staples: American Eagle, the Gap, Express, Hot Topic and Pacific Sunwear, and there are plenty of thrift shops and consignment stores to explore. However, some students skip Harrisonburg shopping and wait until they’re home to browse the racks.

Junior Nick Soria often shops in Northern Virginia. “I prefer the selection, and the ‘Burg never has anything I want,” he said.

College students are known for being broke. Many students choose not to work during the school year in order to focus on their studies, while others may hold more than one job at a time. Once out of high school, students may have to face financial responsibilities including rent, tuition, meals, gas, parking and entertainment.

Credit card companies often target college students, winding many students up to their ears in debt. According to bankrate.com, the average college student owes $2,200 in debt when they graduate.

Online shopping makes finding items easy, and with the click of the mouse, they can be shipped to a mailbox. This can be a downfall for students who are “addicted” to shopping ­— or at least can’t turn down a sale, swipe their cards carelessly and shop on the Internet constantly.

“My biggest problem was when I got to college I got a debit card,” freshman Samatha Hlawatsch said. “It was a big financial drain on my bank account.”

Another problem many students face when shopping is the sense of satisfaction achieved by purchasing items. There is a sense of wealth one often feels when paying, along with the exciting knowledge of possessing more flip-flops, video games or whatever is being bought.

“I use shopping as a sense of release. When I have problems in my life, I like to go shopping,” Hlawatsch said.

Whether by getting a job or placing spending limits on yourself, this summer, aim to shop ‘til you drop, not empty your bank account.