I’m just as broke, if not more than, the next college student. But through my first semester and even through high school I learned a couple ways to shop smart and find deals that bring prices down to the range I can afford. I am your typically 19 year old, so I have wants and needs. I need food for my dorm room, but I also want a new sweater from American Eagle. Here are some of the ways you can find some awesome deals.

1. Make a new email

One way to help you find deals is to make a new email account. If you already receive promotional emails from websites to one account, make a new one that is specifically for your professional and school life. If you don’t receive any promotional emails, make a new one and give it to stores for coupons and the latest deals

2. Sign up for rewards

Another way to get deals to sign up for rewards at different stores such as Sephora, Ulta, or American Eagle. At some stores, if you use the rewards enough you can get free stuff or a coupon. Also at most stores, if you sign up for rewards you will get something for your birthday (either a free gift or a birthday coupon). One of my favorite deals is at American Eagle/Aerie where if you buy 5 bras/pairs of jeans in a three-month reward period, get one free! And it does not matter if these bras/jeans are on sale or not.

3. Patience is a Virtue

Finding sales is hard as it is, but finding things that you want can be even more tiring. But it takes time and patients to either rummage through the sales rack, or scroll through the website. However, you will be rewarded. There are always hidden gems in the sales if you know where to look !

4. Groupon is your friend

Groupon is a great way to find deals in cities and towns across the country. From traveling to spa days, Groupon finds you the best deals. This is a great way to save money to treat yourself.

5. Know when the seasons change

No, I’m not talking the actual season. I’m talking about the fashion seasons. These changes happen about halfway through the real seasons and that is when you will find the best/newest things on sale. You can buy a cozy sweater for half-off in the middle of January (like excuse me, it’s still freaking cold outside). If you can wait even longer, you can wait for things to go on super sale about halfway through the next season, but everything good might be gone(even worse, your size!).