It's that time again...the final countdown before the start of Spring semester. You feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever this semester might throw your way. You've got your "New Year, New You" attitude and all of your resolutions intact. Late to class, procrastinating writing that research paper — not this semester. You are already planning on how to reward yourself in May for the end of a perfect semester. What better way to get the ball rolling other than going to buy your new school books? Does anyone else love the smell of brand new pencils?

On average, college students take about four classes per semester. With four classes comes four new textbooks, if not more. Side note: one of the top ways to describe a college student is...poor. So just a quick math equation: 4 College textbooks + 1 poor college student = Stress and -$500. I know I am just a silly old college student, but that equation doesn't make sense in my book. So instead of dealing with this expensive dilemma....I would much rather think of something else I could spend $500 on.

1. Plane Tickets

I have a lot of goals and buying a $125.00 Philosophy book is NOT one of them. I would much rather road trip across the country or see the world. So take your textbooks back, one-way trip to Iceland here I come!

2. Puppies

Yes, we could definitely adopt a puppy from a shelter — not to save money, but of course to save them. But wait I need money to buy them all the cute little puppy toys and treats in the entire world! (Can you tell I am talking in a teeny tiny puppy voice?). $500 could buy a TON of treats.

3. A Home Gym

I could get some super cute dumbbells, a yoga ball, and maybe even a large piece of equipment. So what if it would just collect dust in the corner of my basement but guess what? IF I ever wanted to use it, the option would be there. New Year, New me.

4. Sporting Event Tickets

Who doesn't love going to a bar, eating wings and watching the game? What is even better is the experience of actually being there in person! You can almost smell the sweat from the athletes as you pull into the parking lot! Or is that the vomit from that really drunk fan?

5. A New TV

No, Mom, this is not practical and I can live without this but C'MON! Netflix and Hulu would be so much better if I could actually see them from my couch.

6. Paying Some Debt

Okay, so I have listed some pretty irrational things but remember I am a college student, my middle name is irrational. Along with being a college student, I have some pretty terrifying debt in my closet. If textbooks were not so expensive I could start a fund for my future student loans.