cover story: weathering the storm
continues from page Bi
college still very expensive; and for many students,
it's proving difficult to afford. According to an Oc-
tober survey by MeritAid.com, 60 percent of 2,500
high school seniors say they are considering less
prestigious schools because of affordability.
In the T2T survey of the local Jewish community,
teens also said they are planning on applying only to
in-state schools because they're less expensive.
Although some teens still say the economy has
had no affect on them, many are feeling the impact.
Consider that "803 of the individuals receiving
Yad Ezra monthly grocery packages are under the
age of 17," according to Yad Ezra's Berkley-based
Food for Thought newsletter. A teen is more likely to
be affected if their household is going through tough
financial times.
Families in our community are coping with job
loss, foreclosure, hunger and more. In fact, the Jewish
Federation of Metropolitan Detroit started its Jewish
Assistance Project to help those in need. All anyone
needs to do is call one number, (248) 592-2650, to
receive help financially, psychologically and medi-
cally through local Jewish agencies.
A 13-year-old Hillel student says, "In this economy,
I have learned not to take things for granted because I
know there are people less fortunate than me."
Looking to the future, it's impossible to know
what's in store. As we weather the storm, it's impor-
tant to remember that eventually
the thunder stops and the howl-
ing winds cease, allowing the sun
to poke its way through the clouds
again.
ONLY BUY THINGS ON SALE. It has been proven that bar-
gain hunting will spark an adrenaline pump. Finding an item
for lower than normal gives shoppers a distinct pleasure, a
sense of accomplishment and conquer. Why buy a nice cardi-
gan sweater at full price when that same item at the end of
the season will discounted of 50 percent or more? Waiting
for sales may be difficult, but the end result of getting what
you want at the price you want is worth it.
MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT. As trivial as this may sound,
writing down what you want to buy before you go out will make
Cartoon by Josh Loney
you more apt not to buy things on impulse, most of which you
don't need. Penning a list will estimate the amount of money
you need to put into your wallet. Chances are the more cash
you have on you, the more you will likely be willing to spend.
fend off the storm
These tips can help you save money.
Quench the itch to burn a hole in your pocket.
Once at the store, mentally ask yourself a series of ques-
tions. Do I really need this? Will this item benefit me? Am I
going to use it once and then be done with it? Will I be able to
live without it? These questions will be telling in your ultimate
by Gabriella Ring
decision to buy or not to buy.
With the United States economy declared in full recession,
now is the time to be thinking of concrete ways to save. You
DON'T SHOP JUST TO SHOP. Here's a hard truth: Shopping
don't need to feel obligated to stimulate the economy at this
is only required when there is a need for something. Shop-
point and time. Below are tips to feel in control of your money,
ping just to shop will trigger wasteful and mindless spending,
to control temptation and other methods of saving from a teen
burning up money for when it is actually needed later.
expert at the art.
PACK A LUNCH. Most school cafeterias charge food at over-
SHOP WITH A COUPON, DINE WITH A COUPON. Coupons
priced prices. The money may be going toward your school,
may be found in the newspaper or through a company's Web
but bringing a lunch saves money. At Berkley High School, a
site. Be mindful of expiration dates and the terms and condi-
two-pack of Pop Tart pastries sells for $1
tions. Coupons are meant to bring in business and are best
dollar in a vending machine. In stores,
used at restaurants or for groceries.
an 8-pack of pastries sells for about $2.
Simply put, brown-bagging it will save you
One yearly publication is the Detroit Entertainment, a great
money.
resource jam-packed with coupons. Books sell for only $25
Sam Gringlas, 15, is a freshman at North
but, if used over the course of the year, will provide more sav-
Farmington High School.
ings than the original purchase price.
j
Gabriella Ring, 15, is a sophomore
at Berkley High School.
feature
by Jamie Goode
Max Lowe, a senior from West
take the
field
ing high school musicians and educators from
across the country.
Bloomfield High School, was se-
To be selected for these
lected to participate in the 2009
special honors, Max had to
The Lowe family belongs to Congregation
U.S. Army All-American Band, as
send in audition tapes of
Shaarey Zedek of Oakland County. Max is a
well as the Honor Band of Ameri-
him playing and marching.
member of Rabin AZA in the B'nai Brith Youth
Max Lowe struts
his stuff with
distinguished bands.
gan Youth Band.
Organization.
ca (for the second time), playing
He spent five days in
in February at Butler Uni-
San Antonio with his brother,
Max plans to continue his love of music next
versity in Indianapolis.
Aaron, and parents, Jona-
year in college. He is already accepted to the
For the U.S. Army
than and Beth. After prac-
University of Michigan, Michigan State Univer-
All-American Band, Max was
tices, they had plenty of
sity, Central Michigan University and Western
one of 97 seniors from around
the country who marched during
halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl
played at in San Antonio on Jan. 3.
A trombone player since the fifth grade,
time to sightsee.
For the Honor Band of
America in February, Max will be among about
Michigan University. He has auditions with all of
their music schools in the next few months.
Max would like to teach
90 of the most talented high school musicians
band at the high school or
from around the country. That program allows
college level after college
Max attended Interlochen Center for the Arts
him to perform with renowned conductors, per-
graduation.
the past two summers to further his playing
form with world-class guest artists, premiere
Jamie Goode, 16, is a junior
ability. Max also has been a member of the All-
new commissioned works for concert band and
at West Bloomfield High
State Band, All-State Orchestra and the Michi-
perform for a "dream audience" of outstand-
School.
B2 teen2teen January • 2009
visit JNt2t.com