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