//TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Each year, teens spend millions of dollars on things like exercise equipment, health food and even medicated soap. So what can you do if you want to take care of yourself but don’t want to spend a fortune? Here are some tips:

Exercise/Sports Equipment
Prices for exercise equipment can make you never want to leave your couch, or your Xbox. Put down the controller, pick yourself up and look for deals at second hand stores like Play it Again Sports or eBay. You’ll find that tons of people buy equipment, don’t use it, then sell it for cheap. If you order online, factor in the cost of shipping. If you’re buying sports equipment, don’t start with the most expensive equipment available. Wait until you develop your skills before buying pro-level equipment.

Healthy Eating
Making smart choices about the food you eat is good for your health and can save you money. For instance, junk food zaps money from your wallet without providing the nutrition your body needs to stay strong for sports or other activities. Because junk food never really fills you up, you’ll keep spending money without curbing your hunger. The key is moderation. Instead of eating chips everyday for lunch, bring healthy snacks from home a few times a week.

Personal Care Products
Some people will pay ANYTHING to look good. Before you spend your hard-earned money on expensive hair or skin care products, do a little research. You may find that you can get the same results with a cheaper alternative. If you must have a specific name brand, buy in bulk and split the cost with a friend, or find a nearby outlet mall where prices are cheaper. Also, many companies provide free samples, coupons and rebates available through their websites.