Story By: Alexis Jurado

Now that school has started the mad senior year has now taken shape. Seniors are close to the finish line of their formal K-12 education, but one thing will be in the way of making it an enjoyable year is MONEY!

The senior comes with big cost for numerous things. Cost add up, but can be affordable if you plan.

According to a Balfour list of traditional senior costs, it includes
 Cap and gown ($75.95)
 For 40 invitation’s the cost is ($60.00)
 1 yearbook is anywhere from $55.00 up to $
 ACT ($56.50) and SAT test ($54.50) each time taken
 1 Senior class shirt ($ 20.00)
 Class ring ($280.00 up to $450.99)
 College applications ($200.00)
 Prom ($324.00) –ladies ($100.00) – Gentlemen
 Sports anywhere from ($75.00 up to $200.00)
 Dual Enrollment ($150.00 all the way up too $750)
 Senior pictures ($350.00)
 Senior trip ($1,500.00)
 Senior school events ($100.00)

Total Cost: $5,364.00
Here are some tips we asked valley seniors on how can you save money your senior year?

“Just buy what you need instead of what you want to get”. – Melynda Lopez, ’16 Sierra Linda High School Phoenix, AZ

“Look for cheaper ways to buy your product vs. getting high end quality material, look for coupons or cheaper places to get your graduation gear. –Alicia Sanchez ’15 Mountain View High School, San Tan Valley AZ

“Don’t buy pointless stuff, and don’t go out to eat all the time. Instead of buying junk food and thing’s you are never going to use buy what you need for senior year”. Raquel Torres, ’15 Mountain View High School, San Tan Valley AZ

“Saving money for senior year by not spending money on clothes, and shoes that I don’t need. Eating out or just make fun entertainment at home. Make a budget between money saving for college, food and 10%of money that I can spend. Melina Tacheenie, ‘16 Sierra Linda High School Phoenix Az

“Be smart about what you buy, don’t spend money on pointless thing’s such as fast food, movies, or even unnecessary stuff that you don’t need. Make a list of everything you need for senior year and calculate the total and follow the list. Treat it as a grocery list. Think before you buy, and don’t buy something just because you think it’s cool”. –Luis Arreola, ‘14 Primavera, Phoenix AZ.