"Broke-Ass" Stuart Schuffman is not afraid to call you out. He uses every curse word in the book. He offends you for your bad spending habits and bluntly calls you a dumbass for your idiotic purchases. But, while you might feel insecure about your latest buy or offended by his ridicule, his book, "Young, Broke and Beautiful: Broke-Ass Stuart's Guide to Living Cheaply," is the Holy Grail for college students.
Targeting all the ways people spend money, Schuffman unravels his knowledge from years of travel and experience in a neatly organized, 222-page guidebook. From drinking and eating to dating and traveling, Schuffman posts all his secrets on how to save every goddamn dime you're worth.
You might know Schuffman from his earlier guidebooks based on saving money in New York and San Francisco, or you may have seen him on the Independent Film Channel this summer in his new critically acclaimed TV show, "Young, Broke and Beautiful."
With aspirations to be a travel writer, Schuffman started out in San Francisco carrying around a backpack full of zines and a small do-it-yourself magazine and hit the streets to spread his knowledge. This was his first draft of frugal living on the streets of California.
"Getting out on the streets was my first step to getting known," Schuffman said,"just me running around with my backpack full of zines."
Traveling for 10 years, Schuffman has compiled hundreds of tips on how to save money in almost every situation. For Gainesville students, some of the top tips may be on drinking, eating and dating.
After 20 hours of work and 15 hours of class, it makes sense that you want to go out on the weekend to do some stupid, regretful things. But your soon-to-be-paid rent is on your desk, and you're living in 85-degree heat just to keep your electricity bill down, so fun opportunities seem to pass. Schuffman disagrees and tells you exactly how to get around paying more than you should for a few beers and a burrito.
Tips include saving money on drinks at the bar, finding the right places to eat around your town, saving on entertainment and even ways to host a cheap date. There are health and beauty tips, advice on where to shop, websites for cheap textbooks and even dozens of suggestions if you're searching for a job.
The conclusion of the book includes a section written by professional financial coach Betsy Crouch on how to handle your finances, see if any former employers owe you money, learn how to spend on a budget and determine your financial priorities in life.
"Betsy is great when it comes to managing your money," Schuffman said. "I'm no good with money or investing. She really sums up the important financial information that no one ever wants to confront."
Along with tips for saving cash, this hysterical and truthful guide shows you how to live an A+ lifestyle.
While the world seems to revolve around money, Schuffman proves there are ways to have an awesome time even if you are a "broke-ass" student.
"No matter what you do," Schuffman said, "work your ass off and be nice to everybody because that stuff comes back around to you in the end."
Schuffman is hoping to continue his TV show on IFC and has future plans to write short stories. He will be hosting an East Coast tour - sadly, not in Florida - where half the session will be Q-and-A and the other half a dance party. You can check out his website at brokeassstuart.com to see upcoming events, read money-saving columns or watch videos from his TV show.
"Come out and see me! Follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Tell your friends about me," Schuffman said. "I don't care if it's good or bad."
