Chances are that people living in Chicago either live in the middle of the popular spaces downtown or the surrounding neighborhoods — many fluctuating between the cusp of rich and poor. Like most big cities, the appeal of the large buildings and more significant food portions are mainly for the tourists and people who reside in the high-rise buildings.
And that’s not to say every well-off person is blind to health foundations, the blight of crimes in specific neighborhoods, or even programs for food insecurity. Nonetheless, many of Chicago’s emergency assistance programs are underrepresented. Sadly, Chicagoans lack access to information and methods to protect themselves and their livelihood. They need a survival guide.
Recently, the most pressing matter in Chicago has to be the absurd increase in crime and even more outlandish student loan rates.
As a college student, making dollars stretch over the span of four years with low pay is typical. However, monthly expenses can become a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips in order to create a better budget for monthly bills and how to manage your money better.
For college students, expenses usually include books, housing, tuition, transportation, clothing, and other miscellaneous items. Over time these expenditures can become a burden; however, there are helpful budget apps with plans for almost everyone.
On average, college students spend around $38,000 a year. This amount reflects tuition, housing, and other miscellaneous fees. This does not cover food, clothing, or transportation costs. Thankfully, budget apps such as Mint, Goodbudget, and GnuCash are reliable and can help monitor spending habits throughout the year. It is also helpful to make a spreadsheet of all monthly expenses to see what needs to be paid off and which is more of a priority now.
“Best Colleges” provides 4-steps to better budgeting for college students. Number one is to manage money and ensure not to overspend. Next, create a budget and calculate how much money goes toward “needs and wants.” The third is to use a budget app and tools such as Excel and Mint to manage finances. Lastly, ways to save money in college include renting books and cooking at home to cut back on unneeded spending.
As Americans live through uncertain and unforeseen times, it is essential to remember the importance of safety. In particular, learning self-defense. In fact, police data recently revealed that in Chicago, burglaries were up 36%, thefts increased 70%, and carjacking reports rose by 40% compared to last year. In contrast, shootings declined by 11%, and murders were down by 6% compared to the previous year, according to The Hill.
City Self Defense
One highly recommended tip is to practice situational awareness: be aware of who and what is in the vicinity. The creator of the Soteria Method self-defense program, Avital Zeisler, explains that “the defensive push kick” is one of her top protective moves: Drive the ball of the foot into the attacker’s groin to push them back. Zeisler recommends the more usual kick in the groin with the head of the foot as an alternate option.
The second tip is to punch an attacker with hammer fists. The objective is to try to hit the attacker’s face, groin, or back of the head. It is important to use the fist’s meaty side to strike. Then, push the attacker away using a body slam. Next, use a fist in a downward motion to strike the attacker’s face. If they double over, hit them in the back of their neck.
When an attacker is too close, Tony Scheina suggests using as much power as possible to bash their Adam’s apple or jugular. A strike can cause suffocation, whereas a light blow temporarily disrupts breathing.
The fourth recommendation is to lower one’s center of gravity, to become “heavy,” making it more of a challenge to be dragged elsewhere. After that, bend at the knees similar to a squat. Then slightly lean into the attacker to offset their balance.
Lastly, create distance from the attacker and seek safety.
Written by China Page, Brielle R. Buford, Ke’Lena Thomas
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
U.S. News: 8 Tips for Budgeting in College
Best Colleges: The Student’s Guide to Budgeting in College
Think Impact: Average College Student Spending
The Hill: Chicago records 36 percent jump in crime as some violent crimes drop
Chicago Tribune: 5 top tips from self-defense experts
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Jovan J’s Flickr Page – Creative Common
Inset Image Courtesy of COD Newsroom’s Flickr Page – Creative Common
