I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer something cheap with a funny name.

I’m certainly not the Most Interesting Man in the world, but I like to think that I can grow a pretty solid beard like that Dos Equis fellow.

And while I’m using his catchphrase as a joke, I’m also trying to stress that cheap is good, especially for college students. Our number one ally in the war to save a buck used to be Natural Light. It was the cheap go-to 30 rack. But a slight and subtle price increase has broken the alliance. This is a deal breaker for most college students on a budget. They feel betrayed. Let down. Perhaps a little less hopeful about the future.

But, like all other industries, there’s always room for a little competition. And the mighty silver and blue has been replaced by another drink that wouldn’t fair much better in a blind taste test: Hamm’s.

It might be older than Natty, but I don’t recall noticing Hamm’s at any beer distributor last year. And when it rings out to 15 dollars and some change, it’s hard to say no.

The difference in price is small. Perhaps the increase didn’t even phase the avid Natty drinker. But think about how many times you frequent the beer store. Think about what you buy when you need something for drinking games. Are you throwing down for Miller Lite or Coors? I hope not. That’s not the way of the college student.

This goes far beyond the price you pay to party. Being frugal in college is an art form if not a challenge. You don’t need to go on a Ramen binge, but maybe rethink the quantity of food you buy when you go out for lunch. Some other cost cutting ideas are:

• Cut out coupons before you go grocery shopping.
• Bargain shop: find out what stores have the best prices.
• Sign up for gas reward programs.
• Think “Dollar Store” or “Ollie’s” for certain items.
• Avoid online shopping.

The beauty of cheap is that it can eventually lead to some spoils. Maybe after a few weeks of getting Hammed (see what I did there) you can enjoy something on the other side of 20 dollars.