Spring break is coming up and with time off your wallet will be begging for your attention. Spring sales, good food and the opportunity to travel will all play a part in eating away at your money. It can be easy to spend a little on a sweater that is 50% off and then an ice cream cone on a nice day, but the little things add up.
Don’t wait for the little things to add up. One of the biggest pieces of advice I’ve learned from being in college for three years is that the little things such as pizza on the weekends, alcohol for a Thursday night and refilling makeup wipes all add up to a hefty bill every month. To take control over your money make a monthly budget and try to stick to it. Think of what you really need. Toothpaste and makeup wipes are a necessity. Wine, ice cream and a cute top for Friday night are not necessities.
Try to only spend a few dollars a week. When you’re on campus there isn’t a need to spend money all the time, but if you go without spending money for a few weeks reward yourself and buy yourself a reward for sticking to your budget. Budgeting will teach you how to manage your own money and will help you get in the habit of saving money.