Buying books. Online shopping, also known as J.Crew Final Sale. Purchasing much needed home décor for your dorm room. I mean, it went perfectly with the color and theme, right? Maxing out the credit card because the neon skirt, top, and accessories were essential for the Rave. Overdrafting because too much liquid courage made you open a tab on Thursday night.
Does your bank account look like it recently went on Slimfast? Trust me, you are not alone. But, before you start lamenting that you are “Rolling in the Debt,” we have brainstormed ten ways that you can save a buck or two.
1.) Slim down the cost of your cocktail (To those of legal age, of course).
Before you run out to ShopRite to buy diet coke, tonic water, or cranberry juice, we advise you to take full advantage of Harris Dining Services. Don’t be afraid to bring your water bottle to dinner and fill it up with whatever your heart desires. Our go-to is cranberry and lime slices. Now, that’s a happy hour.
2.) Borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor.
Buying new going-out outfits can seriously take a toll on your savings. Not to fret, neighbors are there for a reason. Establishing an “open closet policy” is a perfect way to ensure that you never commit the dreaded crime of “outfit repeater.” Swap tops, necklaces, shoes, you name it, and you will always be ready for your close up.
3.) Hydrate Cost-Efficiently.
For all those people who claim they taste a difference between Evian and tap water, we have a few words for you: Brita filter and a Nalgene . Seriously, it will be the smartest water you will ever drink.
4.) Dine-out on campus.
We know BravoBravo and Azu are extremely tempting, but who said you can’t go out for dinner on campus? Use themed dinners and lunches to get together with your closest friends and dine in style. We recommend Stir-Fry Night and Soup and Salad Day in FREEman. Look on the bright side, you won’t even have to leave a tip.
5.) Shed some bucks off of your beloved Starbucks.
As college students, coffee is often as necessary as food and water. Unfortunately, it can also add up. One way to make sure your coffee does not put you in a fix is to invest in a trendy travel mug. Fill up this lifesaver in Smith, JA, Harris, and Cro and flavor with Starbucks sugar-free caramel syrup (located in Harris). You will have more than enough energy… and money.
6.) Forever 21 dollars in your wallet.
To make sure that your new fall wardrobe does not break the bank, go to Forever 21 and purchase items that you can integrate with your staple pieces. Inexpensive tops and tanks can be sported effortlessly under your favorite J.Crew schoolboy blazer. If you do opt to buy a more expensive piece, make sure it’s a separate. Simple arithmetic: cost of garment divided by the amount of times you wore said garment equals the actual cost of garment. Mixing and matching never looked so thrifty.
7.) Support local farms.
Before you fill up your room with snack food from Target, grab a couple pieces of seasonal fruit from the dining hall to save for later. It’s is a healthy choice that will leave your wallet and waistline thanking you.
8.) Those boots were made for walking.
Running on an empty tank of gas? Well, there really is no need to drive from South Campus to Harris. We suggest that you opt for the more eco-friendly option: walking. You will be able to showcase your favorite Frye boots and enjoy the changing season… while working off that regretted late-night pizza.
9.) Working out without maxing out.
Instead of paying $15 a week to attend a yoga class off campus, grab your ladies and your yoga matt and hit the green. Why spend money for a spin class, when you can take free spin or zumba classes at the fitness center? Hey, with all the money you saved, you might be able to buy yourself a new pair of LuluLemon pants.
10.)Design on a dime.
Don’t purchase posters to decorate your room. Instead, develop all of your favorite pictures at Walgreens and personalize your walls. We love do-it-yourself décor, so get creative and take Martha Stewart on a run for her money.
Follow this advice and you will be singing dolla dolla bills, y’all (a la Wyclef Jean).
Photo Credit: http://www.asouthernmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/girl-shopping.jpg