Hoping to blow off some steam on a big spring break trip? Just looking to balance out your spending from the fall? Here are some tips on making educated choices about allocating your funds to maximize your money without totally blowing your budget!
Â
Eating
Save on: Ordering in | Splurge on: Going out
With the temperatures dropping below zero, and the winds strong enough to knock a person over, even the few steps out from under the comfort of your blankets to make the trek to a dining hall may be difficult. But be careful! A couple meals ordered in a week (when a free meal isn’t that far!) can really add up. Since you’ll probably be going out to eat less anyways, save up your cash to go big for those special occasions by cutting back on the number of times you order in!Â
Â
Hydration
Save on: Starbucks, smoothies and sodas | Splurge on: a water bottle
So basically save on everything J. But seriously, the wind and the aversion to drinking cool liquids will leave your lips chapped and your skin unreasonably dehydrated. Drink water! H2O may not be as warm as coffee or tasty as coke but it’ll help brighten your complexion and tighten your wallet.
Shopping
Save on: Every day outfits | Splurge on: special events
Whether you’re in six sweaters or the same pajamas you wore the night before, the amount of layers you’ll be wearing will make your ability to style creatively a little more difficult. When your fingers feel the need to flip through online catalogs, direct them to shopping for a cute formal dress or some crazy new party shoes. You’re going to want to be able to flaunt your newest items, not shove them underneath your winter jacket!
Â
Self-care:
Save on: Pedicures and spray tans | Splurge on: Facials
Everyone chooses to pamper themselves to a different degree—some putting full spa days into their weekly schedule and others going months without plucking a brow. If you’re going to pick and choose this month, take care of the main thing you’ll be exposing to the world this month: your face. You’ll be hiding your toes under layers of socks, and I have yet to see someone pull off a believable spray tan in these arctic conditions. Pamper that little patch of skin between your hat and your scarf!
Entertainment:
Save on: going to the movies | Splurge on: a Netflix account
One ticket to one movie that you have to walk to in unbelievably inhospitable conditions: $10.15. Unlimited streaming of a wide selection of TV and movies from the comfort of your bed: $7.99. Need I say more?!
Â
These are just a few tips and tricks, but watching your spending in small ways will surely add up in the long run!