Summer is quickly approaching. With the good weather comes motivation to take advantage of the beautiful days and spend time with friends. Along with that, it’s the official “treat yourself” season.Spending a few bucks here and there can’t be too bad, it’s fine.
Well… not exactly.
I know I’m super guilty of spending a little too much money on myself over the Summer. Especially on food, and spontaneous trips to the mall or beach. However, as a college student who fears the future, I HAVE to remind myself of my long run expenses during the school year.
For some students, working during the school year part time can be a lot to handle. It’s a constant juggling act between work, school, and a social life. You can have two, but not all three. Some ways to save money that I think work best (at least for me) can help keep your bank account steadily flowing with cash.
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Lock it away
I currently work part time in food/service retail, and with my job, I get cash tips (hell yeah baby). The easiest way to save money for a rainy day is putting away cash, like in a safe, piggy bank, or mason jar, and depositing your paycheck. Over time, it’ll add up and you will thank the heavens above that you saved it and hid it away (out f sight, out of mind, right?).
2. Make a Budget
Know your expenses ahead of time. Typically expenses include rent (rip to my paycheck), utilities, groceries, and gas (if you have a car). Keep tabs on how much these things cost so you can allocate money to where it needs to be spent. Then, you can spend (or save) the rest on whatever you want.
3. Work more
If you work part time, try working close to full time over the summer at your job at home. Often, I used to be picky about my hours and how many days a week I worked. If you’re like me and have literally no social life at home anymore, you might not be busy all of the time. When I’d come home from work last summer, I’d sit around all day and then go to bed, and repeat the cycle the next day. Instead of sitting around, take advantage of your free time and get PAID for it… by working.
4. Have a philosophy
My personal philosophy with money is “if you can’t buy it twice, you can’t afford it”. I found this somewhere on Twitter years ago, and ever since then, it has stuck with me more than any other life advice I’ve ever heard. It really helps me think twice about spending my hard earned, minimum wage paychecks. Do I really need another pair of the same Lululemon leggings that I have in 4 different colors? Do I need to get chipotle for the third day in a row?
I hope these simple tricks will help you keep yourself in check this summer. Don’t go overboard with your overspending, but then again, a side of guac very now and then isn’t the end of the world.
HCXO,
Devon