With spring break less than 2 weeks away, there is one thing you’ll need more than anything: money. Whether you are going on vacation, taking a day trip, or hanging out with friends, money is a necessity. Now is the perfect time to start saving money for spring break since a) you are focused more on school work then on entertainment, b) you can give excuses to your parents on why you need money without them knowing what it’s really for and c) you have limited spending options. Be sure to follow these tips on how to save your money earned from work or elsewhere, and you’ll actually be able to have fun and enjoy your break.
- Do it Yourself: Girls, we all need pampering. From our eyebrows to our nails, we feel the need to get manis, pedis, and waxing, but is it really that important if we don’t? You can save $30 just by doing everything yourself. If you can’t tweeze your eyebrows, have a friend help you out. As for the nails, give yourself a manicure. Try Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish. Instead of pampering now, wait until spring break so you can get it done wherever you vacation or spend some money you saved for a day at a spa. You will deserve it more after finishing all your tests and essays.
- Don’t Need, Don’t Buy Rule: With the warm weather approaching, you may feel the urge to clean out your winter wardrobe and fill it with spring clothes. Don’t give in! You will have free time during spring break to go on a shopping spree. If it’s something you absolutely don’t need, then don’t buy it. Just because something can be cute, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Every time you go shopping ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If the answer is “No” then save the money for shopping over break. You’ll feel good about not giving in to temptation. To avoid this situation all together, don’t go shopping! Find something else to do over the weekend.
- Opt for Cheaper Food: Just because Temple is close to Center City, doesn’t mean you have to dine there. There are cheaper restaurants on campus such as the Draught Horse. The best way to save money on food is not going to restaurants at all. Order pizza or Chinese food since there are many options on campus for both. Use diamond dollars whenever possible since most parents transfer money on it and use all your meals on your meal plan for that week, which can be applicable at J and H, the SAC, and Seattle’s Best.
- Use Different Modes of Transportation:Transportation can become expensive for the commuters. If you take a taxi or train, save a little money by taking the subway or ride your bike to school if possible. If you know someone else who drives to campus, see if you can carpool so you can save gas money. If you go home on the weekends, see if a friend or parent can pick you up so you don’t have to spend money for the train. In the long run, you can save a lot of money by using cheaper modes of transportation.
- Utilize Your Entertainment Sources: Weekends can become boring if there’s nothing to do. Since you can’t spend money on shopping, you most likely will want to spend money on entertainment including the movies, seeing shows, going to a concert, etc. If you love movies, rent one at redbox (in Fresh Grocer) for $1 instead of going to the movies. Be sure to check out the movie of the week at The Reel since tickets are only $2. Even though The Pearl does have a student discount, try not to go every week. Spring break is the best time to catch up on all the movies you’ve been waiting to see.
These are just a few of the many ways you can save money. Open a separate savings account for spring break and each week you get paid, put half of the paycheck into it. You’ll be surprised of how much you can save in a matter of weeks. Think of it this way, would you rather have fun on the weekend during school or every day during spring break?