Don’t buy it unless it’s on sale
Apart from grocery items and other necessities you should try to avoid buying something unless it’s on sale. Stores always put their newest merchandise at the front – and it’s also the most expensive. Start at the back of the store where the clearance racks and less expensive items are more likely to be. Even if something isn’t on sale ask the clerks if they are running any special sales or discount programs. For example – at Charlotte Russe you can save 10% by showing them your school ID!
Sign up for emails
In our digital world there isn’t a store out there who doesn’t offer email coupons. Take advantage of this! Make an email account for just coupons, then sign it up for all your favorites. Local restaurants and favorites stores usually give out a coupon just for signing up, then more periodically. Beware though, only check it when you need to go shopping for a specific item, otherwise you’ll ending up buying something you don’t need just to use the coupon. Make sure to get Groupon emails too, they offer half off or more at popular restaurants and services around Portland. If that’s too far for you while you’re in Orono think about using it as a Christmas gift finder. Your mom will be delighted she got $100 dollars worth of services at a nearby spa, and you’ll be happy you saved 50%.
Share and swap!
This is great if your living in the dorm because chances are your neighbors will have something you don’t. Bargain with them if you want to borrow something – there’s a good chance they’ll need your help in the future. Another great money saving option is to buy in bulk – per item it’s cheaper plus you’ll be splitting it with other people.
If you can’t pay with cash don’t buy it
Every store trying to get you to apply for a credit card will tell you that it’s good for your credit. It’s not that this is a lie necessarily, it’s just that most times college kids don’t keep a close eye on their finances and over spend when they aren’t paying with cash. Stores exploit this by giving you a $300 dollar credit line and then charging 21.9% interest. If you aren’t already in debt from education loans this will surely do the trick! If you don’t have the cash, don’t buy it. It also helps to use paper money instead of your debit card; it feels more like you’re actually parting with your cash when you have to hand it over instead of swiping a card.
Make a fun rule
It’s not common to have cash on hand (which is probably a good thing because it always seems to go faster if you do) but when you get a hold of some make a rule. For example – when ever you have a $5 bill, don’t spend it. Put it somewhere to save and when you’ve got a couple make the deposit. Allow yourself to spend all other bills, except for those fives. It’ll add up faster than you think!
photo credit: google images