Let’s be real, trying to save money in college is really difficult. Not only can it be hard to find a job on or near campus that’s enjoyable and pays well, but oftentimes the money you make is helping pay for college or other related expenses. So how can you save money when you’re trying to sustain yourself away from mom and dad? I’ve learned a few tricks in my three years at college.
Download the Cartwheel/M-Perks App
DO NOT TELL YOURSELF THAT YOU’RE TOO COOL TO USE COUPONS. These apps are great for racking up big savings on grocery and clothing shopping trips. You can go into the apps, search by category (food, home, clothing, etc.) and view the current coupons available and when they expire. Don’t get discouraged seeing “Save $0.25” or “Save 5%” because although that seems insignificant, it truly does add up. Shopping for groceries and household cleaners isn’t nearly as exciting as going to the mall to buy clothes but it’s something you’ve got to do so why spend more than you have to? Did I mention these apps are completely free?! Get savin’!
$2 Latte Wednesday’s at Espresso Royale
I’m a little behind with the times and just heard about this great special – but Espresso Royale offers their Lattes for $2 on Wednesday’s! If you’re a coffee aficionado, this is sure to save you some money at least one day per week. Coffee purchases can really add up fast. If you spend $4 on coffee each day, you’re looking at spending at least $20 per week and potentially $80 per month or more. Looking for deals like this on the caffeine you “need” to function can go a long way in your bank account. It’s also great to give coffee shop gift cards as an idea to friends and family for holiday/birthday gifts.
Make a Budget
Though an obvious solution, it’s much easier said than done. Making a spending budget is difficult because not only do you have to decide on a reasonable number, you also have to stick to it! If you have the resources to, sitting down with a financial advisor is a really good idea but otherwise, talking with your parents or even downloading a handy app to track your progress is a great start. Like with any other goals you set, consider working towards rewards for yourself if you meet them. Now, it might be counterproductive to reward yourself with a shopping trip after staying on budget for six months, but you could consider other ‘rewards’ like giving yourself a guilt-free Netflix binge day or fun night with your girls.
Images Courtesy of: Get Your Pretty On, Meijer, PBS, Flickr, and Amazon