For many college students money is tight, but there’s still great ways to save! Here are some simple ideas:
BUDGET
The first thing is to plan a budget ahead of time. It’s smart to create a spending plan so you know where and how you’re spending your money. If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s impossible to know what to cut back on. Too many dinners out with friends and an unexpected book you have to buy for class may find you short on cash at the end of the month.
FOOD
Prepping meals at home can save you a lot of money. One meal out can cost you as much as three home-cooked meals–and with planning it can be easy to cook once and have leftovers for days. Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. Stock up on sale items you can easily store or freeze to save time and money.
TEXTBOOKS
Before you go out and buy the newest copy of each book for your classes, shop around. Look for used versions of textbooks or rent them if possible. Sometimes you even can find textbooks at the library. If you have to buy a textbook at full price, take good care of it so you can sell it back at the end of the semester.
ENTERTAINMENT
Having fun inexpensively while in college should never be a problem. Instead of spending money on entertainment, check out the free events your campus has to offer—concerts, movies, speakers, sporting events. Stay in shape with the free fitness classes or intramural sports offered at your school’s recreational center. Lastly, ditch your cable—watch shows and movies online or borrow them from the library.