The "broke college kid" stereotype is one we all know well. You can have a job and save all you want, but college expenses come at you fast. Textbooks, late night ice creams runs and your favorite musician coming to town all cost money and that money adds up fast. Before you know it, you're saying no to spending time with your friends and having to seriously cut back on fun outings. Before that happens, here are some tips to prevent the "broke college kid" stereotype from coming true.
1. Budget
A budget is a plan you lay out at the beginning of the year allowing yourself a certain amount of money for when you need it most. Giving yourself $20 a week to spend on food and cutting yourself off if you spend more is a great way to prevent the mass cash exodus from your wallet. By making sure you give yourself a little room to spend here and there and a weekly limit, you keep yourself on top of your funds.
2. Use cash
Instead of charging everything to a debit card, withdraw cash to see the money. Using a debit card is easy when swiping is a quick thing, but charging everything to the card can catch up to you quickly. Paying with cash can help you to keep track of your funds as they leave your hands.
3. Cut unnecessary expenses
Living with your parents can be a plush life, and adjusting to being on your own can be a rough transition. Being away from home means new responsibility and managing your life better. You have to look out for yourself and set up rules for your health and the benefit of your cash flow. For example, allow yourself one trip out to eat a week or one trip to get ice cream. However, you don't need to buy a new wardrobe from the school bookstore, or decide that now is the time for those headphones your mom refuses to let you buy. Take this freedom seriously, and parent yourself when necessary.
4. Have fun without money
There are countless free things to do for fun, especially on a college campus. Tuition usually covers a meal plan and there are always areas on campus to explore or fun activities put on by student associations. It is not imperative to spend money on clothing or food, especially as a freshman when the transition is made easier by the school's administration. College can also be a time to practice for when you're really on your own. You don't have to pay bills or buy your own groceries yet, but take responsibility for yourself and make good choices when it comes to money.
College is always an adjustment, from leaving home to accepting the additional responsibilities that come with it. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all and be eager to enjoy as much as possible. However, enjoying college doesn't mean fitting that "broke college kid" stereotype.