5 Budget Tips For College Students | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Budget Tips For College Students

Everyone needs more money, here's a practical guide to save hundreds.

Patricia S Duran
Apr 26, 2016
Eastern New Mexico University
13
5 Budget Tips For College Students
plus.google.com

1. Eat Healthy


Any food with 'pre' before it, costs serious money. Prepackaged, pre-made... Think frozen dinners, pizza, fast food, chips, cookies, and even granola bars. Fresh fruits, veggies, meat, poultry, and baked bread cost less than prepared food found in the frozen aisle. Rule of thumb: If there are more than five ingredients on the food label or you need to Google the ingredients, you are spending too much money on groceries, and your groceries are not healthy.

2. Unplug Useless Power


Unplug your phone chargers, computers, air fresheners, or lamps. Turn off your microwave, televisions, and curling irons. Chances are the electric bill is killing your wallet because of the lights you leave on when you're not home or not in the room. Buy energy efficient light bulbs. Be conscious of wasting power, and your money.


3. Enroll in Budget Billing

Many electric, gas, and water companies offer a budget billing option for you to save money. Usually, you will pay a fixed rate each month, so you know what to expect on your next bill.


4. Think: What is a NECESSITY?


Food? Lights? Warmth? Gas for the car? A home? Loan payment? Bills? Hygienic products?Quit impulse buying. Do you really need that Louis Vuitton backpack, or do you just need a backpack?


5. Sit Down and Make a Budget!

Write down your income and how much you spend on necessities each month. Then rule out what is using your money versus taking your money. Check your bank account each day for a concise balance. On average, you should only be paying 1/3 of your income towards rent. Don't try to outlive your pocket.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

AI music threatens creativity

The Soul of Sound: How AI Challenges Human Expression in Music

305369
Humans and robots face off in a rock band battle with guitars and drums, under dynamic lighting.
StableDiffusion

In an age where artificial intelligence can mimic the voice of Freddie Mercury or reimagine pop hits as synthwave ballads, a new frontier has emerged — one that blurs the line between innovation and erosion. While AI offers undeniable benefits in technical domains, its intrusion into creative arts, especially music, raises urgent questions. Not just about copyright, but about culture, education, and the very soul of artistic expression.


Keep Reading...Show less
ai generated music
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

Miami University
639487
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
music
Entertainment

Why Your Astrological Sign May Not Match Your Personality

We are all more than just one sign.

SUNY Plattsburgh
554160
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
astrology
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

UNC Greensboro
533895
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
spring
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

Sacred Heart University
811928
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
good person

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments