Concert tickets, homecoming sweatshirts, philanthropy events, oh my. The phrase "broke college student" was not created out of thin air. Many students have noticed a direct relationship between watching your bank account and GPA wither away.
Regardless of how “cheap” people might perceive you, college kids are willing to go to drastic measures to save anything they can, from driving to Texas or counting the McDonald’s dollar menu as dinner. But there are easier ways to save that are much less stressful.
1. Walk or get designated drivers
A $10 cab ride downtown doesn’t seem like a lot at the time, but every week all year really adds up. I know it’s freezing, but you can save money by not taking an Uber from High Street to Summit. Or find a friend staying in who wouldn’t mind picking you up. And offer to buy them a slice of pizza or something less expensive than taking a cab. Take turns with your friends with who’s staying in and repay each other this favor.
2. Eat in
It’s so tempting to stop and get an order of Wendy’s chicken nuggets, but this adds up in your budget and your stomach. Grocery shopping saves money in the long run when you grab a quick snack from the fridge that keeps you from stopping for Panera or Chipotle later, which we all know keeps getting more expensive ($1.90 for guacamole?!). Avoiding late night eating all-together is a beneficial sacrifice.
3. Stop online shopping
It doesn’t feel like real money. Delete your credit card information that’s stored on Tobi, NastyGal, and all your favorites. Venmo doesn’t help either. Personally, I don’t think I’m actually spending money unless I physically fork over the cash or swipe my card. It’s incorrect to assume that online transactions are taken out of a different, illusive account.
4. Stay in an extra few nights
Especially if you’re that girl who drunkenly offers multiple rounds of shots for her 10 new best friends. Whether you spend money or lose it, going out is far from free (see step 1).
5. Raid closets
Being in a sorority makes this extremely easy. Instead of spending money on a brand new date party dress or a TG outfit, ask your lovely friends if they have clothes you can try on. Have a dress swap with ones you’ve already worn.
6. Shop smart
There’s nothing wrong with being a Maxxinista. Look for sales and clearance items. This can especially be worthwhile while online shopping, if you absolutely cannot resist; just scroll through the sale section.
7. Be selfish
Kind of a tricky one, but also necessary. Don’t always be the friend paying for the cab, buying people food, and letting others mooch off your drinks. It’s hard to say no because you don’t want to seem like a stingy wench, but your money is valuable. Don’t let people take advantage of your generosity. Follow through with people who owe you when they try to avoid it. But be nice about it.
8. Make money instead of just spending
What a brilliant idea! If you have time for a job, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to have positive additions to your balance. It’s a scary thought to look at your money and know that it’s only going down. Sell things you don’t wear or use anymore for a little extra spending (or saving) cash.
