So if you're anything like me, you have way too expensive taste and way too little money in your wallet. Have no fear, your how-to guide to balling on a budget is here! Over the past few years I've spent too much money I don't have on things I don't need and have found it to be a waste because most of the time I can find the same things for cheaper elsewhere. Clothes, food, coffee, gas, etc. take up so much of my bank account. I would literally be rolling in the dough if I found some of these tips earlier in life!
1) Plato's Closet.
Plato's is one of the greatest places ever. Where else can you sell your clothes, get some cash, then make a quick purchase on a new outfit for the night at the same time?
2) Rent-The-Runway.
Think formal dresses. Do you wear them more than once? Are they collecting dust in your closet? By signing up for Rent the Runway, you automatically receive 20% off your first order! They have dresses for basically every occasion and you can choose how long you want to keep them for.
3) Keurig.
My Keurig is the gift that keeps on giving (thanks, mom!). The initial fee is a little expensive, but think about how many times a week you stop for that $4 cup of coffee? Add that all up and figure out how much you end up spending a month or even a year in coffee. Then collect all of your coupons to Bed Bath and Beyond and go on a shopping spree to purchase an infinite amount of K-Cups and a cute, reusable tumbler and you're all set! Just don't forget to take the coffee with you before you leave in the morning...
4) Costco.
Once again, the gift that keeps on giving. Costco has everything. That small, annual fee can stock you up on goodies for months at a time!
5) Gas apps.
There are literally apps that tell you gas stations around you that have the cheapest gas. Get it. It's free in the app store. And if you have a Costco membership, gas is cheap there, too. You're welcome.
6) Marshalls.
Or TJ Maxx. Or any store of the sort. Basically my entire wardrobe is from there. Not going to lie, I got Michael Kors sandals there for $24.99 once. Enough said.
7) Take Advantage of Student Discounts.
There are honestly so many places that will give you a discount if you show your student ID. Francesca's, J Crew, Buffalo Wild Wings, Subway and Amazon., just to name a few! Google "student discounts with valid ID" and the possibilities are endless.
8) Target.
This one doesn't even need an explanation, but most of the time I end up spending about $100 more than planned because well, it's Target.
9) Trader Joe's.
If there isn't one near you, I'm sorry. I literally bought 2 extra large, paper bags of food and spent $30. I would have walked out of Publix with the exact. same. food and spent about $90-$100. Trader Joe's is bae. One time I bought 3 bottles of wine for $9........
10) Stop buying stupid sh*t.
Stop eating out for every meal. Stop refusing to wear the same outfit more than once in your life. Stop buying every t-shirt (steal shacker shirts, duh!). Stop going to every happy hour you're invited to (still haven't made that adjustment though).
It may seem hard, but put at least $50 in your savings a week. I've even given up my bi-weekly mani/pedi for doing my own. Sally Hansen makes this great lightless gel manicure polish. Use it. Don't throw your change on the ground, instead put it in a jar and when the jar gets full, cash it at the bank! Stop buying on impulse. Just get the necessities. Stay saving, folks!
