The term "college student" is universally synonymous with "broke." College kids everywhere have absolutely no money. Actually, they have negative amounts of money because of the loans they took out which are slowly dragging them into a debt-filled pit.
Growing up in a lower-income family, I already have a basic idea of how to save a little bit of money, but college taught me some new ways that I hadn't even thought of. So here is a step by step guide to saving money in college.
1. Lower your standards.
You definitely don't need the new apple watch when you can make yourself a sundial out of a rock and a stick. Maybe that wasn't the best example, but either way the point is: don't pine after the most expensive things on the market when there are other options out there.
2. Coupons
There are apps for this now so don't complain about having to look through news papers for it. If you really want to save money, put the effort into it. They even have coupons that work at the dollar store. I must warn you, though, don't buy things just because you found a coupon for them, that defeats the purpose. Make your list of groceries before you coupon so that you don't pick up too many random things.
3. Sleep
The more time you spend sleeping, the less time you're out spending money. If you sleep more you won't have time to go out and won't have any reason to spend money. Sleep really fixes everything.
4. Stop showering!
If you don't shower, you don't have to spend money on body wash, conditioner, face wash, shampoo, or conditioner! That's almost $30 a month back in your pocket! Who needs to be clean when you can bathe in that green?
5. Sell everything.
At least half the things you own are likely unnecessary. Become a minimalist, sell literally everything. If you're like me, you could make at least $20 bucks off of all that junk. If you're a little more sophisticated you can make a good hundred or so! Just think about it, whats better, being deep in debt with a bunch of junk, or being almost deep in debt with less junk to carry around?
6. Beg.
Your parents have supported you for a while. I'm sure they were already planning on you not knowing how to budget. A friendly call to mom crying about being broke might be just the thing you need to get through the financial trouble that month. Put it on your to-do list so you don't forget.
7. Family is key.
I look forward to every holiday because every holiday is an opportunity to complain about how broke I am. This is a right of passage in my family, countless cousins before me have fallen down the money pit, now it's my turn. Don't make it too obvious though. You're just mentioning a financial crisis, not selling it to them. Don't beg them, just suggest that you and your education would benefit from a few extra bucks.
8. Join a commune.
If your campus is a liberal one, they'll let you start a club for anything. Start a commune club in which everyone shares all of their belongings. After all, Sharing is caring.
9. Get a JOB.
I suggest an on-campus job so you save money on gas. Work your ass off and get almost no money in return! It's super fun and super easy to balance while you're a student, obviously. Dedicate all of your free time to work!
10. Join the porn industry.
Want to make easy cash from home? Start in webcam porn! You don't even have to leave your dorm! And if you get along with your room mates well, you can make even more ;). Although you may have to invest in a new computer, it will surely balance out in the end.
Being broke in college is common, but by following these 10 steps you can easily jump out of the broke college kid norm!
