We all have those moments throughout the year when we are short on money and feeling broke. For those with a minimum wage paying job or unpaid internship, it can be a real struggle to save money, especially when all you want to do is go out for with friends and of course do some shopping. Believe it or not, there are some easy ways to keep track of where your money is going so you don't have to worry about being broke all the time.
1. Necessities are a priority.
Unfortunately, there are things in life that are considered "necessities" such as transportation to and from work, food during lunch breaks, gas if you have a car, etc. Public transportation can add up to be a costly price, but it is what takes you into the city and out from work. Food. Oh food, food, food. We all love going to those hot spots. They may be worth the hype, but should not be a constant part of your daily routine. Instead of spending money on lunch, alternate the days when you bring your own food from home and pick one or two days during the week when you can treat yourself with Chipotle or Panera Bread. This also is relevant to coffee. We all love ordering that Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks, but spending $4 or $5 per drink adds up to your weekly expenditure. Limit yourself to maybe two cups maximum per week and make yourself coffee from home.
2. Shopping addiction.
We all love going to the mall and trying on that adorable dress and buying it. Then we walk into another store and splurge on other things that we probably wouldn't need, but buy it all anyway. I know I have a problem with splurging sometimes, not even at the mall, but online. One tip I can give you all, from retail experience, is that when you see a full priced item and you are hesitant whether you need it or not, wait until it is on sale or when the company is having a special promotion. If it something you absolutely do not need and you are not 100 percent sure about it, I'd say move on something else. And who knows, you may see another cute top that catches your eye even more!
3. College discounts.
One of the perks of having that student ID of ours (that we've probably lost at least three times already) is being able to use it in select stores and receiving a special discount off a purchase. A few examples are: 15 percent at J.Crew, Madewell, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic; 10 percent at Burger King, Buffalo Wild Wings, Subway; a free complimentary drink with any meal at Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle; and a discounted movie ticket at select AMC movie theaters on a specific day. Definitely take advantage of this opportunity because these won't be available anymore for those recent college graduates.
4. Join loyalty programs.
Loyalty programs are one of my favorites from stores and brands that I love. Select companies have great benefits for those frequent customers. Whether it is added up by number of visits or total points or just being a member, there will always be a reward(s). If you are a coffee drinker, you might want to consider being a Starbucks member in order to get that free drink after 12 visits. Or if you love beauty and cosmetics, Sephora has great rewards for their "beauty insiders" like free samples and free makeup sessions. Majority of programs include a special birthday promotion for members, too!
It can definitely be a struggle to keep track of where your money goes during the summertime, especially when we are constantly going out with friends and traveling on vacations with family. But there are ways that we can limit ourselves to certain luxuries that may not be necessary. We should not have to be financially stressed out, but instead be smart and cautious money wise.
