'Adulting' in your late teens, and 20s, is hard enough without having to worry about finances. Though most of us will have difficulties with having enough money while beginning to navigate the "real" world, there are a few things I've learned than can help you save money.
Coupon, coupon, coupon.
Seriously, y'all. If you find a coupon for items you would normally use anyway, use the coupon! I have been couponing since I was 18, and I can't even tell you the amount of money I've saved on personal care items simply through couponing. You don't have to be an extreme couponer to coupon. Here's a simple scenario: Razor "X" costs $9 in the store. You find four coupons for "$4 off of razor "X." By using four of these coupons, you will save $16! Couponing isn't time consuming, and can save you lots of money.
Find weekly sales at local stores.
Read the weekly ad for local stores, and take advantage of the good deals! If you use sale prices in conjunction with coupons, that's an even bigger savings. (Tip: There's an app called "Sale" that has weekly sale ads based on stores near you. It is super handy!)
If you are a college student, take advantage of student discounts!
Many retailers offer a 10 percent discount for students. Also, I highly recommend Amazon Prime for students. For only $49/year, you get free Prime shipping (you know how essential fast shipping is for textbooks), free Prime music and free Prime video. It is a fantastic service at a good price.
Download Pocket Points.
This is an app designed for college students. Basically, you will receive points for not being on your cell phone while in class. The app rewards you with retail discounts, and lots of free food options! For example, in my college town, you can get a free smoothie at Smoothie King for 70 points! I get one every Friday for free just by using Pocket Points!
BYOL. Bring Your Own Lunch.
This a big one. Bring your own lunch. I understand the pull to eat out every day, but bringing your own lunch is much more cost effective. I like to mini-meal prep. Basically, on Sundays and Tuesdays I make my lunch for the entire week. Just to put things in perspective: You can buy a burger, fries, and drink for around $8 every day. That is $40 a week, which equates to $160 a month! You could also have baked chicken, salad, veggies and fruit for around $3 a meal, which equals about $15 a week or $60 a month. By bringing your own lunch, not only will you save tons of money, but you will also eat much healthier!
Don't go crazy with the credit card.
Chances are, you're already in student loan debt. Don't add onto that debt by using your credit card on things you don't really need! Having a credit card is great for building credit, but using it wisely is the key. I like to use my credit card like a debit card. If I don't have the money in my checking account that I plan on using my credit card for, I don't use the credit card. Simple as that.
Take advantage of free food at college events.
If there's anything college will teach you, it will be to take advantage of free food.
Only buy off of clearance racks.
As far as shopping for clothing goes, I promote only shopping sales. I have saved so much money by only buying clearance items. In fact, the only thing I will buy full price is running shoes.
And the last thing...Learn. To. Budget.
Budgeting will help you so much. It is as simple as writing down the bills you must pay, and living expenses, before you receive your check so you won't spend the money you need to survive. Know how much you're spending, and what you're spending your money on. Track your spending for everything -- whether it be gasoline, fast food, bills, insurance or groceries. Keep yourself in check, and hold yourself accountable.
