When I was little I never wanted for anything. As I grew older, things changed and I slowly began to not be able to afford things that I wanted. Through my first year of college, I learned a lot of lessons about money and I don't mind sharing them.

I am not wealthy, but I do not go a week without the things that I need. Part of that was learning how to live modestly. It is completely okay to avoid going to the mall or to some place you know you will want to spend money at. Think about it: do you really need a new pair of shoes to add to the pile on your closet floor? Avoiding going places that suck the money out of your pocket is a great way to save a pretty penny. As soon as you save up a few extra dollars you can hit the shops and blow your extra cash.

I'm not the greatest cook, but I don't need to be. I can get the nutrition I need from the ingredients in my fridge. You don't need to go out to eat every night, order delivery or even cook a fancy meal. Sometimes a little ramen is enough. By not blowing all your money on fast food you save a lot for the things that are important, like rent.

Living modestly doesn't mean you have to give up spending money all together, it just means that you save it for whats important, and eventually you can get that new MK Purse. We can cut back on spending money on clothes and fancy dinners, the reward will be so much greater.

Another thing you can save on is by reducing the amount of extra activities you do. You do not need to blow money every week at the bar. That new movie will come out on Netflix eventually, and the animals in the zoo will be there tomorrow. Instead you could do activities that really don't cost a lot of money. A day at the lake is a great way to have fun and save, and so is even a simple walk around the block.

Sitting back and relaxing is also a good way to save money. Sitting by the pool is enjoyable and cheap. Even sitting on the couch is relaxing, and you don't even have to put on pants. Reading exercises your mind and not your wallet. Those are hours of enjoyment for very little cash.

Getting out in nature is also enjoyable and cheap. Camping costs little money and there are tons of things to keep yourself occupied. A night under the stars is relaxing and freeing.

Another way to save is to not by name brand things. Shop at Aldi's or Walmart for cheap groceries and clothing. A trip to TJ Maxx might cost you a little more, but the clothes are name brand for half the price.

Its okay to live within your means. Do not feel like just because all of your friends are buying Sephora make up that you can't buy the Dollar Tree brand which is just as good.