Not everyone has to work a job or two during their college years to stay afloat, but those of you who do understand the struggle. How am I supposed to go to class, work, parties, AND have time to sleep? It just doesn’t add up. But, sometimes we just have no choice but to squeeze our whole daily schedule into 24 hours and we could probably use as much stress-relief as possible. That’s where money saving comes in. One less thing to worry about is a blessing.
1. Shop smart
For household items utilize discount stores such as Marshall’s, Home Goods, and IKEA. For food Kroger is a midwest go-to. Other good options are Trader Joe’s and ALDI.2. Eat smart.
It would be really stupid for you to think you’re never going to eat out with your friends in college. It’ll probably happen a lot more than you’d like but you can easily make the most of it. Get more food than you’d usually get and save half of it. So instead of eating an entire $8 meal, order a bigger $10 meal and eat it twice. $5 a meal isn’t bad if you were going to eat out anyways.Drink smart - of course its really fun to act boujee, but if you and your roommate plan to smash that whole fifth in one night in a dirty frat house, spending $40 on it is really stupid. Settle for the $15 one. You really won’t know the difference.
3. Clip smart
You truly don’t recognize the value of 75 cents off apple juice until you actually have to buy apple juice yourself. Pay attention to all the junk you get in the mail, you might even find a coupon for 2 medium pizzas for $12. (It happened to me. It was dinner for me and my roommates for like 4 days.)
4. Budget
There was no cute way for me to put “smart” at the end of that, but this is really important. Pay your bills first and on time. Use a calendar or app that reminds you when everything needs to be paid. Put money aside for gas, groceries, and just-in-case. If you like to do extra things like get your nails done or go to the bar, but money aside for that too. Planning is your best friend.
Armed with some good money saving habits, you’ll never feel like the broke kid ever again!