Are you having trouble saving money? Is Chipotle breaking your bank? Well have no fear, saving money may be easier then you think!
For what it's worth, I've had problems trying to save money my entire life. I love buying clothes and I love going out to eat with all of my friends, so by the time all of my expensive habits add up, they really add up.
So if you're struggling to save up some cash for that vacation or the new pair of shoes you've had your eyes on, here are a few ways to save a few bucks!
1. Always a classic, the jar or piggy bank
As silly as it may seem, I've had some success in stuffing some money into a jar and not touching it. I hate carrying cash on me, so when I get cash from my jobs in tips and paychecks, I normally keep a $20 in my wallet and put the rest away in the jar. After a while, it's so easy to just put away the money and forget the jar is even there. I've managed to save close to $300 in the span of 3 months just by using this jar. Once it's full, bring it to the bank and deposit it into your savings account. Buying a cheap Mason jar and decorating it with a coat of paint can be surprisingly inspiring. I decorated a $4 jar with a $1.50 bottle of paint and because I worked really hard on making my jar pretty, I was even more determined to make good use of it.
2. Set a budget
I've begun limiting myself to the amount of money I can spend in a week. I give myself $50, and an extra $15 in case of an emergency or if I become really desperate and I need the can of Diet Coke. I use an app called Mint which connects all of my accounts and lets me see my money situation so I can accurately set a budget. It also helps me determine a good budget personalized just for me.
3. Start a separate bank account
If you have a habit of swiping your debit card a few too many times, setting up a different bank account could be an answer to your problems. If you open this account, don't get a debit card to go with it. That way, the money is safely away and even if you had the temptation to use it, you wouldn't be able to. If you think you may need a little bit of this money at some point, have a parent become a joint member of the account so they can withdraw some money and send it your way, in case you are struggling to get by a little bit.
4. Use your student ID to get you discounts
Soooooooo many places offer you discounted goods or services simply by using your student ID or student email. You can get a discounted year of Spotify Premium and a free student trial of Amazon Prime. Stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic, and other big name stores offer an array of discounts with a student ID! You can check out a list here.
5. Leave your parents in charge of your funds
Don't cross off this thought just yet, but your parents are definitely probably more smart with their finances than you are. Letting them be in control of your savings account will give you a way better chance of not using a penny of that money. So, who cares if your mom holds the key to that account? She'll keep your money safe. Plus, no one needs to know. If you think it's embarrassing to have your mom in charge of your money, think again. Could be the smartest decision you ever made.
6. Don't get the guac
Saving money can be as simple as getting a water cup instead of a soda cup, or forgoing the off campus meal and opting for the dining hall where you can use meal dollars instead of real dollars. You can save money by doing the little things you wouldn't think of doing on a regular basis, like brewing your own cup of coffee or painting your own nails rather than going to an expensive salon. Things that are such a prominent part of your daily life may be costing you more than you have, so think twice before you get the guac in your bowl at Chipotle.
Saving money doesn't have to be a difficult thing to accomplish. I've managed to save close to $800 by using these tips, so use them to help you pocket your money and save instead of spending it all in one place! Saving money can be easy!
