Living with a tight budget is pretty common for people my age, especially if you are a student. You become very fond of the words Free and Discount when you are on your own, especially when you haven't quite learned how to discipline yourself with spending. So for everyone out there in my shoes, here is a list of nine "hacks" that have helped me to not only survive out in the real world but also keep some money in my wallet.
1. Find A Job
This one is probably the most obvious, so I figured I'd get it out of the way. A job is going to help you keep your wallet from gathering spider webs and it will give you a little bit more freedom. Even if it's only a few hours a week or only a summer job, I highly recommend having one. Babysit, walk dogs, water plants, waitress, sell ice cream, wash cars or literally anything. There is a job out there for everyone and if you don't want an official job then try one of the side jobs like babysitting. Anything to show you're responsible and reliable can be added to your resume (if you can find references to back you up) and everyone needs a little extra cash here and there.
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If you don't have time or transportation to report to a different location for work, you can always find odd jobs online as well. Taking online surveys, writing for Odyssey (hint hint) or some of the other ideas listed on this website are just a few of the many easy ways to make a few extra bucks from the comfort of your own bed.
2. Read The Skimm
Most of the items on this list are ways to save money or make money, but this is a way to stay current in today's world.
When you're living on a campus or on your own, sometimes you miss important things that are happening in the world outside of your little bubble. So rather than sitting down and watching the news every day or reading the paper, my mom introduced me to a website called The Skimm. A lot of news outlets make you pay for a subscription like this, but they are totally free. They're a pretty unbiased news source that emails you a summary of the prior day's events every morning, Monday through Friday. I added it into my morning routine while I was at school and read their daily emails before I got ready for class. Sometimes I was even able to get some bonus points in my classes for being up to date on current events and I wasn't the kid in the back with the "what the hell are they talking about" face.
Give it a try, just click here to sign up.
3. Use Student ID Discounts
A lot of places throw in a student discount, especially if you're a college student. I always keep mine visible in my wallet whether it's in the clear ID pocket or I "accidently" pull it out while grabbing my debit card. Yes, I rolled my eyes too, but I hate asking if they give student discounts so it's my own passive-aggressive way of saying "Hey I'm a student on a tight budget but I'm still giving you business, help me out?"
You can search for specific stores that give discounts on google and usually small businesses around college campuses give discounts as well. Anything will help when it comes to spending less money!
4. Try Out Pinch Me
Who doesn't like free stuff? Pinch Me is a company that sends you free samples once a month to test out. You pay for absolutely nothing and all you have to do to keep the boxes coming is answer some questions about your interests and fill out surveys on the products you test out. Every second Tuesday of the month beginning at noon they post new samples. You log in and if you're eligible for samples (I have been 7/8 times I've logged in) then you choose any of the available ones to place in your box. It's super easy!
The products start out a little odd but as you continue on with the program it gets awesome. For example my first box consisted of one Unisom sleep aid pill, some organic dog food for Asher to try out and one packet of Truvia sweetener. Not exactly the most exciting three products, but my last box was full of V8 energy drinks, face masks, lotion, sunscreen and hair products. Totally worth it if you ask me! Like I mentioned before, you don't have to pick each sample but I usually do. Free stuff is free stuff and I always find someone in my life who could use one of the samples!
Click this link to sign up and be sure to set your monthly alarm for sample day!
5. Check Out Amazon Prime
I have an online shopping problem, and going away to school only made it worse. Receiving a notification that I had mail was like waking up on Christmas morning, only I usually paid for whatever package was sitting in my mailbox. Signing up for Amazon Prime with my student email was probably one of the best things I could have done. They give students a free subscription which means free Audible audio books, free two-day shipping, and tons of other cool features. Not to mention you can rent textbooks through Amazon for way less than your bookstore. One of my psychology textbooks was supposed to be $165 through my bookstore and I found it for around $70 on Amazon.
Trust me, it's worth a try, so click here for more info.
6. Sell Your Old Stuff
We all have clothes that we don't wear anymore, so why not make some quick cash? Around where I live, we have these consignment stores called Plato's Closet that buy gently used clothes and either donate or return the items they don't want to take. Yes, they're pretty picky, but I've made $80 off a few trash bags full of clothes. Goodwill is always an option as well if you don't want to get paid, but Plato's and other similar stores pay for some and will still end up donating what they don't. So why not add a little cash to your wallet?
If clothes aren't your thing or you don't have any stores with programs like the one I mentioned above, sell your stuff online! There are plenty of apps and website that will allow you to post your stuff, and some will even cover shipping for you. Also, try and see if your community has a local "yard sale" page where you can post things you want to get rid of and not have to worry about shipping.
7. Sign Up For Reward Cards/Programs
We all have to shop at some point, so why not get some extra stuff out of it? Most stores have rewards programs that are free to sign up for and all you have to do is remember a card or at least a phone number. Personally I love the CVS rewards system because you get coupons based off of what you purchase to use next time and sometimes you get bonus bucks which is basically free money. Pharmacies take enough of my money between medications, vitamins and beauty products so I like that CVS helps me catch a little break.
Punch cards that work your way up to a free item or a big discount are nice too, as long as it's free to join then you really have nothing to lose.
8. Try Some Online Stores
Holidays and birthdays don't stop just because you're on a tight budget. This means, sometimes you have to put out some money for those that you love. If you aren't one for DIY projects, then try checking out some Instagram or Etsy stores. Most of these stores are full of unique handmade items that will be sure to win the hearts of those who receive them. There is something for everyone, so take a little time and dig around online.
9. Save Your Change
I never used to save my coins, but once I started receiving tips at work I decided to keep them all. Change really does add up and taking baby steps by saving a few cents here and there will pay out in the end. When my jar of change gets anywhere from half-full to completely full, I take it to my bank and cash the coins in. Each time I just out with around $60 worth of coins to add to my bank account. It takes time but it's worth it once you cash out.
Hopefully some of these tips are useful, pass them on!
