College is one of the best times of your life but it is also one of the most expensive. Now we all know that one person that is always showing off or flexing their new brand name jeans, purse, and clothes, but is constantly asking to borrow money for something. As college students, many of us have experienced our bank accounts being in the negatives. Hey, we all go through it. One problem is our constant spending on unnecessary things. Here are a few tips to help you save because it is about time that we stop spending all of our money, start saving and stop flexing like we have a lot of money when we know that we are broke!
Eat in the cafeteria
You would think that the cafeteria food in college would be a million times better than in high school. Well, we can say that it's slightly better, but its not the best either. After constantly eating from the cafeteria three times a day, it becomes disgusting. That leads you to start spending money on fast food and forgetting you have a meal plan. Stop! You need to manage the amount of money you spend on fast food and the amount of times you eat it. One tip for spending money on fast food is only eating it on weekends and avoid spending over $10.
Free things
Take advantage of the companies that come to your school! They always pass out free things to promote their business and give out samples of their products as well. Take it! That can save you money so you will not have to spend more money purchasing certain products when you can get it for free; especially young women. Hair and beauty companies visit college campuses all of the time, so don't be too cool to stop by their pop-up shop and get some free treats!
"Emergencies"
"Only use it if it's an emergency" is what we are always told, but at our age, getting hungry, not being able find an outfit in our closet, and having to purchase a ticket for a party, is an emergency. When it comes to your idea of an emergency, just be sure to purchase the cheapest items that you may need. You can always look good with bargained clothing as long as you put it together well. Also, be sure to purchase party tickets early. That is when they are at the cheapest price. If you do not decide to use the items that you purchased, be sure to return them or sell them, if able.
Save
There will come a time when all of the money in your checking account will either be very low or negative. You should always have a savings account as back up because it is your plan B when you are desperate. Every time you get money or your parents send you money, place at least five to ten percent of it in your savings account and allow that to grow.
Need vs. Want
As college students, many of us do not understand the difference between wanting something and needing something. You want to go to the party but you know that you need to study for your test. Learn and embrace the difference between needing and wanting. If you know that there will be no consequences to your decision, then go ahead. But don't let the money you spent on having fun this week be your downfall.
Connections
Building connections is one of the most important things in college. When it comes to saving and budgeting your money, landing a job on campus can bring in more income. Having relationships can also result in off-campus job opportunities as well. Getting to know the clerks in the financial aid office or the school of business professors who can help guide you in managing finances will always be great connections to have. You never know who knows how different people can be an asset to you.
Purchasing things in bulk
Another way to save your money in college is purchasing snacks and food by the bulk. Doing this will allow you to go a couple of months at a time without having to go to the store every other week to make purchases.
