1. The Five Dollar Rule.
Every time you get a five dollar bill, put it aside. Whether that’s heading over to the bank and depositing it into your bank account or putting it somewhere safe like a lock box, put it somewhere you’re not going to just dip into. You’ll be surprised how quickly the money piles up and how quickly you’re actually saving a decent amount of money.
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2. Sell your old clothes and other things that you really don’t need anymore.
There are plenty of websites and apps that give you easy access to uploading your items so that other people who are interested in them can actually go ahead and purchase them. Currently for the ladies my favorite app is called Vinted, which is an app dedicated to helping girls buy and sell their clothing. It takes a percentage of what you sell but it’s so easy to use that I feel like it’s worth it. Throw up a couple of old shirts that you don’t wear anymore or a dress you wore to formal one time and you know you’ll never wear again, and wait for someone to be interested in it! There’s also an app called Close5, where you can upload whatever you want and you don’t even have to worry about shipping things because they’ll come to your house/dorm to pick them up! Quick way to make a couple of extra bucks that you can save for a rainy day (or the next time you need to hit the bar).
3. Find out which stores have student discounts and always take advantage of them. More often than not, stores and restaurants have student discounts just like they have early bird specials or senior discounts for the elderly. The thing is, they don’t advertise them because they don’t really want students to take advantage of them, mostly because they want to make the most money they possibly can. Google student discounts and I swear you’ll come up with a ton to save you a few extra bucks.
4. Take advantage of your meal plan.
Yes, I know that Sodexo doesn’t have the best food selection, but the fact is you’re already paying for it, so you might as well use it. I know the majority of people burn through their dining dollars within the first month, but really try to savor those $300+ and eat in the dining hall as much as possible. If you’re in Higgins it’s a little different, but still – make those one thousand dining dollars go a long way if you can! If you have the unlimited plan, eat most meals in the dining hall, take advantage of to-go containers, and refill your water bottle with something before you leave so you don’t have to purchase another drink.
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