Money talks and if my wallet, bank account, or debit card could talk, too, they would scream. I try to be a saver, but then something comes up. All within the same day that I get my paycheck, I’ll have to fill my car up with gas (fossil fuels = money), bring my friends and I to the mall (shopping = money), then they’ll want to get food (food = money), and I’ll end the day most likely doing something that costs even more money.
However, I’m trying to break my ways; ironically enough, being away at college has helped me in the finances department. Since all my meals are prepaid, my car is at home, and my university offers (although very limited) transportation, I have very little out-of-pocket expenses. So then where the h*ck are all my Benjamins at? To be honest, I have no clue.
Since I’m clearly the most qualified person to give others financial advice, it’s only appropriate for me to share my secret money hacks that have managed to keep me mildly afloat over the past year.
1. Get a job.
I know that this is so much harder than baby boomers make it seem; I had to apply to every single store front in my town before I finally heard back from just one place, and that’s just for a minimum wage job. However, once you can do this, you’re good to go.
2. Once you have secured said job, actually secure it.
Show the manager and, most importantly, the owner how reliable you are. This is easier than getting the job because you all you have to do is let your personality shine through. Show diligence, timeliness, neatness, and courtesy, especially when it comes to customer service jobs. This can open up doors to move up within the company, which can eventually lead to more moo-lah.
3. Take care of priorities first.
If you know that you can’t pay your phone bill or take your car into the shop after splurging on something you can’t afford, check yourself. Take care of necessities before all, and then put the rest in the bank -- savings, not checking. Not only does this prevent buyer’s remorse, but it also helps start a savings snowball.
4. Keep the change.
Now is the time for desperate measures: change can be a good thing. Find a large, empty jar and throw in all the loose change that you can find. I did this over the course of about five years and, last summer, I cashed it in at my bank. I ended up getting about $200 that I didn’t even know I had. Also, by keeping the money in change form for so long, I was never inclined to use it. Some coin machines at the grocery stores charge a fee for doing this, so it’s better off going to your bank.
5. Learn to love thrift stores.
At my local hole-in-the-wall saver’s paradise, I can find anything from odd graphic tees for a buck to loved and worn in over-sized sweaters for less than $10. This has been one of my biggest tricks to frugality, because I have been able to save at least 50 percent of what I would have spent at any store in the mall.
6. Get inspired by the show “Extreme Couponing.”
I’m not just talking about the coupons in circulars, though. At plenty of stores and restaurants, you can sign up to be a part of a rewards program they offer, free of charge. Why not get free in-store offers at your favorite places?
