Summertime... we all love it. Some might even say they love it more than the holiday season. It's the time of year we can lay back and soak up the sun after our day jobs, and do whatever we want whenever we want. This is until we go to the bank and realize that we've been a little too carefree this season.
As college students, we experience uneasiness as our move-in date approaches. Some obsess over roommate horror stories they fear they'll live, and some worry that the coursework will hit them like a truck. However, I believe that we all share one concern that is very prevalent among college students: going broke. Here are some prevention methods I use for summer money spending. And guess what? I'm healthier because of it.
1. Eat in with your friends instead of eating out
When your friends suggest eating out, invite them over instead. Whip them up a nice homemade meal. In other words, boil some pasta on the stove and throw together a salad. I guarantee you it's much healthier than what you would have ordered at Shake Shack.
2. Carpool in large groups to the beach
Danyel Meahan
Ever get frustrated when you pull into the beach and are greeted with a $25.00 parking fee? Carpool with a group of friends and divide the cost. And who doesn't love a jam session? Studies show that singing at the top of your lungs with your best friends will help you live longer. I know what your thinking… I just made that up. Just go with it.
3. Walk, run, or bike places instead of driving your car.
Last week I went to the gas station to fill up my father's massive truck he's lending to me for the summer. When I saw that it cost me $70.00 to fill up the tank I nearly fainted. From then on I've traveled by foot or bike to my destination to avoid paying for gas. Luckily, I live in a small town. Sure, it takes a little more time to get places, but I'm much more fit now because of it.
4. Always carry a reusable water bottle
Danyel Meahan
"Did you know that soon there will be more plastic water bottles in the ocean than fish?" My best friend asked me this question every day until I finally gave in to using a reusable water bottle. Soon after, I realized that carrying a reusable water bottle has many benefits. I no longer have to purchase an overpriced plastic water bottle everywhere I go. Also, something about using a reusable water bottle makes hydrating fun. Staying hydrated throughout the day is the best thing you could do for your body. More water for the fish, and for me!
5. Don't rush to Sephora to buy the next best beauty product
Andrea Chalon Photography
It's summertime, let your skin breath. We've all been there. We wake up ready to conquer the day until we come across a brand new pimple in the worst possible place. I used to run to the store whenever my current concealer or foundation would fail me. This was until I realized the dent it was making in my bank account. From then on I decided to go makeup free for the summer. My skin now has a healthy summer glow, and those annoying pimples appear less often. Kiss makeup goodbye!
6. Fight the urge to get your daily iced coffee
I know this may scare you. But trust me, it will be okay. Every week I would spend over $20.00 on my beloved iced coffee from my local coffee shop. This was money I decided that I could no longer afford to spend. In the end, it worked out, because without caffeine I've allowed my system to run its natural course.
7. Get yourself some friends that understand your need to save money
Danyel Meahan
If they eat your homemade pasta and salad, they are good ones. If they are off to college too, my guess is that they are looking to save some money like you. Improve your bank accounts and health together!
