Money Saving Tips | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Use These 5 Tricks To save Money This Summer

Everyone loves to save money, here are a few ways to help.

77
Use These 5 Tricks To save Money This Summer
Instagram

In This Article:

It is that weird time of the year again, not exactly a holiday season and yet, our bank accounts take the same hits they do during the holidays. So here are five tips to saving money while enjoying summer break.

1. Make a budget.

If you have a summer job, estimate how much you get paid monthly, then subtract the monthly expenses and make a budget from the remaining amount. I personally love to use spreadsheets because they create a better visual for me. I would suggest making two columns, one labeled 'Expense' and the other 'Amount'. Then label each row with the expense and how much you need for it with the final row having the budget.

Pro tip: before creating your budget on expenses write down a number on a separate piece of paper of what you would like your total to look like. If the number is too high, try condensing some personal expenses. Once you have finished your spreadsheet, print it out and put it somewhere you will be able to see everyday to remind yourself.

2. Save your coins and plastic bottles/cans.

I know what you are thinking...coins are useless, I need more money than that, but you would be surprised. Grab an empty piggy bank or cut a whole into the top of a plastic tub. Every time you come home grab all of your coins and put them in instead of using them.

As for the plastic bottles, have a designated area in your house for them. Then by the end of the summer, go to a Coin Star and a bottle deposit near you. This tip depends more on how often you use cash and drink from bottles/cans.

3. Create a shopping list and STICK to it!

There is nothing worse than finally handling your budget and then going into a store and finding yourself in the clearance aisle going over your budget. So to avoid this ordeal, make yourself a shopping list and stick to it. As for online shopping, another tip would be to not save debit/credit card information to your browser, instead put yourself through the hassle of having to input it every single time.

This tip will help you realize that sometimes by the time you grab the card, it wont be worth it.

4. Pay in cash.

Sticking to budgets and lists isn't always an easy thing to do, especially with how easy it is to pay, simply insert your card and you are all set. So if you find yourself in these types of situations, I suggest to stop by the ATM before and taking out a certain amount of cash then when you get to the store, leave your credit/debit cards in a secure location in your vehicle or at home.

5. Cancel or limit your monthly memberships and subscriptions.

I understand the importance of 'Netflix and Chill' but maybe this summer you can vacation and chill. Write down all of your monthly memberships and their costs, then add up the costs. If it is more than $20/monthly, it is time to cut off some things.

As a bigger motivator, add up all of the money you would save monthly and plan something to do with that extra money. It could be something as delightful as saving $50 and deciding you want to treat yourself to a relaxing day at a water park with your favorite takeout food or something as simple as buying a book that's been on your bucket list.

So yes, the summer time is a horrible time for self control since there is so much to do, but hopefully with these five tips, you will feel a little more under control. Enjoy this summer and stay safe.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

3076
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2684
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments