› Budget101 Discussion List Archives › Budget101 Discussion List › Tips for college students trying to live on a budget
- This topic has 8 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated January 28, 2009 at 4:54 pm by .
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January 28, 2009 at 11:06 am #270025
faxonfive
You’re in college now! For better or worse that means you have to be responsible for yourself, and that includes being responsible for your money. Learning how to spend your money wisely is not always easy–especially if you have caviar tastes on a tuna fish budget.
Here are a few tips to help you stretch your money.
Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy all have sales on things you want and need.
Clip Coupons!
These extra savings add up, especially if you use them at stores that offer to double their value. They’ll help you save a few more dollars that can be put toward other luxuries
Get textbooks Online!
Even if you are lucky enough to get all of your books at “used” prices, you still end up paying a huge amount for a semester’s worth of books. Explore online textbook shopping.It’s simple, it’s fast, and – often – it’s cheaper
Pay Off Your Balance Each Month!
Using your credit card can be a good way to build a credit history, but you want a good credit history, don’t you? Use only one credit card with a low credit limit, and pay your balance in full each month.
Use a Debit Card!
If you have self-control issues, then trade in your credit card for a debit card. The money comes directly out of your checking account, so you pay no interest and there is no danger of spending money you don’t have.
Balance Your Bank Account!
Do this every month to avoid costly bounced check charges and embarrassment at the check-out stand.
Eat Out Less!
Purchase a meal plan; buy groceries; brown bag your lunch; find less expensive places to eat.Eating at restaurants week after week will take a big chunk out of your budget.
Don’t Drink!
Beer and apple martinis are expensive. On top of that, you’re more likely to give in to impulse spending (extra fries, cute hat, etc.) if you’re sporting a buzz. Besides you shouldn’t be drinking unless you’re 21, so cut it out!
Shop for a Better Cell Phone Plan!
You spend all day on the cell phone – text messaging, yapping away, checking your stock quotes.
Use Less Gas!
Are we really paying $3.50 per gallon?Consolidate errands when you go off campus. Make lists during the week so that you don’t end up making three trips to Albertson’s. If you’re one of those people that really likes to drive around to show off your cool ride, maybe you could just coast downhill on Lincoln – just kidding; you’ll have to rely on some of the other cost saving tips.
Review Your Budget Each Month!
If you consistently go over your budget, keep records of everything you spend during the next month.Use this expense information to trim excess spending and try again.
Get A Campus Job!
If you can’t make these tips work for you, then you need more cash. There are many part-time jobs available on campus. You can earn some dough and not waste any money on gas.
There are so many things that you can do to save money. -
January 28, 2009 at 11:11 am #412788
Tarrien
For my phone I ended up trading in my $40 a month for a prepaid plain since I barely talk to anyone and it turns into being a huge waste after a while if you’re not big on talking.
And eating out less, gawd, if I could just convince my roommate to quit that habit we’d be sitting a lot prettier with our funds.
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January 28, 2009 at 11:12 am #412789
faxonfive
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January 28, 2009 at 11:14 am #412790
Tarrien
Oh yeah, these tips definitely help.
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January 28, 2009 at 11:19 am #412792
faxonfive
My oldest daughter is in college and I try to advise and help her as well!!
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January 28, 2009 at 11:23 am #412794
Tarrien
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January 28, 2009 at 12:07 pm #412815
faxonfive
Thats kewl!!! It could apply to the youth also 🙂
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January 28, 2009 at 12:11 pm #412819
Tarrien
*is the youth* 😆
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January 28, 2009 at 12:32 pm #412822
faxonfive
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January 28, 2009 at 4:54 pm #412878
starsinnight
thanks those tips are helpful! still in grad school here but trying to figure out where all my money goes?
i havent been out to eat for so long… today i cheated and got a $1 tea and $1 french fries from mcdonalds but i figure $2 isnt so bad!!
hmm i do all those things actually, just gotta keep working on them though i guess!
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› Budget101 Discussion List Archives › Budget101 Discussion List › Tips for college students trying to live on a budget