You may be thinking, “save for spring break already?! I haven’t even finished paying off this semester’s textbooks!” Truth is, the highly anticipated week of fun in the sun will be here before you know it. No collegiate wants to miss out on her spring break, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and stash some extra cash. Follow these 4 easy recommendations and you’ll be able to actually go parasailing and deep sea diving instead of being stuck on the beach watching your friends have all the fun.
1 – Create a budget
And stick to it! It’s important to create a realistic budget that encompasses all aspects of college life. Rent, utilities, food, and other bills can add up very quickly, but if you anticipate them by planning ahead, you’ll be better off in the long run. You also won’t have to live paycheck to paycheck and miss out on the impromptu dinner out with the girls. Don’t forget to put a little money to the side for that parasailing lesson!
2 – Skip the Starbucks
Think about it, $5 on your iced, venti, skinny, vanilla latte three times a week adds up quickly! Save that “extra” money by brewing a pot of coffee at home and limiting yourself to a Starbucks treat once a week. Even if Starbucks isn’t your guilty pleasure, everyone has that place where they unnecessarily spend money. Whether it’s Starbucks or the nearest snack shack, the concept is the same: don’t waste money on things you don’t need.
3 – Pretend it doesn’t exist
Being able to whip out your debit or credit card and shop online from the comfort of your own bed seems ideal, but not when you’re trying to save for a vacation. It’s a good idea to take your debit and credit cards out of your wallet and put them away in a safe place. This prevents you from splurging on that new designer bag by limiting your spending to the cash you withdrew and allotted yourself for the week.
4 – Make your kitchen your new favorite restaurant
Not only will you save money by cooking at home, but you’ll also eat healthier (did somebody say beach body?!), improve your culinary skills, and create fun memories with your roommates. Sure, the initial grocery store trip may seem budget blowing, but it actually ends up being cheaper than eating two or three meals out on a daily basis.
Don’t know how to cook? There are endless amounts of easy to follow, step-by-step recipes available online. Don’t know what to cook? Have themed dinner nights to make narrowing down the menu easier. Don’t want to cook everyday? Make it a group activity! You can alternate cooking responsibilities between roommates, add your friends to the schedule, or even hold a potluck with your neighbors!
Follow these simple suggestions and you’ll be able to have the spring break of your life!