I’m addicted to shopping. There, I admitted it. I spend when I’m happy, I spend when I’m sad, I spend after a test, I spend when I’m bored. I just can’t help it. When the end of the month starts sneaking up on me and I want to go grab drinks with my friends, I have to tell them “no” because I spent all my money for that month, and daddy hasn’t come through for the next month yet. Now, three years into my college career, I am finally tired of living this way, barely scraping by, and I have decided to do something about it. So collegiettes of America, here are your money saving hacks. Use them wisely!
1. Utilize free food.
This one sounds like a no brainer, but I am completely guilty of not always taking part in my apartment complex’s “Free Food Fridays,” and once they are over, I regret it completely. Her Campus FSU offered a ton of free food during our blood drive this semester, did you come by and grab some? Chances are that if you didn’t, later that day you spent at least 5-10 bucks on the same chick-fil-a meals we were offering for free. Most of the time you simply have to listen to an organization tell you about their new petition, or maybe sign a paper with your name. That’s it!
2. Student discounts are EVERYWHERE!
I just learned this recently, but did you know that J. Crew offers 15% off to all students on in-store purchases? And they aren’t the only ones. Other major retailers include Apple, Amazon, Qdoba, Waffle House, Subway, and even Banana Republic. The list doesn’t end there, so next time you just can’t resist swiping that card, be sure to check with the store clerk and see if they have any extra discounts up their sleeve!
3. Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.
Just don’t.
4. Rent, don’t buy
After my first freshman semester, I learned this money-saving secret. Well, it’s not much of a secret anymore, but I still know people who will buy their textbook and never open it. Instead, why not rent it and never open it? Now, if you’re one of those weird people like me who actually utilizes their books, if you really love it after you have rented it, places such as Chegg give you the option at then end of the rental to purchase the book, just in case you want to use it for future reference.
5. Drink water and make your own coffee
It’s no secret that water is good for you, but it’s also cheap. However, if you just can’t live without your Starbucks fix, buy ground Starbucks, some Baileys creamer, and make your own. You bank account will flourish! We don’t realize how much we throw away in $5 increments, but I promise that it adds up quickly.
6. If you haven’t realized yet, I always save the best for last: Mint
Mint is an app for your iPhone, Android, or tablet that allows you to link all of your bank accounts and cards to it, so you can see how much you’ve been spending. You can also make personal budgets, such as $300 for groceries or $200 for gas each month, depending on your monthly income or allowance. As you spend, Mint knows where you’ve been spending, and it deducts that amount from your particular budget. Then, it lets you know how close to budget you are for that month, or if you’ve gone over. It takes a few minutes to set everything up, but I promise it’s worth it!