Don’t carry cash. You may think twice about a using a credit or debt card to buy a coke but not when you have cash with you. In like manner, use direct deposit of your pay into your checking account. If you don’t touch cash, you are more likely to spend less. Of course, the best rule to follow is not to shop unless you must.
Drive less. Try to ride with other people when you can. Just 10 miles per week is 520 miles per year. That is more than a tank of gas. This will also extend the lifeof your car. That is thousands of dollars to you. It adds up.
When you eat out: (especially for you non-cooks!)
- Drink water at the restaurant. It is better for you anyway.
- Use a restaurant that does not require a tip (Panera Bread, buffets, etc) Big savings!
- Try cutting back on eating out. Just one or two dinners at home will have a huge return to your pocket.
- Look for discount coupons in the school and local paper AND online.
- Eat out a lot? Then think about buying a discount card or coupon book.
- Learn to make some bulk meals like casseroles or bake pizza.
- Draft up a weekly meal plan.
- Never go to the grocery store without a list. Go online and see what’s on sale too.
Open a savings account and deposit a specific amount from your pay each payday. Just $5 per week will give you enough money to buy your Christmas gifts for others.
Avoid paying any banking fees. Checking and ATM fees can add up to double digit expenses per month and late fees on car payments and credit cards can be $35 or more per charge. If you have trouble balancing payments, consider consolidating your debts into one as long as you have a low interest fee.
Don’t buy one time reads or magazines. Get them from a library or friend.
Use a card and pay at the pump. You won’t have to go inside and be tempted to buy candy, cokes, etc. Just one coke purchase per week is $52 per year.
Practice good car care. Check the oil, radiator fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid at least once each month. It is much easier to correct low oil or fluid levels than to repair a cracked engine block or blown transmission.
Don’t accumulate things. Do the opposite… sell some stuff. If you have not used it in six months or more, sell it. Put it on Craigslist or on a school bulletin board. No item is too small.
Save on hair care. Guys, buy a $20 clipper set and let your mom or friend cut your hair. This is a big savings in just a short time. (Suggestion: Keep the same person doing the cut!) Girls, color your own hair… it’s $7 yourself or $30+ with someone else working on it.
Ask every business if they discount for students. Many businesses near a campus will offer a 10-15% discount on your purchase by showing your student ID card.
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