Written by: Kristina

As a college student, money can get pretty tight (trust me I know). It can be difficult to go out and do the things you love when the bank account is saving no. This doesn’t have to be the case though! Here’s a list of helpful tips and tricks that’ll cut back on spending and allow you to still be young.

1. Plan your Week’s Grocery List

This may not seem like it would make much of a difference, but if you plan your grocery list and decide just how much you want to spend, then there shouldn’t be any reason to go over that budget. Blindly going into the grocery store may lead you to buying unnecessary items that in fact you don’t even need.

2. Cancel Subscriptions and Memberships

I know for me, I’ve allowed subscriptions and memberships to go on far longer than they should have. This can be a huge money waster especially when they’re not even getting used! Little subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, and Apple music add up, so be careful. That extra $10-20 can make a difference.

This goes for gym memberships as well. Once a complete month has passed and the membership hasn’t been used, save yourself that money and cancel the membership. You can even save yourself money just by going on runs at your local park or doing work-outs at the comfort of your home.

3. Eat at Home

Eating at home rather than spending money at restaurants is a huge money saver. Who wants to spend money on groceries just to spend money on food at restaurants too? If you lack the time to cook everyday, meal prepping is definitely something to consider. Cook your meals for the week that way all you have to do is pop it in the oven/microwave when you get home from school or work.

4. Coupon

Don’t pass up those coupons you see in the mail or at the grocery store. Using coupons for purchases you actually need can save you tons.

5. DIY

DIY (Do it yourself) may take some time and skill, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Why go out and buy something when you can just make it at home? It may sound easier to buy it, but where’s the fun in that. You may even discover a favorite hobby you never knew about.

6. Sell Unwanted Items

This is one of my favorite tips. Once you start noticing clothes or shoes sitting in your closet for months, maybe it’s time to say goodbye. There are many stores in the Austin area, such as Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate, that take unwanted clothes and give cash for them. You’d be surprised the pile of clothes you can accumulate.

7. Use Cash to Pay for Things

The last tip is to simply use cash to pay for things. This makes it so much easier to see exactly how much money you have and reduces the tendency to overspend. Swiping a card can be so easy, until you check the bank account and ask yourself where all your money went.

Money as a college student can be tough, but using some of these tips can help make it a little more manageable! Why not try them out!

Edited by: Brianna

#savingmoney #budgeting