Megan Towery
campus editor
As a college student wiithout having a budget, managing how much money is spent is hard. Starting with a basic budget for necessities is a good way to start.
First list out books, food and other school supplies since this is the most important. Be sure you have enough in your savings.
A way to save money is instead of buying a new textbook at full price, rent one online. There are websites where you can compare prices for textbook rentals.
Instead of dining out and eating fast food throughout the week, buy groceries and cook your food. Eating out at places everyday adds up quickly.Cooking food at home, smart grocery shopping, eating out when it’s a sale are all smart ways to save.
Setting limits on spending in entertainment can help gain financial control. Knowing the difference between wants and needs helps with impulsive spending. Ask yourself a few questions to decide if the product is worth buying. Will this product help add any value to my life? If the answer is no, then it’s not important and can be bought later.
Getting a credit card helps build credit in college and also helps with saving money. It can also help build your credit score. Only spend what can be paid off by the end of the month.
Paying off student loans while in school will help save thousands of dollars. Borrow only what is needed. Student loans should not be viewed as free money. In the long run, it will come at a price.
Try to find a side job that pays well so there is money on the side for savings. Web designing, tutoring, delivering food are some examples. There’s endless amounts of ways to make money. Not only will this help with saving, but it will open opportunities in that degree field. It builds a professional network in college to be one step ahead gaining knowledge and skills with a profession.
Selling textbooks once you’re done with that class for the semester is also a good way to make money. If you can’t find people in person to sell your books to then you can sell those books online.
