Saving while you’re in college can feel impossible at times. Trust me, I've been there and it's no fun! Between tuition, lab fees, textbooks and parking decals, there is no extra money left over for you. Even if you have scholarships, at some point or another you will have to come out of pocket with funds.Here are a couple tips to help you keep a little extra money on hand:
Limit how much you eat out. Buy groceries and create a meal plan for the week. Chances are you will get a healthier meal and have more money in your pocket.
Be mindful of the small purchases. That $5 cup of coffee adds up quickly. One coffee at $5 a day for five days a week is $25 a week, $100 a month, and $1200 per year. Skip the fancy brew and take a fun trip on your semester break!
Use a budget tracker. With today's technology, one statement remains true: "There's an app for that". I personally use Mint. It tracks your spending habits by category and shows you exactly where your money is going.
Set a goal. When I was in college, I wanted to have my dream car. It seemed as if everyone except me had theirs and I was still using a hand-me-down family vehicle. So, I saved $60 a paycheck along with the extra money I saved from skipping fast-food and early morning coffee and made a nice down payment on my car which got me an affordable note.
The struggle is real, but the habits you develop now will set the pace for your future.
