HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHILE YOU'RE A STUDENT

Money might be tight when you’re in college, but it’s not impossible to find ways to save. Here are some simple ideas.

Budget

It’s smart to create a spending plan so you know where and how you’re spending your money. If you don't know where your money is going, it’s impossible to know what to cut back on. Too many dinners out with friends and an unexpected book you have to buy for class may find you short on cash at the end of the month.

Food

Prepping meals instead of eating out can save you a lot of money. One meal out can cost as much as one cooked meal and the leftovers for two more meals. Stock up on sale items you can easily store or freeze to save time and money.

Coffee

A latte at roughly $4 a day adds an extra $120 to your monthly expenses. Instead, buy a coffeemaker, a pound of coffee, and a travel mug. You’ll be able to brew a month’s worth of coffee for a fraction of that cost.

Textbooks

For classes requiring textbooks, look for used versions or rent them if possible. Sometimes you even can find textbooks at the library. If you have to buy a textbook at full price, take good care of it so you can sell it back at the end of the semester.

Entertainment

Having fun inexpensively while in college should never be a problem. Instead of spending money on entertainment, check out the free and low-cost events your campus has to offer—concerts, movies, speakers, sporting events. Stay in shape with the fitness options or intramural sports offered at your school’s recreational center. Lastly, ditch your cable—watch shows and movies online or take advantage of what your college might offer.