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Easy Ways for Students to Save Money

by: SmartShopper | last updated: August 21, 2009
Category: Personal Finance | Tags: saving, students, easy saving tips, how to save money

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While you are in school, and maybe even right after you graduate, you are going to be on a tight budget. Looking for little ways that you can save money will prove to be very important during your school years and beyond. To help you out, here are some easy ways for students to save money:

Stop Buying on Impulse

Impulse shopping can be very tempting while out and about. The problem with this is that you end up blowing money on stuff you don't really need, and sometimes on stuff you don't really want. Before making a purchase, make sure it is truly necessary.

Hide the Credit Cards

Many students give into the temptation to buy now and pay later. Unfortunately, these spending habits can come back to bite you. If you find that you can't charge responsibly, hide the credit cards until you learn a little restraint.

Give Up Bad Habits

Everyone has at least one bad habit. Maybe you smoke, drink Cosmos like no tomorrow, or buy expensive coffee before class. Whatever it is, cut it out. You'll be surprised at how much money you save.

Stop Keeping Up with the Joneses

Just because your roommate or your pals down the hall have a seemingly endless allowance, it doesn't mean you do too. Try to avoid keeping up with the Joneses and stay true to your budget.

Find Bargains

When shopping, look for clearance items or two-for-one bargains, buy used books instead of new, and order the special instead of something off the menu. If you can find a bargain every time you go shopping, you will save more money than you ever imagined.

Buy Machine Washable Clothes

You're in college. You don't need a dry cleaning bill! Buy clothes that you can wash yourself or take home to mom. If you must buy dry clean only clothes, try to limit how often you wear them.

Take Hand-Me-Downs

Whether it is a used book or previously worn clothes, there is no shame in taking hand-me-downs. If somebody offers you something and you can use it, take it gratefully. When you're making more money, you may be able to someday do the same thing for someone else who will be just as grateful.

Stay Home

While it can be nice to get out of the dorm every now and then, staying at home is much cheaper. Instead of going out for the night, invite a few friends over for movies, games, gossip, or snacks.

See a Matinee

Going to the movies with a few friends can be an expensive outing. Instead of going at night, try catching a matinee. Daytime shows are usually half the price of their nighttime counterparts and can be just as much fun.

Go to the Library

Did you know that most libraries offer you the chance to check out DVDs, CDs, and other forms of entertainment free of charge? Well, they do, and by taking advantage of this resource, you can eliminate the money you spend on buying CDs and renting movies.