Money Saving Tips For College Students

Money/Finances - Paying for College

By: LuckyCharms 23-Oct-2010

Introduction:

Saving money is essential for everyone. If you're a college student chances are you are going to have to pay for a loan that was taken out to afford college or a credit card. Even if you don't have to pay back a loan, it doesn't hurt to develop habits of savings rather than spending. It's easier to spend then it is to save and the first technique is to learn how.

Save Change

This was a money saving tip learned from Suze Orman the famous financial adviser. It has worked really well for me, so it's top of the list for money saving tips. Susie Orman suggests; instead of using up coins make a habit of breaking the dollar, five, ten, or twenty. Place your change in a can, and use that to pay down credit cards, or add to your savings account. You can even use the money to buy stocks, earning more with it.

Shop Discount Stores

When I was going to college I couldn't afford to do all my shopping at big super markets; so whatever I could buy at the Dollar tree, or a favorite thrift shop. I would. The dollar store was great for paper, pens, note pads, canned foods, bread, toiletry items, hair products, lotions, nail products, sweets, water, and whatever else I could grab for a buck. At the end of the day, spending twenty versus sixty dollars was a bonus, and it allowed extra savings to pay down a credit card, or add to the piggy bank.

Work Side Job

College students who are fortunate enough to have their parents help them pay for all their needs while going to school can save money for them. However, some if not most college students do not have the luxury of such, and will need to get a part time job. While there are a ton of things a person can do for work, try to avoid working for retail or department stores where you're likely to want to spend your entire pay check. Instead consider working for businesses like coffee shops, caters, restaurants, or even bar tend if you have too. These jobs will not only provide a steady pay check, but they will also provide free meals such as lunch or dinner, along with additional tip money that you can set aside and save.

Build Teams

Not every student will be living in the dorms; some college students will need to find housing, and may even need to have some sort of transportation system in place. The first few weeks of college can be tough, but if you are one who has to live off campus, it's best to try and build a team of students of two to three people that will be willing to help contribute to the needs of each other. This team can be counted upon to share cost responsibilities such as transportation, housing, and food. In the long run this can help save money for everyone willing to participate.

Borrow Books, Music, and DVD'S

Take advantage of the State College City's local library and apply for a library card. Not only will you have a full stock and huge variety of books to borrow, you will also be able to take advantage of borrowing movies, music cd, and eBooks available online through the library's main web page. So don't forget to take advantage of these incredible resources, and be sure to also check for links provided below under additional resources for even more information and college advice developed for college students.

Final Thoughts

The trick to saving is to learn not to give in to impulse shopping. Buy what you need, not what you want.

Supporting Links

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dptstretch 6/30/2012
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This is one of the best lists I've read this week--well constructed and practical. congrats :)
markgordonbrown 3/16/2012
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Yup as a student it is always good to be frugal.
goodselfme 3/15/2012
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Contratulations on the front pages spot.Good helpful list!
LillyP 3/15/2012
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Great tips! I used a few of these frugal living /money saving tips when I was in college.
JoyceTeresaMann 3/15/2012
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What with the current tuition bubble, my advice would be to consider attending your local community college while living at home. Get excellent grades then transfer to the best 4-year school that will accept you.
pamperedpen 3/15/2012
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These are excellent tips for college students and you provide sound advice. H5
hummingbirdee 3/14/2012
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You are frugal and thanks for passing the tips along. Enjoy the front page.
TigerStripes 3/14/2012
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This is a great list! H5!
jseven 3/14/2012
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Good tips. I never knew about borrowing books from the library either. Congrats!
Lifeissweet 10/24/2010
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Awesome tips, especially the last one. Students don't realize that they can even borrow their textbooks from libraries and save hundreds of dollars each semester!