College students can save money with these budget stretching ideas. Most have entered a new world where terms like budgeting and spending plans is a reality instead of a distant theory. Any parent can tell you that college students are perpetually strapped for cash.
Through the years we have been able to help our college students
develop strategies to save money and stretch their budget. For the most
part my daughters have been able to budget successfully. We do
occasionally get emergency phone calls but even these are becoming more
rare.
Coffee
This is one area that both of my daughters have struggled with. Since
some dorms don't allow coffee pots it makes coffee houses that much more
attractive. Stretching a budget doesn't mean giving up on Starbucks
completely. Limiting visits, going to a smaller size or downgrading
toppings is a budget stretching strategy that can save money.
Pizza
One of the most popular meals for college students has to be pizza.
Asking about specials before ordering is can save money. Getting one
topping and using coupons are other budget stretching ideas.
Movies
College students enjoy movies as much as everyone else. Matinees are
always less expensive than evening showings. Discounted tickets may be
available with an automobile club membership or in bulk. A simple budget
stretching idea is skipping on the movie theater snacks. If you must,
Carmike Cinemas offers a popcorn bucket for $15 that is refillable for
$2.50.
See a play
Instead of a movie why not go to a play? Performances in the lab
theaters on campus are usually free. College students can often save
money on main stage productions by volunteering to usher. Attending a
play is a fun way to spend an evening out.
Buy used and help the environment.
Save money by buying used. Recycling stretches the budget and saves
the environment. College students can check campus bulletin boards for
used refrigerators or furniture items. Used textbooks can be purchased
from the college campus bookstore or from online booksellers.
Lock it if you want to keep it.
Protecting valuables is an important tool to save money. Locking a
bicycle may not seem like a budget stretching tip until the bike is
stolen. College students can save money by not leaving cell phones or
lap tops unattended. Software like the free Prey Project may help get
the laptop back if stolen.
Research gas prices.
College students can save money on gas by searching online first.
Checking sites like GasBuddy.com is a budget stretching tip that
everyone can use. A few minutes online to find the closest gas station
with the best price can help students save at the pump.
Couponing works for college students.
Grocery coupons are another area where college students can and should
save money. Look in the local newspaper, supermarket and online for
budget stretching coupons. Skipping the campus convenience centers in
favor of traditional grocery stores can also help college students save
money.
Eliminate bank and ATM fees.
Another budget stretching tip is to forget the fees. College students
can save money by using the ATM at their bank. Plus, many financial
institutions have free checking accounts for college students.
Don't speed.
Park in the right lots has to be the easiest budget stretching tip to
practice. Parking fines kill the budgets of college students everyone.
Parking in the right spot helps college students save money, avoid
frustration and stretch the budget.
