Saving Money In College Is Easier Than You Think

Posted by DrorKlarIdn

April 7, 2008

College students are typically pretty strapped for cash, but they can make things a lot easier on themselves by learning how to do without some things.

One thing that most college students cannot live without is a cell phone. Most people have one these days and they are a wonderful convenience, but some people tend to go overboard with all the services and features that they can purchase. Extra ringtones and ringback tones, wallpapers, text messaging, picture messaging, and accessing the internet on your phone can all cost you a lot more extra than you realize until you get the bill at the end of the month. Think about it. Can you really not live without a cute wallpaper on your cell? Or a ringtone for each of your 11 contacts? These are not necessary expenses and if you find yourself hurting for cash, cut them out.

You should try to do without a lot of fast food, as well. While the meals may be cheap, there are alternatives that are just as cheap and are much healthier for you in the long run. Ramen noodles may be about the cheapest you can buy, but they offer next to no nutritional value. Skimp on other luxuries like your ringback tones and text messaging and you will be able to eat better.

If you are living off campus in a house or an apartment, cut back on your electricity bill by turning things off when you are not using them. The same goes for your water consumption. If you are not using it, turn it off. Also keep in mind how much water you use when you are taking a bath. Unless you plan on being in the bath tub for a while, taking a shower is much more efficient. How long does it take to bathe? If you are typically in there less than 15 minutes, take a shower instead and save water.

Instead of buying dog food all the time, feed your dog table scraps, as long as you are reasonable about what you give them. Having a good balance of freshly cooked meat, vegetables, grain, and other necessary food types is better than having a can of dog food.

Another place you can save money is by not running up your credit cards and paying a lot of interest on the balance every month. You might not actually see the interest that is being added unless you go looking for it, but you really do pay more every month than you think. Try to keep the cards paid off every month as much as possible and always pay more than the minimum payment.

Dror Klar is a writer in the field of finances and is currently assisting those in need of cash advances and payday loans.
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Personal Finance