October 02, 2013

How to save money in college & after



I didn't appreciate the concept of saving money until recently. Life after graduation is different because suddenly bills become really real, payment requests come out of nowhere, and your paycheck just seems smaller than you expected.
  
While I did earn money and save it in college, I've taken that mindset to a whole new level since graduating. I'm definitely saving up for several reasons: grad school expenses, upcoming business ventures (eek!), investments, and an emergency fund. Hey, with the government shutdown, an emergency fund actually sounds pretty brilliant.

The point is, I'm currently on a spending diet. Spending clean is similar to eating clean, haha. And easier than you think. There are lots of little things that I do that save hundreds every month - hundreds! So I'm sharing the small steps I've taken to save money and some tips on saving money for college students and for anyone!



How I saved money in college
  
Using my student discount
Attended meetings and events with free meals
Set up a savings account for money earned from working during school
Limited myself to 3 meals a day
Doing laundry at my parents' house
Split room decor costs with my roommates
Borrowed/rented textbooks when possible; always sold back textbooks to the bookstore
Used my laptop/iPad for note taking instead of restocking on pen/paper supplies
Participated in surveys and tests with free meals or compensation
Carpooled with friends to events to save gas
Went to my school's recreation center instead of paying for fitness classes
Wrote for the yearbook & had on campus jobs (saving money from those payments)
Sold clothes at Plato's Closet/other consignment stores
Pumped gas outside of the city (it's 30-50 cents cheaper)


How I save money now/post grad life

Decide on the items I truly need to buy each month and only set aside spending money for those
Limit the number of days I eat out during the week (1 or 2)
Check my bank account on a regular basis to monitor spending and saving
Cook at the beginning of the week and pack lunches and dinners for the week
[Take my lunch to work at least 3 days a week]
Using coupons or deals when grocery shopping
Mark dates in my planner for when to put X amount of $ into savings
Explore the city for free events and attractions
Invite friends over for dinner and they bring dessert or drinks
Limit online shopping and real life shopping; instead I do lots of online browsing
Participate in customer awards programs at grocery stores/stores I need to go to
Be more creative with gifts instead of buying pricey gifts or gift cards from the store
Use Scoutmob when I do eat out
Research internet/tv/power providers to get the best pricing possible and ask for promotional deals
Set small and large goals for saving and keep up with them; ultimately create a monthly budget
Use iPhone apps like Mint
Celebrate when I reach a savings goal and remind myself why I'm saving




How do you save money when you're on a spending diet?
And what are you saving up for?


20 comments:

  1. I've definitely curbed by shopping habit post grad. I still actually use my student ID for discounts though and I'm a big fan of coupons.
    -Alex
    http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Packing a lunch to bring to work really does save soo much $$. It gets boring sometimes, and I miss getting out of the office, but it really does make sense financially. Sadly, that is about the only good spending habit I have right now though-eek!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow..nice tips of saving money..well I need lots of money..I have to run from now only..!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mint is slowly becoming my best friend! I love this concept of spending clean and I'm trying (it's really hard) but trying to spend within my means. I'm hoping that after this trip my bank account can begin breathing normally again but until then incorporating some of these tips will help the strain I think. Packing lunch to work does get a little boring but even the small numbers make a big difference in the end so I'm definitely gonna start doing that again as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such great advice & tips!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. great post

    http://differentcands.blogspot.kr/2013/10/stripe-blazer.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. these are all great tips, even for someone like me who is way out of college :) food costs can be big but also a good way to cut back. i try to bring my lunch most days and save eating out for when it's something great. also, have you checked out ebates? if you do ever online shop, you can get a little bit cashback from them.
    -- jackie @ jade and oak

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello from Spain: Your recommendations are very good. I am also trying to save money. I only buy what is necessary. Keep in touch

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is an awesome list! I am always trying to save money and be as frugal as possible!

    ReplyDelete
  10. These are great tips. I am bad when it comes to saving money, and I am a college student, so I should start learning now.

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. restaurants can easily drain a budget

    ReplyDelete
  12. I definitely cook more and don't eat out as often. I pin things on Pinterest that I "want" and wait for a sale. I save a portion of my paycheck. It's important nowadays to live meagerly.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think it is great when you can save money... I really need to figure out how to do that on a budget and really follow it... it would be nice to have a few dollars put away :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great tips, most of the time I go out of my budget..lol will have to follow some of your saving tips.
    Effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mint is one of my favorite apps, great tips!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    ReplyDelete
  16. Loving this! Eating out less has saved me tons! Thanks for sharing such great tips!

    XO | KIMBERLYLUXE

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! :) I love all these tips, especially when it comes to food. Eating out a lot gets so expensive, and it's way cheaper and healthier to make your own meals!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Vett, these saving tips of yours are very much informative and helpful. Thanks for dropping at my blog too :)

    http://www.differentchainsoflife.info/

    ReplyDelete

I read every single comment and email and respond to all questions! Be sure to follow via GFC, Bloglovin, and social media so you keep up with posts & giveaways! :)


ShareThis

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...