When you’re in college; learning to manage money is hard. Some people get used to it at an early age, where as others don’t have that privilege. If like many others, your parents manages money for you in high school, you may feel a little lost now. If you learn only one lesson in college, it will be how to save money. Saving money takes creativity and planning. Shop only when stores have sales, even if the only sale is something odd such as maternity wear. Even maternity clothes can be cute; you just have to buy two to three sizes smaller. Now, of course, not all money saving tips requires such odd shopping tactics. Learning to manage money may not be very fun, but you will be supporting yourself, which is very rewarding.
The first place to start is your food expenses. Eating out with your friends may be fun but it isn’t financially smart. Restaurants are not cheap. Going to the grocery store can save you hundreds of dollars. Even if you eat a lot, you will be surprised how far you can stretch a dollar at the store. Start clipping coupons and taking them with you. Generic food brands are much less expensive so you may have to start using them. Perhaps go shopping when you visit home with your parents and buy food in bulk, which makes it much cheaper as well. In addition ditch habits such as eating candy or buying soda. Things like that add up very quickly on your budget. Soda is very expensive. Try buying a good water bottle instead and carrying it with you.
Your mode of transporation may also be costing you money. Taking cabs, driving, all of these things can be very expensive. If you don’t already use public transportation, start. In most cities you can purchase cards for special prices and reduced rates. Also, if you are going somewhere within five miles of your home or dorm, try using a bike. Riding a bike is great exercise and saves money. With the price of Gas so high nowadays, avoiding using cabs and ars is the best possible plan.
The last thing to change is your shopping habits. Unfortunately, this is the area in which you should skimp the most. Even if you love fashion, you can find ways to change your old shopping habits. Buy pices that are interchangeable and will be used a lot. Staples like vests, a cute pair of sorts, a scarf, boots, can all be thrown with different out fits and make it look brand new. This will keep you from feeling like your wardrobe is getting boring. On the days you do need to go shopping, shop smart. However, that doesn’t mean buy something cheap. Buy good quality clothing so it will last you for a season and the next one. If you need flip-flops, the twenty dollar ones may make more sense that the two dollar ones if you plan on wearing them frequently.
Tags: maternity clothes, maternity wear