As a college student, I’m not exactly rolling in the dough. Apart from the occasional coffee (which I deem a vital life necessity and not a morning luxury), I rarely spend any cash. While a new pair of jeans or a sundress would certainly be nice, I have to remember that I also need to buy books, pay sorority dues, and help with the rent for my off-campus house. While I like to think I’m doing my best to save money, I love finding new, subtle ways to cut back here and there. I’ve recently discovered that there are multiple ways to save money without negatively affecting my lifestyle, and wanted to share them with Lovelyish readers. After all, who doesn’t like to save some cash once in awhile?
These tips are extremely useful, and are more than likely to help your bank account. Put the extra money towards something rewarding, such as a cute pair of shoes or a weekend away. Or, you could be like me and put it towards student loans (sigh).
1. Not Using Coupons: Though it may not seem like much, the money saved by coupons can really add up over time. Try using websites such as Retail Me Not and SmartSource for coupons to use online or at a store near you!
2. Buying Brand-Name Products: While sometimes brand names truly deliver better products, many times a name is simply used as an excuse to raise the price of a product. If you’re a die-hard fan of Honey Nut Cheerios, then buying the band name is reasonable. However, with staples such as flour, bottled water, butter, or over-the-counter medications, the “off brand” products are made of the same material as the ones with a brand name, but are sold at a better price.
3. Outrageously Expensive Cosmetics: Stores like Sephora sell beautiful cosmetics, but at ridiculous prices. Save money by purchasing makeup at a drugstore or Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f.) Cosmetics. E.l.f. sells quality products, but at very low prices. I’m a huge fan of their makeup! Also check out BeautyEncounter for low-priced products.
4. Buying Gum: While we all love to have minty-fresh breath, constantly purchasing gum can be expensive. Spending $1.50 per week on gum (and we all know it actually costs more than that) can add up to $70 a year! Cut back by buying gum in bulk at Costco or BJ’s Wholesale Club.
5. Impulse Shopping: I am admittedly guilty of this spending crime. After all, who can ignore the makeup and body sprays while standing in line at Victoria’s Secret, or the magazines at the grocery store? I’m also guilty of picking up random foods while grocery shopping that I never intended to buy. For occasions such as this, it definitely helps to make a list ahead of time and stick to it. That way, you’ll spend less on unnecessary items. For a trip to the mall, it definitely helps to leave the credit card at home and carry a reasonable amount of cash.
6. Paying Retail For Books: I love to read, but rarely do I walk into a Barnes & Noble looking for a new book. There are so many cheap options to find your next great read. Try an online book swap, browse garage sales, or simply check your local library.
7. Purchasing Bottled Water: At $1.50-2.00 a bottle, water purchases can definitely add up over time. Although tap water is definitely cheaper, it often has a bad taste. I recommend investing in a water filtration system, which can cost arounf $20 but can also save hundreds of dollars a year!
8. Making 411 Calls: I didn’t realize this, but 411 calls can be extremely expensive – up to $2.50 per call! If you have a smartphone, use Google to search for numbers. No smartphone yet? Simply dial Free411 or (800) Free411. You may have to listen to a short advertisement, but the call will be free!
Do any Lovelies out there have advice when it comes to saving cash? Share your tips!
guest
My advice is to take out a certain amount of cash/week and that’s it – once it’s gone it’s gone (unless there’s a genuine emergency). Without a card, you don’t see how much money you’re actually spending, whereas if you can see your cash disappearing, you’re more likely to think about whether what you’re buying is necessary.
guest
Impulse buying is a major cash-waster for me! And the bottled water. I am guilty of spending money on pricey cosmetics, but that is a luxury I budget for. Both gum and bottled water can be relatively inexpensive if you purchase in bulk, because they are nonperishable.
Here are ways I like to slash my costs:1. Live within your means! Budget your money, once it’s gone, no more spending. Also budget some for saving. If you do not have the cash in hand, or in the bank, you have no business spending it. Avoid accruing debt. Some debt is unavoidable, such as home loans and student loans (of course, you can minimize it by having good credit and choosing less expensive schools to attend and buying a less expensive, smaller home).2. A well stocked pantry helps me not eat out as often. I can whip up something inexpensive and delicious easily at home. And brown bagging whenever possible.3. Forgo luxury items if you don’t use them often. We got rid of cable TV service and land line since we have mobile phones and aren’t home often to watch TV.4. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or otherwise a reduction in fees on luxuries you can’t sacrifice. You can often negotiate a better rate. Besides, if you don’t ask, the vendors will never just offer a discount. If you do have credit card debt, asking your bank can help reduce interest rate.5. If you are handy with needles and thread, you can liven up old pieces of clothing so do can update your wardrobe inexpensively.6. Take advantage of whatever accommodations that are afforded to you. For example, if the apartment complex you live in has a swimming pool and exercise facility, use it instead of getting a gym membership. If your work offers a benefit of free life insurance, sign up. Like you mentioned, borrow from the library, check out free options online, borrow from friends, etc.7. Buying in bulk helps, but check unit prices. It’ll take more time, but it’ll be worth the trouble if you find that having a little extra cash in the bank is worth more than the time. However, do not buy perishable foods in bulk if you (and/or your family) cannot feasibly consume it all before it spoils or expires. Do not overbuy–throwing away food is as good as spending the higher price on a smaller amount (that applies to other products that may be affected with time, such as lotions and face creams).
guest
Conserve, conserve, conserve. Bottled water is totally wasteful. Refill it.
guest
I’ve also had great luck buying books at the Dollar Tree
guest
Wait, what are 411 calls…?
guest
@cryholy@xanga - Information or directory assistance type calls. Let’s say you are out of your area and you want to find a particular Italian restaurant. You dial 411 and an operator either looks it up and gives/texts you the phone number or connects you directly for a fee.
daffodil / 1607 posts
agreed with bottled water one the most!
don’t refill/reuse plastic water bottles though. get the stainless steel, the kantene (i think that’s the brand) ones and refill those
orchid / 103 posts
I agree with all of those except for the books. Books are my babies, there’s just something about them that I find hard to get rid of. I love to keep every book I read, no matter how good or bad. It sounds weird but I guess you can look at it as a collection of mine. I hope to one day have as many books as my grandmother, who has a whole wall dedicated to her books. I even keep some of my textbooks that I think can help me in the future. I know it’s a little wasteful of money but they’re just something I like to have and reread dozens of times.
orchid / 103 posts
@Rebekka Wilkinson@facebook - I know, it makes me sad to think they are slowly dying off. That’s why, for the time being, I will refuse to buy an e-reader. I like to personally hold a paper book in my hands.
guest
The way I save money is by not have a T.V of any kind. It saves on electricity and I don’t pay for any sort of plan.
If I really MUST watch something I plug in my computer and watch something on Amazon.com (which I have Prime mostly for the free books since I burn through them like mad on my Kindle, the streaming is just a bonus).
I also shower more at work then I do at home. But I know not everyone can do that.