How to save money in college

Hey guys!  We can all come to agreement that college is VERY expensive:( but there are many innovative ways that you can save your piggy bank from some strain:

1.)  Try as often as possible to eat at home

It is very easy to pick up the phone and order pizza instead of prepare a meal at home that requires a stove top, but in the end, you can save hundreds of dollars by making your groceries really stretch into several meals.  However, it is very important to by the right portion sizes; DO NOT by in bulk when you are buying for one person, you will not eat it all, trust me!  Instead, buy groceries every 3-4 days that way you can have a prepared menu of what you will be eating and how fast you will go through with it.

2.) Go thrift shopping!

Ok, it is time to accept that you are a broke college kid!  Your parents money and patience may be running thin for you and it is time to venture down new financial avenues.  Thrift shops are a great resource to look for every day items, whether you need pots and pans, or a new wardrobe; it may take time and energy to sort through the trash, but underneath there is always a hidden treasure waiting for you!

3.) Save your change

This was a hard one for me because I lose my change everywhere, but once you have a designated spot to store your excess change, it really adds up!  Having a jar on your desk or in your closet can really motivated you to collect more and more wandering nickels and dimes, and before you know it, you have an extra $30 ready to go!   

4.) Make your coupon book your best friend

There are always free entertainment books waiting outside your bookstore and let's face it, they have become a paperweight on your desk.  Well instead of letting it collect dust, go through and highlight any of the deals that you could use such as takeout food coupons, (for those late nights when you need to splurge) or service coupons for your car, as well as if you get your nails done, they always have great deals for mani-pedis.  Really invest time into using all your resources!