Post by TheyCallMeTiko on Sept 30, 2013 3:25:02 GMT -5
Great Tips. I wish had a nifty guide like this to help me when I was in college... 
From Teen Vogue
What are some ways you've learned to save?
From Teen Vogue
Let's assume you're taking out student loans to cover your tuition costs (you're in good company: 60% of American students are), or that you're on scholarship, or that your parents are generously forking over all your school fees. (Love you, Mom and Dad!) Even still, day-to-day money is a tricky thing to juggle when you're a coed, between wanting to go out with friends and needing to, well, eat. Chances are you're new to the whole managing-finances-like-an-adult thing, so we talked to experts for the best budget tricks around. The next pair of shoes is on us!
Keep Your Bank Close and Bank Fees Closer
Bank locations vary by region and state, and your small town branch might not have an office nearby. Find out which bank is most popular in your university's area and join, so you'll have easy access to representatives and a fee-free ATM. Nicole Lapin, financial expert and founder of Recessionista, advises, "Get an app like AllPoint that tells you which ATM in your location has no surcharge—it's an easy way to save a couple dollars." That $5 a week? Definitely better spent on late-night study snacks.
Flash Your Badge
Many stores and restaurants, especially in college towns, offer discounts if you have a valid student ID. "Always ask for a student discount when shopping," says Christie Garton, author of U-Chic: The College Girl's Guide to Everything. Brands like Topshop, Madewell, J.Crew, Urban Outfitters, and Juicy Couture offer student discounts of 10% or more, "and don't forget to sign up for rewards cards at grocery or drug stores—they'll be sure to save you money."
Expect Your Expenses
You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: Keeping an eye on what you're bringing in and what you're spending is key to managing your money. "Track everything—that Starbucks run, the pizza lunch, the parking garage fee," says Dara Duguay, financial expert and author of Please Send Money: A Financial Survival Guide for Young Adults on Their Own. "Do it for a two-week period and you'll quickly see where you can cut some costs." Not to mention the fact that it will help you identify purchase trends, so you can better plan ahead for where you know you'll want to splurge.
The Ten-Dollar Trick
Use the old-fashioned under-the-mattress method to create a super simple cash stash. Whenever you have it, "tuck $10 in an envelope," says Geof White, author of Lemonade Stand Economics. "It will add up, and when it's a real emergency, you'll be glad to have it." The more fun version? You can create similar funds designated just for shopping or movie nights. But fight the urge to borrow from mandatory budgets like tuition, rent, groceries, etc.
Say No to Credit Cards
Spend only what you have, whether it's in your bank account or in your wallet. "A prepaid card is a great option because you can't incur debt," says Charlotte Fuller of American Express. "It's electronic, so you can still get in the habit of using a credit card, but without the risk." American Express's prepaid Serve card allows students to monitor their spending and provides a network to send, receive, and request money between friends, family, and organizations.
Think Local
A student activities fee is built into your bill for a reason, since most schools host events from Thursday to Sunday. Check the campus calendar for unreleased movie screenings, pizza nights, and celebratory weekend concerts before planning excursions with friends. You'll be surprised at what the activity committee provides free of charge, and you'll pocket the change you would have spent hitting the road with your pals.
Discuss Going Dutch
We all have that friend who never has cash, and dealing with the bill can be awkward. "When you do decide to go out, make sure you can afford it and make sure your friends can too," says White. "Don't believe them when they say, 'Cover me! I'll pay you back.' You know your roomie has good intentions. Reality is, either they'll forget or you will. And if you don't, it will cause a weird 'you owe me money' situation later. You don't want to be on either side of that."
What are some ways you've learned to save?
