Pinching Pennies: Money Saving Tips toHelp You in Lowering Your Expenses

By Samantha Werkheiser
Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Everyone, especially college students can use any of the following tips to save money. Here are a few ideas:

1. Don’t buy new textbooks every semester unless necessary.

New textbooks can get pretty pricey, instead check out the campus bookstore and see if they have any used copies. The bookstore also does pricematching, meaning you could get a textbook for cheaper than even a rental price.

Kemp Library also usually has copies of most of the textbooks you can borrow if you can’t purchase the textbook right away.

Renting textbooks may be you most efficient and cost-effecive option. Renting textbooks from the bookstore on campus or websites like Amazon or Chegg can save you hundreds of dollars in the long-run.

Trading, buying from, or sharing with a fellow student are also options for cutting costs.

2. Be mindful with credit card spending.

If you get approved for a credit card, make sure it is one with a low interest rate and one you can afford to make all the payments on time. Make sure you pay at least the minimum balance due to avoid late fees and a decrease in your credit score.

3. Don’t eat out too often.

Eating out can create a huge hole in your budget. Keep track of how often you eat out and try not to make it a regular action. Even if you have e meal plan, stock up om bulk snacks and drinks instead of using vending machines or wasting money one-use items.

4. Try to save on housing

It is usually less expensive to live in the dorms rather than off-campus. If you do choose to live off-campus, try to find a roommate or two to help split the costs.

5. Stay on track in school

The longer you stay in school, the more it is going to cost you. Try and stay focused on your classes and use the tutoring services the campus offers.

6. Be thrifty when shopping

Though it may seem cheap, always ask if there are any student discounts offered anywhere you go to spend money. Most places usually do. This applies to food places as well. Also local thrift stores may offer similar trending styles at much lower prices.

7. Limit car usage

Though it is may seen convenient to have a car on campus, it may not be necessary. The cost of insurance, gas and parking can add up. You also tend to become the chauffeur for your friends. Instead, use public transit or an Uber when traveling off campus.

8. Take part in the activities on campus

Before going out for the night, see what’s going on campus. There can be many fun programs and things to do, especially on the weekends nights. Check out the Late Nights, activities can range from karaoke, dodgeball, arts and crafts, coffeehouse music and many more fun and free options.

9. Watch cell phone usage

Don’t go over your data usage, those costs can add up. Check out your plan and see if you could be spending less based on what you need and use. Check out the different networks and see if you’re getting the best deal out there.

The best methods of saving money are simple. Simple things such as creating a budget, saving loose change can make a huge difference in lowering your expenses.

Email Samantha at:
swerkheis4@live.esu.edu