Tips for students to save money
Victor Martinez '09
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: Commentary
Okay the gig is up; the US economy is in a recession. As an economics major, I was drilled early on in my academic career by the infamous and now retired Professor Walgreen that a recession is when an economy has two consecutive periods of negative growth. Other indications further emphasize this stark reality is a total of 1.5 million jobs have been cut in 2008, and let us not forget the Dow and S&P 500 have shown more signs of volatility than high school sweet hearts now in college trying to stay faithful and romantically in love. Right? Despite the sad state of the world economy there are still ways in which you can live a fulfilling life and cut back on spending, placing more money in your pocket. After diligently searching for a few ways that a college student can save money, I came up with seven ways students can cut back on spending, and as we say in econ, "allocate their resources efficiently."
Rent. Live on campus even if it means taking out an additional loan on top of the gazillion you already have. Though, it may be cheaper in the short run to live with 30 of your friends in a cramped two bedroom apartment, you are better of using the rent money to buy basic necessities.
Beer. You have a few options here. You can 1) cut back on alcohol intake 2) drink cheap beverages; wine in a box, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc, 3) go to rehab, join alcohol anonymous or get involved with BACCHUS.
Food. Stop ordering take out and make use of zip lock bags and Tupperware. Use these conventional tools to grab something at Chase or Emerson and bring it back to your room. Please, take modest proportions.
School supplies. Buy your books on Amazon, half.com and or use the books available at our library. No need for notebook friends, get yourself dividers and buy the 400 loose packet of lined paper. Use just one trapper keeper and lasting you a whole semester.
Transportation. If you have a vehicle drive less and honestly, we should all learn to use public transportation a.k.a. the GATRA.
Clothes. Just because a store has a sign that reads "SALE" it does not mean you have to buy. Purchase vintage t-shirts at the nearest Salvation Army. Trust me, they have a sweet selection of clothing that smells great once you wash them a few times. Or keep it simple with your Levi jeans and Hanes t-shirts.
Cell Phone. Cut back on phone use and get a cheaper plan. Learn about Skype, Instant message, Facebook, email, or video chat. Additionally, learn about Google programs that allow sending of free text messages.
Rent. Live on campus even if it means taking out an additional loan on top of the gazillion you already have. Though, it may be cheaper in the short run to live with 30 of your friends in a cramped two bedroom apartment, you are better of using the rent money to buy basic necessities.
Beer. You have a few options here. You can 1) cut back on alcohol intake 2) drink cheap beverages; wine in a box, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc, 3) go to rehab, join alcohol anonymous or get involved with BACCHUS.
Food. Stop ordering take out and make use of zip lock bags and Tupperware. Use these conventional tools to grab something at Chase or Emerson and bring it back to your room. Please, take modest proportions.
School supplies. Buy your books on Amazon, half.com and or use the books available at our library. No need for notebook friends, get yourself dividers and buy the 400 loose packet of lined paper. Use just one trapper keeper and lasting you a whole semester.
Transportation. If you have a vehicle drive less and honestly, we should all learn to use public transportation a.k.a. the GATRA.
Clothes. Just because a store has a sign that reads "SALE" it does not mean you have to buy. Purchase vintage t-shirts at the nearest Salvation Army. Trust me, they have a sweet selection of clothing that smells great once you wash them a few times. Or keep it simple with your Levi jeans and Hanes t-shirts.
Cell Phone. Cut back on phone use and get a cheaper plan. Learn about Skype, Instant message, Facebook, email, or video chat. Additionally, learn about Google programs that allow sending of free text messages.
Be the first to comment on this story