Current:Home > InvestStudents, here are top savings hacks as you head back to campus-LoTradeCoin
Students, here are top savings hacks as you head back to campus
View Date:2024-12-23 18:37:18
It’s that time of year – time to shelve the swimsuit and trade sleeping in for 8 a.m. classes and excessive amounts of caffeine. And with back to school comes something else that isn’t so fun: managing the costs of being a student.Paying for your tuition and housing will be your greatest expense, but what about the other things you have to budget for while you are a student? The small things really do add up, so here are my favorite hacks to lessen the financial burden.
Take advantage of Student discounts
It’s a known fact that certain businesses give discounts to senior citizens and military personnel – but did you know that some businesses also loop students into the mix? You can get anywhere from 10% to 85% off depending on the discount.The retailers and service providers that may provide deals range from insurance companies to subscription services. Retail stores, restaurants, and electronics and software sellers may offer discounts too. To get a student discount, all you have to do is prove your enrollment. This can be done with a .edu email address or a student ID card.Some of my favorite companies that give student discounts include:
◾ American Eagle: 20% off
◾ Nike: 10% off
Protect your assets: Best high-yield savings accounts of 2023
◾ Urban Outfitters: 10% off
◾ The North Face: 10% off
◾ Target: One-time 20% discount
◾ Dunkin’: 10% off (at participating locations)
◾ Apple: Reduced prices for students year-round.
You can even get some subscription plans for a lower price from companies like DoorDash, Spotify, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Save big by renting textbooks and supplies
Consider renting when it comes to things you will never need again like textbooks and certain school supplies.
You can save up to hundreds of dollars (yes, really) from renting your textbooks. You can rent from places like Amazon, Chegg, Barnes and Noble, or even your college’s bookstore. Alternatively, see if you can get away with buying an e-book or an electronic copy of your required text to save a bit too. Rentals don’t stop with textbooks either. You can also rent big-ticket items like calculators and even laptops and tablets.
College:Is it worth it?
Learn the art of budgeting (and thrifting)
Discounts and rental supplies aside, the most important thing for you to do is to change your mindset around spending. So, I suggest learning how to budget. Living on a budget at a time when your income is tight (such as being a student) is a way to pave your path to financial success early on.
Hand in hand with budgeting is becoming OK with buying used. I like to say new isn’t always better, and sacrificing the thrill of buying something shiny and new can leave more money in your pocket.For instance, buying furniture second-hand will save you a ton of cash. You can get leads for furniture on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. To take it a step further, consider thrifting your clothes. If you don’t feel like physically thrifting – going to an actual store – look on sites like PoshMark and Mercari.
Cut costs on campus
You don’t have to be on the Ramen diet to save money while in college. Putting A little bit of effort into saving money can merit big rewards long term. Fixing your mindset around spending and learning how to budget is important, too.
One final tip on the topic of saving: When shopping online, look for cash-back apps or browser extensions. My favorites are Rakuten and Capital One Shopping. You can follow me on Instagram where I give even more tips on budgeting, saving, and spending.
Erika Kullberg is a lawyer and personal finance expert. You can find more of her work at Erika.com.
veryGood! (89)
Related
- Women suing over Idaho’s abortion ban describe dangerous pregnancies, becoming ‘medical refugees’
- 'Wish' lacked the magic to beat out 'Hunger Games,' 'Napoleon' at Thanksgiving box office
- Coach Outlet’s Cyber Monday Sale-on-Sale Has All Your Favorite Fall Bags For 70% Off & More
- Russian FM says he plans to attend OSCE meeting in North Macedonia
- GM recalling big pickups and SUVs because the rear wheels can lock up, increasing risk of a crash
- When do babies typically start walking? How to help them get there.
- Finding a place at the Met, this opera sings in a language of its own
- Tom Brady Shares Glimpse of Tropical Vacation With His and Gisele Bündchen's Kids
- Chiefs block last-second field goal to save unbeaten record, beat Broncos
- Caretaker charged in death of her partner and grandmother in Maine
Ranking
- Gavin Rossdale Makes Rare Public Appearance With Girlfriend Xhoana Xheneti
- Woman shocked with Taser while on ground is suing police officer and chief for not reporting it
- Assailants in latest ship attack near Yemen were likely Somali, not Houthi rebels, Pentagon says
- Why Ravens enter bye week as AFC's most dangerous team
- Amazon Best Books of 2024 revealed: Top 10 span genres but all 'make you feel deeply'
- Kenya raises alarm as flooding death toll rises to 76, with thousands marooned by worsening rains
- Paris Hilton Details “Beautiful” New Chapter After Welcoming Baby No. 2 With Carter Reum
- Jennifer Lopez Will Explore Publicly Scrutinized Love Life in This Is Me…Now Film
Recommendation
-
She was found dead while hitchhiking in 1974. An arrest has finally been made.
-
Paris Hilton Details “Beautiful” New Chapter After Welcoming Baby No. 2 With Carter Reum
-
Japan and Vietnam agree to boost ties and start discussing Japanese military aid amid China threat
-
Bills players get into altercation with Eagles fans, LB Shaq Lawson appears to shove one
-
Falling scaffolding plank narrowly misses pedestrians at Boston’s South Station
-
'Today, your son is my son': A doctor's words offer comfort before surgery
-
The 55 Best Cyber Monday Sales to Start Off Your Week: Pottery Barn, Revolve & More
-
The Excerpt podcast: American child among hostages freed Sunday during cease-fire