In this day and age, we sometimes don't always get what we want. If we try sometimes, we just might find, we get what we need. I believe college students to be the ultimate masters of learning how to scrape up enough money and get by week to week. So with out further ado, here is some of the various tips I have learned over the year.
- Switch the lead foot for a feather one. Many of us like to go fast. All of us will sometime in our life be late or impatient and really open up the engine to get through a light, get on to the highway, etc. This is bad for your gas mileage however. I have recently been trying to drive my car with a little more responsibility to get more bang for my buck at the gas station. Other simple tips for better gas mileage is filled tires, clean air filter, and regular oil changes.
- Ramen Ramen Ramen.... It may not be the healthiest food. In fact, it has enough sodium to supply a small army, but its inexpensive price point cannot be argued. If your scraping buy and wondering what to buy for substance, Ramen has your back.
- Water from.... THE FAUCET!?- In today's society, so many of us like to carry water bottles, or drink pop, coffee, and juice. When looking where to cut back on however, consider drinking water straight from your faucet. If you want to buy a filter, you will still save more money in the long run from not buying so many additional drinks at the store.
- Fast Food Restaurant Ordering- I try not to eat at fast food placed too much. However, if I must, I highly suggest ordering off the dollar menu. Its the same type of food from the same grill. Slightly smaller portions for less money is not a bad thing.
- Out on the Town- So your friends invite you to go out to a restaurant and your wallet is looking slim. Here is how you get through the night. Step one is having water to drink. Step two? Order a salad. It may not seem very filling, but you can always have more Ramen when you get home later that night. I have been teased in the past for a big guy like me to order a tiny little salad, but you know what? My wallet was smiling and I had enough money to go out again and get to relax and enjoy another salad another time.
I am not a financial advisor, but these few tips have seen me through many college years. They can apply to people of any age, but if you have a young one about to head to college, you may wish to share these tidbits with them.