Use student discounts – Movies, insurance companies, and museums typically offer student discounts. Save a few bucks and take advantage of them.
Watch out for scams – Scams artists are always looking for ways to con you out of your money. Always remember the motto: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Also, protect your identity. Be careful who you give your social security number and other personal information to. Be sure to shred documents with your personal information on it.
Continually look for financial aid – Research financial aid options each year you are in school. Work with your financial aid office and visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.
If you have a meal plan, use it – You’ve already paid for the food. Simple as that!
Save on snacks and soda – Buy snacks ahead of time at a grocery store. Stops at the vending machine add up over time.
Learn to pay yourself first – Get into the savings habit now. Even if you can only afford to put a few bucks into savings each month, do so. Good savings habits start young.
Resources
- MyMoney.Gov – Going to college - http://www.mymoney.gov/category/topic1/going-college.html
- Nine back to school financial tips for college students http://www.ed.gov/blog/2011/09/nine-back-to-school-financial-tips-for-college-students/
- DFI’s Right on the Money for College Students - http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/education/college_book/collegebook.pdf