People go through different things at different stages in life as they grow up. Kids turn into teenagers, teenagers into young adults, young adults into adults, and so on. Somewhere in there, you’re supposed to learn to take on responsibilities and go off to college. This part of life is probably the hardest, or at least it seems like it is the hardest phase.
Saving money during this part of your life also seems very difficult. You want to go to that concert, but you have bills to pay. This is why there are many resources that teach you to “Spend Smart”. With this technique, you are just making replacements for certain expensive items with alternative money-saving options.
Let’s explain with an example. Instead of getting a separate cell phone data plan, which could end up costing you more, especially since you might use it all the time, you can get a phone plan. With additional benefits and a reasonable price, you can call anyone and not have to worry about a large phone bill. Xfinity telefono is the perfect example of a reasonably priced, and highly beneficial phone plan.
Additionally, here are some more tips to save money!
Tip #1: Evaluate Your Spending
This may sound repetitive and something you’ve heard multiple times before, but trust me, it is the most important step for saving. You need to evaluate your expenses every step of the way. From the time you get your paycheck to the time you make important purchases like groceries and the billing and even the little impulse purchases. I know it sounds like a hassle recording everything but it is exactly what will keep you in check and make you think about buying something before you do.
Keep a journal or a notebook, something you can carry with you wherever you go. While you could record things in your notes app on the phone as well, it is better to do it on paper since there could be a lot to write about there. Write down your saving goals, your salary, how much you need to spend on necessities, and how much you need to put into saving. If there is something you want to get but it is not a necessity, you can write that down too, so that you can plan your purchases and spend in a logical way.
Tip #2: Evaluate Your Income
Being a college student and living in a dorm or an apartment obviously means you need a full-time or part-time job. So, what is your source of income? Do you have 1 or 2 jobs? How much are you earning and how do you use it to maximize the benefits? Write all of this down in your journal so that you can evaluate your spending better.
If you don’t have a fixed monthly income and just receive tips and wages, then calculate based on how many hours a day you are working. What is the hourly rate for the job? Knowing all of this, you can then calculate how much money you make in a week. Multiply that number by 4 and you will see how much you make in a month. Divide this amount properly between your savings, your needs, and everything else.
Tip #3: To Be Or Not To Be
The third step is when you start evaluating whether whatever new item or product you are purchasing is worth it or not. Basically, it is when you need to start prioritizing among things. If you think your pay is too low and you can’t afford the expenses, then get a pencil and a piece of paper and start thinking. Which of these expenses is absolutely necessary and which of these can you live without? Paying the rent for your apartment is naturally a must-do, but buying the new iPhone isn’t. So, this is why you need to sit down and think about what you really need and what you can do without.
Tip #4: Save Now For Later
People have different reasons for saving money. It is not necessarily to pay off a huge debt or to make a crazy big purchase once they’ve saved enough. Maybe, it is just for the sake of keeping some money aside in case of an emergency. Whatever your reasons, it is nice to have some money saved even if you have no use for it currently. As we mentioned here that some people might save the money for emergencies, so that is one reason that you must always be prepared for. You can also just get yourself something nice once you have saved enough.
To put it all together
These were just the basic tips for saving money that we have given you. If you are someone who is struggling to save money, then start from the basics and make your way up slowly but surely. Even if you start by saving a dollar a day, it is enough. So, make a goal for yourself and start today!.
