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So I was requested by an Instagram follower to write a blog post relating to saving money - something that I have learned to deal with heavily while in college.
Currently, I work as a sales associate for American Eagle and only work a few times a week due to my class schedules. Over winter break, I am working at the Town and Country Newspaper three days a week in the office and writing articles.
With that being said, I do not make a lot of money on a regular basis and I have to buy groceries, supplies, and gas while I am at school.
Here are six money tips I have learned within the past two years:
1. It's OK to say "NO"
This one is hard for me, but is one of the most effective way to save my money. My friends and I love to go out to eat as a way to hangout on the reg - our most popular destinations being Chick-Fil-A and Moe's southwest grill.
Though I love going out to eat with my friends, this is where a lot of my money goes towards, if not gas or groceries. The most painful thing is knowing I have perfectly good food in the fridge and I am going out to eat instead.
So, I have come to the conclusion that saying "no" to going out to eat once in a while isn't the end of the world nor will it break my friendships. Sometimes I even eat food at home before I go out and just hang while they order food!
2. Food Apps
If you haven't noticed by now, I am high-key obsessed with Dunkin' iced coffee. This addiction can rack up a big bill at the end of each month if I am being completely honest. To save a little money, I have a DD rewards membership.
This application is completely FREE and with every dollar I spend, I earn rewards. My rewards points give me a free coffee every 200 points - meaning the money I spend at Dunkin' does more than allow me to consume yummy coffee at the moment - it helps me save money in the future. My friends do the same with Chick-Fil-A, soooo worth it!
3. Clearance EVERYTHING
This one has become my favorite thing to do lately - want more clothing but can't afford that $60 jacket? CHECK THE CLEARANCE! There is always a hidden gem or two in every clearance section.
My favorite clearance section is at Target with their new "Wild Fable" clothing line. I got two cropped turtleneck shirts for $3 each, two shirts that can be paired with any outfit! I also got a red leather jacket from their clearance section that was originally $40+ for only $17. What a steal!
4. Waiting It Out
This one is specifically towards knick-knacks and clothing items. If there is an item I realllly want, but not sure if it is worth the money, I give myself a time frame.
For example, if I loved a vanilla scented candle from Bath and Body, I will set it back down on the display and wait a week.
If in a week I am still thinking about getting that candle, I will purchase it.
If I am barely thinking about the candle, it's not worth the money in the end.
Boom.
5. Budgeting your $$
This one is probably the most boring and typical response, but it's a technique I like to use when grocery shopping or getting gas after receiving my paycheck.
I will take the total of my paycheck and divide it into three separate groups: groceries, gas, and extra. A majority of my paycheck goes towards the first two since they are my responsibility at this point in my life (everyone will be different, it all depends on the individual's situation!)
By going through and mentally reminding myself that I need money for certain things helps me stay restraint on spending my money on less important items or events.
6. Selling Old Items
One of my favorite ways to earn extra money on the side is gathering up old items that don't fit or that I never wear/use to sell online.
I use a very safe and reliable selling app called "Mercari". The app makes it so easy to print out already-made shipping labels!
The only downside to this method is the time-table. It can be months before someone is interested in buying an item off of you, but this is not always the case!