Aug/0911
Tried-and-true money saving tips.
So you’re a college student now, and you suddenly realize that living independently costs money. Lots of it. And unfortunately, after paying sky-high tuition and housing fees, you don’t seem to have much of it left.
from the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic
Equally as unfortunate, many students don’t realize just how much money they’re spending until they (or their parents) get the credit card bill and stare at the triple-digits in shock. “Am I really spending upwards of $300 a month?!” I nearly screeched the first time I saw my statement. “Surely that must be wrong – I only eat out twice a week, and spend a max of $5 on food per day, and only bought 5 or so books… and that really cute skirt from H&M… and that pair of super-sleek jeans from Express…”
Yeah, I’m sure you see the problem here.
Since my parents pay my credit card bill, I never realized the epidemic of my spending until a few months ago, when my credit card bill skyrocketed (granted, I also paid for my ticket to AnimeExpo and many promotional items for SnM). I later felt completely terrible when I splurged on three formal dresses from Sears (they were 50%-off!) and a pile of books from Borders (though I did have a 30%-off coupon). “This has got to stop,” I spat through clenched teeth. Then and there, I vowed to cure my chronic spending habits.
My journey to become a super-saver is still a work-in-progress, but I thought I’d share with you some tips that have worked. With this advice, hopefully you won’t fall in the same hole that I did!
