Sure, we know we’re speaking to the choir when we tell you that college is expensive. And it’s not just the tuition and the textbooks but life itself that’s cost so much. It can be a struggle to pay the electric bill, buy groceries and still afford the rent on your Athens Ohio student rental. And that part-time Jimmy John’s salary feels like just a drop in the bucket.
But there are small expenses you can cut. Put them together and they do add up. Check out these little ways you can save money without feeling the pinch.
Join a Credit Union
Here’s a dirty little secret: For profit banks earn most of their money off late fees. In other words, they make bank off people who don’t have any money — broke folks who are struggling just like you. Have you considered joining a credit union? If you are an Ohio University student, you are eligible to join the Ohio University Credit Union for free. They are non-profit. And since they have ATMs throughout Athens, you never have to pay an ATM fee if you use their ATMs. And if you are out of town, you can access a network of other credit unions so you always have bank and ATM access, even as far away as California!
Wasting Food
Did you know over 100 billion pounds of food are wasted in the US every year? How much of that is in your fridge? Wasted food is a big waste not only on the environment, but also your budget. Buy only a few days worth of veggies at a time. Date leftovers and eat them before they grow fuzz. Pay attention to your food budget and make sure to eat the food you buy. You’ll save money at the grocery store and have more cash for other things in your budget.
Brew Your Own Coffee
At $3 to $4 a cup, coffee can become an expensive habit quick. In fact, Bustle.com estimates buying your caffeine from coffee shops can cost you $240 to $1,200 per year. That’s several months worth of rent just for java! Try brewing your own coffee instead. This way you get your own caffeine fix without the expense. You can still spoil yourself with whole bean gourmet coffee that’s fair trade, but at a fraction of the cost. Get yourself a coffee grinder and a French press. You’ll be coffee as good as the Donkey right in your Athens Ohio apartment — and saving yourself a fortune over time.
Avoid Late Fees
Some landlords charge late fees if you are late on the rent of your Athens Ohio rental. So does your insurance company, phone company, electric and gas company. That’s wasted money. Start a calendar on Google that lists when bills are due. Set reminders and pay them on time. You’ll spend less money on late fees and more left over for the finer things in life.
Paying for Memberships You Don’t Use
Be honest with yourself. How many memberships do you pay for that you don’t actually use? Do you still have a gym membership when the Fitness Center at WellWorks is free for students? Do you actually watch Hulu and Netflix? Would one do just as well as the other? Cut off the memberships you don’t use every month, or at least consolidate. The savings can really add up. Plus, you could always share accounts with the people you share Ohio University student housing with.