I'd like to think I've always been a relatively wise shopper, but lately I've been trying harder to find out better ways to cut costs and save money. I am a newly-wedded college student, after all.
Anyways, I wanted to share some tips with you that have helped save me hundreds of dollars!
1) Rewards Programs
You have to be careful with these - I'm not talking about the store credit cards, but simple rewards programs through local grocery stores or other business that offer "loyalty cards" or the like. Businesses really do appreciate your loyalty! We shop at Smith's for groceries, and by using our rewards card every time we go, we save tons of money with sales the store has only for card members. AND they have their own fuel station, which allows us $0.03, $0.10, or even $0.50 per gallon discounts using the fuel points we earn by buying stuff at Smith's. Look into the rewards programs around you!
Mommas - I read one gal's trick for money saving/getting free stuff involved Pampers rewards - you type in codes from diapers or wipes and you can redeem those points for toys or whatever. Maybe something to look into?
There are TONS of loyalty programs out there - from grocery stores to food chains to DVDs - see what is available to you!
2) Coupons
I've never been one of those crazy coupon ladies who comes to a store with a file folder full and walks out with five carts of paper towels and soda, but I'm always down to save some extra cash by hopping on Michael's website and taking a screenshot of a 40% off code, or printing coupons off online before going grocery shopping. Check the back/end of your receipts and the "junk mail" too!
Pssst ladies: there are SO MANY coupons available for feminine hygiene products - you're already spending way too much on them, and you're buying them all the time, so why not get a deal??
I would advise making a grocery list, and before you even leave the house, search online for brand or grocery store coupons you could use for those items.
3) Take Advantage of Sales
No, this does not mean that you should totally buy that jacket that looks almost like one you already have just because it's on sale. But it does mean possibly rearranging your meal plans for the week if you notice a killer deal. For example, there once was a huge sale on tortilla chips and tortillas if you bought at least 3, and we had nachos and quesadillas that week and it was great! You can also take advantage of good sales to stock up on non-perishables. Last week, Smith's had HUGE discounts on canned soup, so we loaded our cart! We know we'll eat it throughout the winter, and that it will keep, so why not buy them for less now?
4) Stop Going Out to Eat
I know, this one is tough. It's one I struggle with a lot. But just take a step back from your $8 smoothie and consider what it would cost to throw some frozen fruit and yogurt in a blender at home. Even fast food dollar menus make you pay way more per meal than you would if you just made yourself some spaghetti at home! If you are a sucker for Wendy's or Jamba Juice like I am, maybe leave your money/debit/credit card at home! Only take your ID etc when you're out and about. That way, you won't be tempted to swing by McDonald's on the way home from school or work.
5) Rent/Buy Used Textbooks
I know it's a little late for this, but consider it as you look forward to next semester. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OPTIONS BEFORE BUYING TEXTBOOKS. I guarantee there is another place you could get it cheaper than your school's official bookstore. There are Amazon rentals that ship back for free when you're done. There are eBooks you can get on your laptop for way cheaper than the paper version (and you can rent these too!). There are Facebook pages full of fellow students selling textbooks they've used in previous classes. If you're lucky enough to have a textbook that is widely used, some local used bookstores might even have it! And above all, CHECK YOUR LIBRARIES FIRST - local and school. You'd be surprised how many textbooks are available to check out - no need to spend a penny!
6) Financial Aid
Everyone knows that college students are broke, with lots of expenses to keep up with. And lots of people want to help! Fill out your FAFSA, apply to your school's department and academic scholarships, look up scholarships available online (Fastweb has a bunch all in one place that you can apply to with a click of a button!), and see what grants you may be eligible for. Take advantage of small offers too! Maybe if you take this survey for your school, you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card or an iPad or something. Give it a shot! Check out your favorite stores, companies, bloggers, etc on Instagram - there are SO many giveaways going on all the time that are so easy to enter! (follow me - @beconfident_bebeautiful while you're at it - we have giveaways too!) There's free money floating around you - you just have to grab a net and catch it!
7) Choose One Thing to Give Up
Maybe you have lash extensions you regularly fill. Maybe you get a mani pedi once a month. Maybe you go to the movie theater every time a new movie is out. Maybe you've been using an expensive shampoo/conditioner when in your heart of hearts you know a more generic one would work just fine. Maybe you buy energy drinks and sodas from vending machines instead of drinking water. The call is totally yours, but look at your life and see if there is one thing you could give up, or at least reduce. It's amazing how much room you realize you have in your budget when a previous "necessity" gets taken out.
I hope these tips help you pinch a few pennies before Christmas, and help you save money in the future!
Let me know if you have any other tips/tricks to saving some cash!
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