Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 5: Avoid Waste
• Method 2 of 5: Change your habits
• Method 3 of 5: Spend Smarter
• Method 4 of 5: Support Yourself
• Method 5 of 5: Manage Your Finances

Many students are forced to pay tuition fees, rent housing and spend money on everything they need, and in such conditions it is important to be able to save. To keep money for everything, try changing a few things in your habits. Saving opportunities can always be found.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Avoid Waste

1. 1 Don't eat in a cafe. The cost of eating in a restaurant is much higher than the cost of cooking at home, even if you go to an inexpensive buffet.
   • Limit going to cafes - only go there on special occasions (birthday, anniversary, etc.).
   • If you are short on money, fast food is for you. This is not the healthiest food, but it is high in calories, so you can eat a hearty meal for a small amount.
2. 2 Turn off the light and remove the wires of electrical equipment from the network. You can save on electricity if you turn off all appliances more often.
   • Before leaving the house, walk through all the rooms and turn off the lights. Unplug small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, phone charger) from the mains.
3. 3 Use free software. Many of the programs that students use have free online versions. Before you buy any app, make sure it doesn't have a free version.
   • Open Office is a popular free counterpart to Microsoft Office. There is also Office Online.
   • ClamWin is a quality free antivirus.
   • You can use torrents to download movies, entertainment, music videos, and even apps.
   • For sound processing, you can use the free Audacity application. If you have a creative specialty, this program will come in handy for you.
   • PDFCreator is the free version of Adobe Acrobat.
   • Instead of paid accounting software, you can use TurboCASH 5, GnuCash, or other free local applications.
4. 4 To spend less money on communication, communicate with people using video chat and instant messengers. This will reduce your call costs.
   • Use Skype, CamFrog, Facetime, ooVoo - all of these applications have both video chat and the ability to write a message.
   • There are also web clients for video chat. Try Skype Web, Google Hangouts, Facebook video chat, AnyMeeting, TinyChat.
   • Video chat allows you to see facial expressions and gestures of people. You will be glad to see your friends and relatives smile.
5. 5 Do not withdraw money from ATMs where there is a commission. ATMs of foreign banks often charge a fee for issuing money. Think everything in advance. If you need cash and you don't have it, withdraw the money from an ATM or at your bank branch.
6. 6 Give up your gym membership. Physical activity is an important element of any person's life. However, you don't have to go to the gym. Run, bike, swim, exercise on the floor (push ups, work your abs). Invite your friends to join you. This will help you save money and stay in good shape.
   • In some yoga studios and fitness clubs there is an opportunity to earn extra money in exchange for free attending various classes. Find out if there are such studios in your city.
   • If you plan to practice at home, watch video tutorials on yoga, qigong, tai chi and full body workouts on Youtube or other video services.
7. 7 Disconnect the TV antenna. If you pay for an extended TV package, you are spending a lot of money on it. Transfer the money saved to your savings account.
   • Netflix, IVI, Megogo and other services are cheaper and have a large selection of movies and TV shows.
   • Read instead of watching TV. A library card can be obtained free of charge.
8. 8 Change your mobile data plan. Many tariff plans include services that the subscriber does not need. Stop using these services or change your plan.
   • Find out which plan will be the cheapest.
   • Find out if your carrier has a family plan. Sometimes it is cheaper to use family plans. Your parents may agree to pay for mobile services, but even if not, such a plan might still be a good option.
9. 9 Avoid impulse purchases. Walking through the shops or busy shopping streets can force you to make a momentary decision. If impulse buying becomes a habit, you won't be able to save money. Before buying something, consider how many days you would have to work to pay for the item.
   • Before you buy something unplanned, think about how much money and how many mandatory expenses you have.
   • If you like something, wait at least an hour, then at least a day and at least one week. If you distance yourself from buying, it will be easier for you to resist the urge to buy this item.
   • Do not buy items that cannot be returned.
   • Leave credit and debit cards at home and don't carry a lot of money with you.
   • Don't buy things just because they are on sale now. It is possible that they will remain idle in the closet, or they are simply not needed or do not suit you.

Method 2 of 5: Change your habits

1. 1 Prepare your own food. The cost of food in a cafe or with home delivery is high. If you cook yourself, you can save money. In addition, you will acquire a useful skill and will be able to communicate with friends and family more often.
   • For breakfast, cook pancakes, cheese cakes, scrambled eggs, porridge.
   • For lunch, tomato soup, hodgepodge, fried chicken, salads are suitable.
   • For dinner, cook vegetables, roast chicken, pork, or beef, or cook vegetarian meals.
   • There are many sites on the Internet with a huge number of simple recipes that do not require complex ingredients. These recipes are also suitable for students. Learn simple recipes and it will be easier for you to cook something complex.
2. 2 Don't shop on an empty stomach. If you are hungry, you will buy more than you need. When a person is hungry, it seems to him that he is ready to eat more than he can.
   • If you haven't eaten for a long time, a little snack is enough. So you are unlikely to be attracted to something that looks delicious.
3. 3 Go to events that offer free food. Keep an eye out for events where there may be free treats.
   • Look online for free food events.
   • Don't be afraid to take the whole serving. Of course, you shouldn't put carrots and broccoli in your pockets, but no one will judge you if you put yourself a plate full of food.
4. 4 Drink alcohol at home. If you do drink alcohol, it is better to do it at home - it will be cheaper than at the bar. If you're going to a party, have a drink early at home or visiting a friend.
   • In bars, prices for alokgol are high. At the grocery store, you can buy a large volume for a low price.
   • If you decide to go to a bar, follow certain rules: drink alcohol only when it is cheaper; order beer; eat before leaving the house; look for great deals; Bring a limited amount of money with you.
   • Avoiding alcohol entirely can save you even more money. It will be beneficial for your overall health as well.
5. 5 Spend more time at home. Many students go to bars, movies, concerts and other events. These are good ways to spend time, but they hit your wallet hard. Try to spend your free time at home and save money.
   • Instead of attending paid events, pursue your hobbies.
   • Read your favorite authors, blog archives and sites you like.
   • Take care of repairing clothes, tidying up, write letters, clean the house, make a personal budget and a list of goals.
   • Host lunches and dinners with friends to strengthen your relationship and save money.
   • Go to free events.
   • Make a list of people you are grateful to; go camping, volunteer, make gifts for loved ones, try new hairstyles, look for new combinations in your clothes.
6. 6 Ride your bike. This will reduce transportation costs and be beneficial to your health.
   • If you have a car, you have to pay to maintain and maintain it. The bike maintenance cost is much lower.
7. 7 Use public transport. Many cities have metro and other transportation that allows you to get around the city for a modest fee. This will save you money on fuel and machine maintenance.
   • Buy a pass if you have to travel frequently by public transport.
8. 8 Save money on fuel. If you regularly drive a car, buy gasoline with the lowest octane rating for your car. Monitor the tire pressure and service the engine in time. This will help you save money.

Method 3 of 5: Spend Smarter

1. 1 Buy textbooks online. Study materials can be quite expensive. It is more profitable to buy textbooks in online stores.
   • You can buy both new and second-hand publications on large Internet sites.
2. 2 Buy clothes from second-hand shops or stocks. Clothes there cost much less than in regular stores. This way you can save significant amounts of money.
   • It may be difficult for you to find something for yourself in such stores. Take your time and explore all the options.
   • For a more fun outfit, take your friends with you.
   • Ask other students which stores are best to go to. The range of stores may vary. There are also thrift stores where you can buy furniture and electronics.
3. 3 Shop for groceries at low-cost stores. Most cities have good shops with a wide range of quality goods, but prices are quite high there. Shop for groceries at low-cost stores.
   • As organic food is slowly becoming the norm, quality products can be found even in low-cost stores.
4. 4 Buy large quantities of food. In many countries there are special shops for small wholesale. Buy a member card and save money on purchases.
   • If there are no such shops in your city, dump with friends or relatives and buy food for everyone at once. This will save money.
   • Products that are stored for a long time are sometimes profitable to order on the Internet. Find out if there are such online stores in your city.
   • You may also be able to buy the vitamins you need online at a discount.
   • Don't forget to look for online shopping coupons.
5. 5 Buy frozen food. Frozen food has a long shelf life, which means you spend less money. Research confirms the fact that shelf-stable foods (frozen meat, fruits, and other foods) help you save a lot.
   • Many snacks, vegetables, fruits, breakfast foods, convenience foods, desserts, drinks, and other foods can be kept frozen.
6. 6 Buy cheap analogs of goods. This applies to food and medicine. Many stores and pharmacies sell both original brands and their cheaper counterparts. Large supermarket chains sell their own branded products, which are usually cheaper.
   • Scientists have found that experts buy analogues more often than ordinary people. For example, doctors are more likely to give preference to generics, while chefs buy analogues of well-known brands.
   • Before buying a medicine, ask a pharmacist if there is a domestic drug with the same active ingredient on sale.
7. 7 Rent an apartment with someone. Housing costs a lot of money. Try to rent an apartment with people you would be comfortable living with. If you divide the rent by 2-4 people, you have more money to spare.
   • Choose reliable people you can trust.
   • Talk to the owner of the property and read the lease. Pay attention to whether the contract provides for a deposit and whether there are special requirements (for example, payment of two months of rent upon arrival).
8. 8 Take advantage of student discounts. Many institutions that operate near universities offer student discounts. Try to use such discounts whenever possible.
   • You may be eligible for discounts at theaters, bars, restaurants, fitness centers.
9. 9 Plan your travels in advance. The longer the time before the trip, the cheaper the transport tickets will be. Don't forget to compare ticket prices from different operators before purchasing. There are special sites for this (Skyscanner, Aviasales).

Method 4 of 5: Support Yourself

1. 1 Grow food. You can save significant amounts by growing your own food. Plus, so you know for sure that your food is organic.
   • Since this activity takes a long time, choose vegetables and fruits that do not require constant maintenance.
   • There will be little time elapsed between harvesting and eating, which means home-grown food will be healthier.
   • Growing food at home is good for the environment as food does not need to be transported in vehicles that pollute the atmosphere.
2. 2 Sell ​​old textbooks and clothes. If you are no longer using your old study materials, sell them. If you have unwanted clothes, you can sell them too.
   • There are sites where you can put unnecessary books up for sale. They will probably be bought quickly, because books are in great demand.
   • There are also services where you can sell clothes. If things are in good condition, they will also be bought quickly.
3. 3 Get a job. While students have a lot to learn, many also take part-time jobs. Think about what you like and what you are studying at the university. Work will help you save money and take care of your future.
   • Some companies that work in the food industry may offer employees free meals.
   • You probably have a certain set of knowledge. Try teaching some subjects to schoolchildren (as a tutor, for example).
4. 4 Find a one-time job. In addition to permanent employment, there is also temporary employment. Take surveys on the Internet, participate in clinical trials of drugs, do work related to physical labor. Look for job postings on specialized groups on social media.
   • You can donate plasma, blood, sperm and get paid for it.
5. 5 Exchange skills, goods, or services with others. Do you know someone who is good at something that you need? Consider what valuable skills you have. Talk to the person and ask if they would consider bartering.
   • Think back to what subjects you studied before. There are websites where students can advertise educational services to schoolchildren and other students.

Method 5 of 5: Manage Your Finances

1. 1 Open a current and savings account. If you don't already have them, go for it. Study the offers of different banks, ask for a complete list of all commissions.
   • Some banks even have special offers for students.
   • Put the earned money into a savings account so that you do not spend it all at once.
2. 2 Pay yourself first. When you receive the transfer from your employer, put some of your earnings into a savings account. At first, the amount may be quite small - it will grow over time.
   • When it comes time to pay utility bills, rent, and more, pay yourself a little more by putting money in a savings account.
   • Set up an automatic transfer from a current account to a savings account, so that the money itself is credited to the deposit every month.
3. 3 Develop a budget. Add your salary to all other sources of income (scholarships, parental assistance, etc.). Now calculate how much money you need to spend on rent, utility bills and other things, and also think how much money you need for unnecessary expenses (clothes, food, entertainment). If your expenses exceed your income, determine which purchases you can opt out of, or start spending less money overall. You should also consider how you can increase your income.
   • When you create a budget, you will see how much money you can spend each month. Stick to the plan. Try to stay within your budget for at least a month and see how much money you can save.
   • If your parents or someone else gives you money, get them involved in the process. Explain exactly what you need the money for and how you will spend it.
4. 4 Make a list of what you need and what you want. This will allow you to stick to your budget.What you want are the things that you like, but which cannot be called essential things, since you do not need them for your health or safety. Movies, dinners in cafes, expensive telephones - these are not essential things. Necessary things include food, clothing, shelter. Make two lists. If you can honestly separate one from the other, you will have a better understanding of what you are spending your money on.
   • Before you buy something, ask yourself: "I want this or it to me necessary?’
5. 5 Use credit cards only if you can pay off your debt on time. Credit card debt builds up quickly, which will alienate you from your goal. Only use credit cards if you know you can afford these purchases. Make credit card payments every month.
   • This will help you build a good credit history.
6. 6 Talk to a financial advisor. A financial advisor will advise you on budgeting, savings and other matters. Thanks to him, you will learn how to rationally handle money.