It seems like no matter how much money you save by working over the summer, it’s always the same story by the time the semester starts again: broke, living on ramen noodles and whatever lovely dining hall food your friends don’t want to can’t finish.
Wouldn’t you rather manage your money well and put it to good use, while still having some leftover at the end of summer? If you want your stacks to last longer, follow these tips to save your money this summer:
1. Use Your Flexible Schedule to Your Advantage
Assuming you’re working part-time, you should use that unconventional schedule to your advantage. Many restaurants offer cheap lunch specials, and most movie theaters have cheap matinee showings during the weekdays. Have fun at “off peak” times, and you’ll save money.
Even if you don’t have a flexible schedule, going out on a weekday is typically cheaper than going out on a weekend. Check with your friends to see if they’d be willing to shift things around to accommodate specials.
2. Ask for Discounts
Are you staying close to college for summer? As long as you have your student ID with you, it doesn’t hurt to ask if there’s a student discount wherever you’re going. (Note: They’re not always advertised!). You’d be surprised at the number of places that offer them, especially in major cities.
3. Use What You Have
Once you start receiving a steady paycheck, it can be difficult to ward off any spending temptation. For once your wallet isn’t empty – You can fill your wardrobe with the latest styles!
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Not so fast. What are the chances those clothes will still be in style next year? Don’t succumb to lifestyle inflation now; getting into this habit won’t help you at all when you graduate.
Instead, focus on what you already have. Sell anything you’re not using if you really want to buy something, and make sure the purchase aligns with your values and goals.
4. Get Creative and Copy Events
Is there anything you and your friends really enjoy doing but can’t afford to do all the time? Recreate it! There are plenty of creative ideas for frugal, fun events that you can put together and use for the rest of the summer.
For example, find out if anyone has access to a projector (or chip in to buy one) and set up a movie night in someone’s home or backyard. Get a popcorn maker or have everyone bring their own snacks.
Host a board game night, murder mystery party, day of sports, trivia night, or anything else you can think of. You’re only limited by your own creativity.
5. Focus on Free Activities
If you live in a populated area, look on your city or town’s website for free events happening nearby. Summer presents a great opportunity for free outdoor events like parades, festivals, craft fairs, concerts, and more. You’re sure to find something going on every weekend.
Go on a hike and have a picnic in the park. Invite your friends over for a bonfire if you’ve got a big enough backyard. If you live close enough, go to a beach or lake or spend the day at a community pool.
At the end of the day, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to make great memories this summer. Focus on the things you already have and the people that make it enjoyable and you’ll avoid living like a broke college student come fall.
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