OneBudget and the college student

College students may desire to open their own accounts, to which they allow parents access.

Who couldn't usesome money-saving tips?

No matter where we are in life, it's helpful to have tips handy in our budgeting arsenal. Some tips will work well for students while others will better suit retirees and so on. And what one person finds useful, another person may not. As your life changes, you might find what used to work for you no longer does. Nevertheless, you'll find some tips stick with you no matter your age or stage in life.

Tips that make sense to a college student's life

• If you have a cafeteria plan at school, make use of it. Don't always seek out fast-food and restaurants. Avoid vending machines--the markup on these snacks is extreme. Take snacks with you.
• If you are renting an apartment, share expenses with a roommate, if possible. Also turn off non-essential lights, especially when leaving your abode for the day. Adjust your thermostat up or down a few degrees according to the dictates of the weather. It's also best to do some shopping to find great rates on apartments. For example, if you live in Oregon, it's best to compare Check out apartments for rent in Portland Oregon, and find apartments with great rates as well as move in deals.
• Take advantage of college-sponsored activities that are free or low in cost. The local park district of your town is also a viable option for snagging cheaper prices on certain activities.
• Shop at consignment stores. Clothing in these stores can look practically brand new.
• If shopping at a department store, buy off the sales rack, preferably the ones where the clothing is going out of season. You can save up to 70-80% on these items!
• Buy used textbooks from your college bookstore or online
• Make use of your school's gym or find local parks.
• Use lists to cut down on impulse buys--even if it's really cheap, do you really need it? Decide between wants and needs.

OneBudget-helping you on your way

This was just a small listing of all the possible tips that are out there and is not meant to be comprehensive. Feel free to share your own on OneBudget. After all, that's what this site is all about: networking to find out what works for others and, more important, you.