Tips To Save Money In College

Attending college is one of the largest investments a person makes as a young adult. It can also put a HUGE dent in your wallet. Here are some helpful tips to Save Money in College.

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College is one of the biggest investments we make on our future. As a mom of a college senior and a rising high school senior, guiding your kids through the college search and ultimately financial process can be challenging. College can be quite costly between supplies and the cost of living. If you’re looking to find tips to save money in college, then you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m featuring my top tips to save money in college so that you can enjoy college life without going completely broke.

Helpful Tips To Save Money In College

Opt for Free Banking

There are many banks located near popular college locations that offer free banking, to include free checking accounts as well as no-fee ATM options. Be sure to review all banking options near your college to see which one can offer you the best savings possible.

Sign up for Coupons

There are many apps that can give you promo alerts for deals and discounts in the local area. This is especially helpful if you’re attending college in an unfamiliar location. Websites like Ebates.com and PromoCodes.com have become a pretty popular options to save money in college too.

Rent or Buy Used

When it comes to college textbooks the prices may seem so unreasonable. The cost of these books always blows my mind. When it comes to buying required textbooks for college courses, be sure to check online and local libraries for a way to rent or buy used textbooks to save the most money.

Be Credit Smart

When in college it may sound appropriate to get some credit cards and then max them out because of the cost of attending college and living the college life, but that could cost you more money in the long run. Be sure you keep your credit score positive so that you can get good rates on various rentals.

Opt to Walk

If you have your vehicle on campus at college, try not to use it unless absolutely necessary. You can invest in a bicycle or consider walking whenever possible to save on gas money and vehicle maintenance costs.

Plan Meals with Friends

Eating in college can get quite expensive, but consider planning meals with friends to get the most for less money. You can share the costs involved in making meals or take turns each week with friends. This means friend 1 buys food one week, friend 2 the next week, and you the third week to save big.

While college life really is fun, there are so many costs involved with this new lifestyle and nothing beats finding new ways to save money in college. The key to saving the most money in college is to think outside of the box. Discuss some options with your new college friends to see how you can all work together to save money.

Be sure to check out these other helpful college planning posts.

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