5 Student-Friendly, Practical Money-Saving Hacks That Actually Work

College or university is already stressful as it is and doubly so if resources are limited. There are many expenses to think of in school, including accommodation, food, supplies, and money for personal spending. For those who are on student loans or work multiple jobs to afford to go to school, it is important to get value for money.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

This burden is something that is shared by many, and that is why there are practical, money-saving hacks that can help a student who’s in a pinch. Hopefully, the tips shared below will help elevate your quality of life and discourage eating cheap meals like ramen and mac and cheese on a regular basis.

Check Out Using Cash-Back Services

You may not save money right away when you shop for things you need. However, using cash-back services with accumulated points can entitle you to vouchers, instead of cash, you can spend later. There are apps and websites you can use for specific items, so check them regularly to grab bonuses and internal offers. You can use the cashback for times when hard-pressed for money.

Buy Books Wisely

Books are essential for education, but they are expensive. They may cost hundreds of dollars and put a serious dent on your limited budget. You can opt to get e-books so you can download them on a Kindle or a digital reader.

Another way to go about it is to check out the school library to reserve high-demand books. You can also ask around from previous students and offer to buy their study materials for a lower price. Lastly, secondhand bookshops exist, so do your research because they may be around your area.

Use Student Discount and Coupons

One underrated perk of being a student is the discounts you can avail of from stores all over the city or country. You will need to take your student card with you whenever you go shopping, and ask first if there are available discounts before checking out items.

Couponing is also a smart way to save money on purchases like food and other necessities. Go to coupon websites, and look for deals on items you usually get. Getting loyalty cards from stores you frequent also helps because they sometimes send coupons in the mail.

Get Low-Cost Technology

If you need a personal computer, laptop, or tablet, check out your school’s programs that may offer discounts. You can also shop online for deals and discounts on certain machines, especially on holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you don’t enjoy going to physical stores during those times, go shopping online.

You can also take advantage of refurbished technology. Most manufacturers offer refurb machines at a lower cost. You can buy a midrange or decent used desktop PC or laptop for a discount. Get your devices from certified refurb centers because their items are quality-checked and work as well as brand-new ones do.

Buy Multipurpose Items

If there’s an opportunity for you to use an item in multiple ways, take it. Save money and lessen your environmental impact by reusing things. For example, lemon juice can be mixed with white vinegar so you have an organic, all-purpose cleaner.

Apart from saving on a cleaner, another cheap multipurpose item is salt. It is cheap in bulk and makes food tasty, but it can be used for skin care as an organic bath salt or scrub. There are plenty of recipes you can find online using ingredients you already have.

What is your favorite money-saving hack that you use today? Share your tips in the comments and discuss.