As the old saying goes, spring is just around the corner, and that also means Spring Break! Every college student dreams of going on some elaborate trip with their friends and having the time of their lives. Unfortunately, many students wake up from that dream and remember that they are college students who can’t quite afford an elaborate trip. Maybe you’re not planning on heading out of the country this March, but here are a few tips to help you save for your trip:
Set Your Budget
To a college student, the word “budget” brings visions of ramen noodles and bus passes, but if you are going to save for your trip, you need to set a budget. Start by getting a rough figure of how much your trip will cost. Then, you can begin to build a savings plan. There are many apps that you can download to help you track your savings. (First Choice Credit Union, for example, offers online banking and apps for Android and iPhone users.) Mobile banking is a great way to keep track of your spending and savings so you can reach your goal.
Purge Your Closet
If you need some more cash, try selling some old textbooks or go through your closet and sell your unused clothes for cash. Also, keep your eye out for any easy job offers. Some colleges may request help running large events on campus or in the mail room. These jobs are typically only for a few weeks, but are great if you are only looking to get a little extra income. You can even recycle cans and bottles for extra money!
Tighten Your Belt
This one may seem obvious, but stop spending your money on unnecessary things. Weekends are the worst time for college students - spending can get out of hand. Dine out less, wait to see the latest movies, don’t buy clothing items you really don’t need - you know the drill. If this trip is important to you, look into free ways to spend your weekend. See what’s going on around campus or try to get ahead on school work. If you simply must go out, don’t spend money. It may seem tough at first, but trust us, it will pay off in the long run!
Flash Your Student ID
One last way to try and save some money is by using your student ID. Many companies offer a student discount which can help you save just a bit more towards your trip - just ask!
Even if you don’t have the money right away, just yet get creative about saving and you’ll be on your dream trip in no time. If you have any questions about other ways to save or setting up a savings plan, give us a call at (561) 641-0100 or check out our website.
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