Although college is supposed to provide you with the path to a financially promising future, it costs a lot to get there. Just about every student compiles debt while attending college, but many also find themselves with money troubles during their tenure.

One way to save money in college is by purchasing used textbooks. As you probably already know, or will soon find out, textbooks are extremely expensive. It’s not rare for them to cost hundreds of dollars. Most schools have a bookstore on campus or nearby that will sell them at a discount when they’ve been previously used. However, you stand to save a lot more money by shopping online or even posting on social media. College bookstores tend to offer poor compensation to those who sell them used texts, so by purchasing direct, both parties benefit.

If you’re living off campus, you should really look into taking public transportation or carpooling to class. The cost of gas, car payments, and insurance is more than any college student should have to shoulder. Chances are there’s a parking permit involved too.

Many students also use a meal plan for the majority of their food. This is an easy way to end up overspending though. Be sure to study the plans before choosing one and asking other students who have experience with them. It’s also a good idea to reassess your meal plan after each semester to ensure it still makes sense. You also stand to save a lot of money by heading to the grocery store, buying in bulk (get other students to go in with you) and cutting out coupons.

Like most students, you’ll probably graduate with more debt than you’d like to think about. Fortunately, with the above tips, you don’t need to experience money troubles while you’re still attending classes.

Source:

http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/college-planning/financial-aid/college-savings.htm

Everyone who smokes knows it’s a deadly habit they should quit, though that’s not a fact that makes it any easier. It may help, though, to focus on the financial benefits of putting down cigarettes once and for all.

First, let’s look at the actual cost of this habit.  The average price of a pack of cigarettes in the United States right now is $5.51. However, in some areas it can easily be twice that. In any case, that means a pack a day smoker needs to budget out $2,011.15 a year for their cigarettes. That’s close to $170 a month, literally, up in smoke. Imagine what else you could be doing with that money. For many, that’s a car payment, a student loan payment, gas for the entire month, a utility bill, etc.

That’s just for current costs too. As every smoker knows, cigarettes continue to increase in price over time. Much of this is directly related to the taxes states put on them, often as a way to help dissuade people from lighting up.

Of course, it may also help to think about how your habit affects everyone else, in terms of dollars and cents. Every year, the United States spends $116,397,094,262 on the cost of smokers. The workplace loses $67,489,993,472 worth of productivity too. Obviously, smoking can eventually lead to death, which costs the country another $117,138,774,968. Put another way, even if you’re only spending $5.51 a day on cigarettes, that’s costing the taxpayer $18.05 for every single pack. Stop smoking and you’ll be doing everyone a favor.

This doesn’t even begin to touch on the money you’ll need to spend on extra insurance costs and eventual medical bills when cigarettes take their toll.

If you’re looking for ways to help out your budget, quitting smoking may be one of the best methods. In the end, it could be one of the best ways you help yourself and others too.

Sources:

http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/financial-benefits

http://www.icanquit.com.au/health/reasons-to-quit/money-saved

http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/tobacco-control-advocacy/reports-resources/cessation-economic-benefits/states/united-states.html

Whether you travel constantly for work or you just take a vacation or two every year, hotels are a part of just about everyone’s life at one point or another. This doesn’t mean you need to pay full-price though. By following the below tips you could either save a lot of money over the course of a year or simply make your family vacation a bit more affordable.

Everyone knows you can go online these days and search multiple hotels at once for the best price. So it makes sense to start there. However, if you want to shave real money off your bill, call the second-lowest hotel on the list and tell them you went with the most affordable option. Let them know you’ve been reading customer reviews, though, and having second thoughts. Then find out if they’re willing to secure your business by becoming the lowest bidder. It might not work, but it’s always worth a shot.

To maximize your chances, tell them you’re interested in the most affordable “nonrefundable rate.” For one thing, this ensures the clerk at the front desk that you won’t be taking the bidding war further. It’s also industry jargon that will get the point across that you’re aware of how the business works.

Many people don’t actually need any help securing lower rates if they’d just remember the prices they’re entitled to. Are you member of AAA for example? Then you probably qualify for special rates just for having a membership number. If you work for a major corporation, they may be able to offer you the same deals. Major credit cards do the same for their members too. Consider all the groups you belong to and search for any discounts they provide.

Don’t add to the cost of your trip by staying in a hotel that costs more than it should. Utilize the above advice to spend as little as possible.

Source:

http://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/ways-to-save-money/10-tips-on-saving-electricity-and-lowering-your-electricity-bill/view-all

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are looking forward to time spent with family and, of course, presents under the Christmas tree. However, plenty of us are also heading into the holidays with a fair bit of anxiety as we try to figure out how we’ll be affording those gifts.

The first thing you need to do is meticulously plan what you’ll be buying your loved ones for the holidays. Just like with a budget, list out whom you’ll be buying presents for and how much you’ll be spending. This should come even before you decide what you’ll get them. Otherwise, you’re vulnerable to all kinds of tempting offers at the mall or online.

One especially smart way to save money is by purchasing gift cards at discounted prices. Countless people receive gift cards every year for businesses they never plan on visiting. Nowadays, though, they can go online and sell them for cash. The companies that buy them then turn around and sell them to you at a discount. While you won’t save hundreds this way, every little bit helps and this is essentially free money.

Another good idea is to head to social media. While you’ll find no lack of ads there during the holiday season, be sure to check in with your favorite companies and brands. They often offer special discounts to those people who are connected to them through Facebook and Twitter.

Look for discount codes and online coupons too. Some are offered for a limited time, but last for the entire year. If you start searching for them now, they could equal big savings as we get closer to Christmas and often on top of the sales prices you’ll be offered.

Don’t let the stress of spending money get you down this holiday season. With the above tips you can put smiles on your loved ones’ faces without paying for it in the New Year.

Source:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-easy-tips-to-save-money-this-christmas/

The workplace is where you’re supposed to go every day to make money, but it also represents an opportunity to needlessly spend it. If you’re looking for ways to pad your budget, then the following tips will help you do so where work is involved.

The first step you can take is actually before you ever get to work. Gas is never cheap, so consider carpooling with coworkers. If you don’t know anyone who works with you from the same area, ask around. Chances are there are others who would love to save money by starting a carpool.

Don’t forget about taking the bus or train either. Many people use their car predominantly to get to work and back. By using public transportation, you may find out you’re making car payments, insurance payments, and paying for gas unnecessarily.

One of the most unnecessary expenditures on your budget may very well be the money you spend on lunch every day. If you’re using your lunch break to hit up a local eatery or order in, that’s a lot of money you could be saving (plus, you’re wasting gas by driving to the destination). Instead, pack your lunch for the week. Not only will this save you money, it gives you the opportunity to eat much healthier too.

For those of us in a “professional” work environment, we’re often expected to wear appropriate clothing. This often means paying exorbitant prices at the dry cleaner though. Instead, take another look at the labels on your clothes. If you’re wearing unlined garments with tags that identify polyester or natural fibers, you can throw them in the gentle cycle with cold water and save a lot of money.

Don’t let your job turn into one of the biggest liabilities on your budget. Instead, apply the above advice and keep more of your paycheck.

Sources:

http://www.muni.org/Departments/transit/ShareARide/Pages/carpoolsave.aspx

http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/tip-1-pack-lunches-for-the-rest-of-the-week/

http://laundry.about.com/od/drycleaning/tp/savemoneydryclean.htm

Saving money doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge undertaking. While designing a budget is important, as is reviewing your typical expenses, there’s plenty you can do right now to make sure you have more money in the bank in the near future.

For example, everyone knows to turn off lights and appliances when they’re not necessary. Most people, though, don’t unplug said appliances regularly too. Whenever you leave the house, try to unplug at least those appliances that you know use the most electricity. Definitely do it whenever you go on vacation. This one simple step alone will save you a lot of money.

Try addressing the temperature in your home too. Whether it’s the A/C or your heat, chances are you could stand a few degrees in either direction if it means saving money. In the case of a hot environment, for example, you may prefer the house to be at 68 degrees. Allow the temp to hit 69 for a few days and then 70. Eventually, you’ll find your breaking point, but it will be worth the money you save.

It’s important to use your free time away from work or school in a manner you enjoy. However, this doesn’t have to mean paying for a movie ticket, an expensive meal or going out for drinks. Look for ways to have fun with your loved ones for free or at least without spending a lot of money. So long as you’re with your favorite people, you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of cash to have a good time.

Lastly, we all know gas is expensive and it doesn’t look like that will change any time soon. Carpooling, then, could put a lot of money back in your pocket and add years to your vehicle’s life.

While there are countless ways to save money, these tactics should help you get started right away.

Source:

http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Money-Fast

Most of us will end up staying at a hotel at least once or twice a year. While hotels are built for pleasant stays, there’s often very little to enjoy about the bill involved. If you’re on a budget, then, the following advice will help you sleep a little sounder knowing you’re not being charged an arm and a leg.

Assuming you’re flying to the city your hotel is in, you should always go online and check travel websites that may book rooms and flights together. This is one simple way to save money. However, those sites may not list all the hotels available. If you don’t see an airport hotel, you might be missing out on some real savings. While many people think of airport hotels as often being the most expensive route to take, that’s an undeserved reputation that could cost you good money if you leave it unchallenged.

Another great thing about these hotels is that many offer free parking for days and a free shuttle to the airport. This means you can save on having to park at the airport, get a cheap hotel, and find a free ride all because of this one great option.

Many hotels these days will also offer you a “best price guarantee”, meaning they promise they’re charging the most affordable price for their room and will match any establishment offering a compatible one for less. Not enough people take hotels up on this generous offer. It should also give you the confidence to book a room if the offer seems like it will be the best. Later on, if you find out you’re wrong, you still have the room locked in, but you’ll be getting it for less.

If you know what you’re doing, traveling doesn’t have to be an expensive chore. Where hotels are concerned, the above tactics will help you stay well under budget.

Source:

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/10-hidden-ways-to-save-at-hotels

No matter how much you try to budget your money, there are some things you simply can’t plan for. Booking a flight is often one of them, as you may need to cross the country for an emergency. Of course, some of you may finally be taking a well-deserved vacation and just don’t want to blow a lot of money on the travel arrangements.

Either way, you can stand to save good money by booking your tickets on either Tuesday or Wednesday. This is generally when airlines release new prices for upcoming flights. They tend to be low either to entice people to book flights in the future right now or because they’re looking to attract the impulsive types who have just decided they want to get away for the weekend.

If you’re planning a vacation, be sure you take it during a shoulder season. This is any time of the year between high seasons, but it will depend on where you’re hoping to travel. For example, if you want to take a trip to London, October would be a shoulder season that will cost you a lot less. Heading across the border to Mexico? Do so between spring and summer break.

Again, so long as you have some freedom, play around with the dates you’ll be gone. By doing some comparison shopping, you’ll most likely find that there are days you would have otherwise not chosen that can mean a lot of savings. Some people even end up with extra money despite taking a longer vacation.

Lastly, don’t forget to sign up for airline alerts. They’ll make your life much easier by notifying you whenever it’s most affordable to jump on a plane.

While flying is never going to be particularly cheap, that doesn’t have to mean you automatically pay full price. Follow the above advice to help keep flying to a minimum cost.

Sources:

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/5-ways-to-save-on-airline-tickets-1.aspx

http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/5-ways-to-save-money-on-flights.htm#page=4

Everyone has a cell phone these days and the vast majority of us couldn’t imagine life any other way. Most of us, though, probably spend a lot of time imagining what life would be like without a hefty bill coming every month. While there’s probably no way to get free cell phone service, consider the following methods for lowering your bill.

First, take a look at your bill and make sure your plan actually makes sense. A lot of people sign up for a plan arbitrarily, often because they went with the most generous one at the time, either because it was on sale or because they wanted to be safe rather than sorry. Now that you look at your plan, though, you may be plenty sorry about it. Switch to one that makes more sense.

Next, check with your employer to see if there are any carriers that offer your company a special discount. Many do in the hopes of securing a huge swath of people in one go. Customers can save between 10% and 30% from this step alone. While you may have to switch carriers to reap the benefits, those kinds of savings will probably be worth it.

Student discounts are generally an option too if you’re not currently employed. Just call your carrier and see if that’s something they offer. If they don’t, make sure they know it’s something you’d consider switching carriers for.

Another option that is becoming more and more popular is prepaid cell phones, specifically because they help people save so much money. Nowadays, there are even smartphones available that allow you to pay only for the services you use.

Don’t make the mistake of budgeting for your cell phone like it’s an objective amount. Instead, always be on the lookout for ways you can save money on this “necessity.”

Source:

http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/5-ways-to-save-money-on-cell-phone-bill.htm

Although we all want to get healthy, there can be a million obstacles that seemingly stand in our way. For many of us, one of the major ones is our budget. We all know that unhealthy food—which just happens to taste amazing—is also cheap and affordable. So let’s take a look at some ways to save money on a healthier diet.

The first thing you should think about doing is substituting the expensive versions of healthy foods for the more affordable ones. For example, fresh berries are amazing for you, but can cost more than most would like to pay. Frozen berries, however, are still good for you, yet cost far less. You can do the same by purchasing instant oats instead of the prepackaged versions (this also makes it easier for you to make your own, healthier oatmeal).

It should go without saying that salad is a perfectly healthy addition to any meal. A lot of us, therefore, buy prepackaged mixes. They cost a lot more, though, than just purchasing a head of lettuce and won’t last you as long, due to both quantity and because even in the crisper, pre-packaged versions usually wilt faster.

One hurdle to going healthy is often the lack of flavor quality foods seem to have when compared to their over-processed cousins. You can fix this by adding all kinds of spices to your meals though. Save money by purchasing spices from bulk bins or even specialty stores. On top of saying money, you’ll probably be consuming far less preservatives too.

Lastly, if you understand how many calories you need to eat everyday to lose weight, shopping becomes a lot easier because you have more flexibility regarding what you buy. This will mean you can buy healthy foods in bulk when you happen to find them on sale.

If you’ve wanted to lose weight but let your budget hold you back, use the above advice to get in shape and save money.

Source:

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,203624