How to Stretch Your Money in College or Graduate School

Money's tight for most college and graduate students. Take these steps to help your money go further.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Used Books
• Calculators
• Sewing Kits
• Used CDs
• Bank Account
• Matinee Movie Tickets
• Student Loans
• Used Videos

Food, Clothing and Entertainment

1. Shop at discount grocers. Remember to clip coupons and shop on double-coupon days.

2. Cook for yourself as much as you can. If you're living in a dorm, sign up for the meal plan - it's almost certainly cheaper than eating out.

3. Eat vegetable protein instead of meat. Beans and tofu are excellent sources of high-quality protein and cost less than meat.

4. Shop at used clothing stores. Used clothes are far, far cheaper than new clothes, and you can find funky stuff that you wouldn't find elsewhere. When you do buy new clothes, buy quality: the money you spend now will ultimately save you money down the line.

5. Learn to sew. This can stretch out the life of your current clothes almost indefinitely.

6. Go to matinees instead of evening shows and patronize movie theaters that offer student discounts.

7. Buy used CDs and books instead of new ones.

8. Exercise discipline. Do you really "need" that extra pair of shoes or that dinner at a pricey restaurant?

Housing and Transportation

1. Share an apartment or house with others. Splitting costs will save a lot of money.

2. Consider living in the dorms; they're often the cheapest option.

3. Try to live without a car if you can.

4. Buy monthly passes for whatever public transit you ride.

5. Ride a bike. It's cheap - and an excellent way to get exercise.

Finances

1. Join a credit union. Credit unions frequently offer low-interest loans.

2. Check with your financial aid office for information on getting a low-interest student loan.

3. Pay cash for whatever you buy. Credit card debt, once it piles up, can take a huge chunk of your income in interest alone.