Five ways to save money during spring break
Alex Miller, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of QuickMeme
If you’re a college student then you know the struggle is real when it comes to your bank account. With spring break quickly approaching, there will be endless opportunities for road trips with your best friends, but road trips require money. And lots of it.
Here are a few tips to prepare your wallet before you hit the road!
1. Pinch pennies before you leave by cutting out unnecessary spending.
We all have those daily or weekly routine buys. Maybe you love going to your favorite coffee shop every day and grabbing a cup of joe. While these may seem like vital parts of your day, making coffee and preparing snacks at home is way more affordable. Going without your caramel macchiato may seem life altering at first, but you’ll enjoy that extra cash to spend elsewhere on your spring break adventure.
2. Carpool with your friends.
There’s no point in driving multiple cars when you can fit everybody in one. Designate a friend to drive and chip in money for gas. You’ll save on both gas and parking in the end. On top of that, imagine all the fun you’ll have with your friends blaring music as you cruise down the highway to your dream destination!
3. Hide those credit cards! Default to cash.
While having a credit card is convenient and quick, they can mean financial downfall. By using cash, you can keep track of how much money you have available to spend. Swiping a card is easy; however, a wallet full of diminishing bills is a great reminder that you need to slow down.
4. Stay in a hotel with a kitchen and channel your inner chef!
-It’s safe to say food is the thing we spend the majority of our money on, and it is a necessity. Instead of eating out every meal, book a hotel with a kitchen and stock up on food for easy meals. Lunch can easily be eaten in your room if you buy things like sandwich supplies and the college student favorite, Ramen Noodles. Not to mention, some hotels offer complimentary breakfast.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of your student ID!
– The on campus dining hall isn’t the only place that takes student id’s. Often museums, movie theatres and fast food restaurants offer discounts to college students when they show ID. Keep your eyes peeled for these bargains and if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask.
