College Times

Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Top 10s

Media Credit: Photos.com

1. Brew your own coffee
If every time you go to work or school you stop at a coffee place to pick up a medium latte, you are usually spending $4. $4 X 30 days = $120 a month. A bag of ground coffee is around $8 and makes 40 cups of coffee. That means brewing your own coffee can potentially save you $112 a month

2. Paint your own nails
Going to get a manicure and pedicure costs around $37, plus tip depending on where you go. You can buy nail polish for $6 and a nail kit for $15; that is a savings of $16 and you get to keep the nail polish and kit for later use.

3. Don't buy things just BECAUSE they are on sale
If you see something on sale, but you have never bought or used the product before, you don't have a use for it and do not need it. You have already lived without it, so continue to do so.

4. Buy things on sale
If you are shopping and you see a sale on items you know you are going to need eventually (ie. toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent) buy them. Don't wait until you have run out and are forced to pay full price.

5. Don't go out to eat
Eating dinner out can be costly. Instead of going out to eat on a date or with friends, suggest cooking at someone's place. The ingredients to make a pasta dinner for two are cheaper than going to eat at an Italian restaurant. Cooking dinner can also make for a great night in.

6. Stop driving!
Okay, okay, I know that we all need to drive somewhere at one point, but if you are going to the same place every day, like work or school, there is most likely a bus route that can take you there. It will save money spent on gas and car maintenance as well as help the environment.

7. Pre-game before you party
Before going out to drink, start at home. That way you won't have to buy as many costly drinks at the bar. $5 beers and $12 martinis add up fast. Just make sure you have a designated driver to take you to your final destination.

8. Don't rent movies
Renting a movie from a video rental chain can cost $5 a movie. They now have $1 movie rental boxes at the supermarket. You can rent five movies for the price of one.

9. Pack lunch
Buying ingredients to go in a sandwich is cheaper than buying a whole sandwich every day. You can also save by packing your own snacks. Food prices at convenience stores are jacked up so being prepared can save you a lot.

10. Bring your own drink
A 24-case of water is around $6 while a bottle of water is over $1. This goes for just about any beverage you can buy in a case.

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