Be Smart, Save Money

     Have you ever went to the grocery store for one item, and the next thing you know you’re carrying seven bags of groceries back to your dorm? It’s not that you are an impulsive buyer; you are just reminded of items you need as you walk down the isles of the store. It happens to the best of us. It gets to be a problem when you swipe your debit card at checkout and the total rings out to be more than you have in your bank account. Luckily, there are ways to be smart, and save money. It is important to recognize deals and be a smart shopper, because grocery shopping as a college student can make your money dwindle away faster than free food at a college party. So incase you’re a shopper who needs help in the ‘saving money’ department, here are some tips to help you out:

• Compare prices. It seems obvious, but you would be surprised at how many college students grab the most expensive brand off the shelf because that’s what they have been eating for the past eighteen years at home. Well guess what, you aren’t living at home with mommy and daddy anymore, and they won’t pay for your groceries forever. Next time you reach for the microwavable mac and cheese, take a minute and look above or below them. Look at the prices of the store brand mac and cheese, and you will be pleasantly surprised. The store brand is $3.19, versus $3.99 for the Kraft brand.

     

•  Coupons, coupons, coupons. They aren’t just for your grandparents; coupons actually work for all ages. You don’t receive coupon books in your small mail slot at school, I understand that, but coupons are always being shoved into parents’ mailboxes. When you go home for breaks, or just the weekends, ask your parents nicely if you can peruse through the coupon books. It’s amazing the kinds of deals that are printed full page, ready for a college student to come along and cut them out. 

• Don’t buy what you don’t need. This tip seems rather obvious as well, but it can be helpful. Do you honestly need a case of 40 water bottles? It’s hard enough carrying them up the hills and to your dorm room. Consider investing in a water filter. They aren’t expensive; you can get one for about twenty dollars, which pays for itself in no time. Just fill up the container, stick it in the refrigerator, and fill up your own water bottle with the clean water on your way to class. Not to mention, it also helps the environment, which is what we are being told to do every day. 
  

• Resist the urge to grab everything off the shelves. I know, its tempting walking down those isles, your eyes catching everything: chocolate cookies, chocolate cake, cupcakes, candy, and more cookies. Shop for the items you went to the store to buy! It’s expected to end up in the check out lane with more than you intended, but don’t go overboard. You don’t need seven packages of different cookies in your dorm room; one package of Oreos will suffice. If you keep this tip in mind, you might actually start to notice an improvement in your diet as well, which is also important as a college student. Stay on track, and fight the temptations. 

     Having freedom in the grocery store might sound like pure bliss, however, having complete access to any food you want can cause trouble. Follow these simple tips, and you will be amazed at how much money you can save in a single semester.