Winston-Salem State students are attempting to save money with help from tools that can be used daily.
Financial analyst, Melissa Kahney said in an article from “Financial Tools for College Students,” that college students participate in Student Advantage, the nation’s largest student discount program.
Students who sign up for the program, on www.studentadvantage.com, could save up to 50 percent on travel, entertainment, dorm supplies, clothing and more.
“Money can be tight, when you’re a college student. You need to make the most of what you have,” Kahney said. “Free financial tools for college students can help you do that.”
According to www.thriftyfun.com, one way to save money is to keep condiments that you get from the restaurants.
“I save my condiments from fast food restaurants, so I won’t have to spend unnecessary money,” said Lakeisha Partridge, a senior finance major from Washington D.C.
“When I receive my check, I pay my tithes and offering at church and put the rest in the bank,” said sophomore Alicia Barksdale, an accounting major from Charlotte.
Shenna Staneil, a junior finance major from Raleigh said that shopping on a budget is the smartest way to save money.
“It teaches students to compare prices and shop at the low priced stores,” Staneil said. “Shop for what you need, such as toiletries and meals to cook.”
When shopping, use coupons because it will help decrease the amount of money you spend from the original price.
Participate in bargain shopping and check the sales. It is best to shop for items out of season because of the big sales and everything is usually cheaper.
“I shop at second hand retailers, such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Wal-Mart because their prices are very affordable,” Partridge said.
Buying generic items is another way to save. Generic items make a huge difference in the cost and can have savings of up to 30 percent.
Even loose change adds up.
“It’s always best to save at least a dollar a day and not throw away any pennies,” Partridge said.
Another way to save money is to buy items in bulk. Items last longer, and prices are discounted when purchased in large quantities. It even helps to purchase in bulk and split costs with other students.
Warehouse clubs like Sam’s, BJ’s, and Costco built their reputations by delivering savings to those willing to buy in big quantities.
According to a survey from Harris Interactive by Helen Leggatt, in addition to saving money by buying in bulk, Sam’s Club members are privy to discounts on such things as extended auto warranty discounts, discounts on car rentals, discounts on cell phone plans and more.