Issue Date: 4/17/06
Save big money by spending less on little extras
By Ian Clark
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In a world where it costs about $2.40 for a gallon of gas and $100 for a new college textbook, many students find themselves pondering ways to make their money last longer. Many may not realize that by cutting back on a few small things, they could save big.
Little, everyday things such as making a pot of coffee every morning instead of buying a cup, can make a big difference.
"I can't help it, but every day I splurge on a soda from the vending machine," said Palomar student Tanisha Ferrell.
It will cost Ferrel $1.25 to buy a soda from one of the vending machines on campus. If Ferrell is on campus 4 days a week, at $1.25 per day, she spends $5 per week, $20 per month and $240 per year on soda.
Ferrell said she could probably save her money for more important items, such as school books for next semester.
"I buy orange juice or coffee everyday," said Palomar student Hiroshi Takagi. If Takagi were to buy a Tall Mocha Espresso at Java City, it would cost him $2.85. This also adds up fast, totaling $1,040.25 per year if purchased every day.
The knowledge that small items can add up to a lot of money over time does not mean that people need to cut them out completely to save money.
Instead of buying individual sodas every day, students can go to the grocery store and buy them in bulk. Buying in bulk is always the cheaper way to go. Students can then bring a soda from home everyday. An even cheaper way of quenching thirst would be to refill a water bottle at home instead of buying a new one each time.
This type of thinking applies to food as well. By packing lunch at home and bringing it to school, students can cut costs. Buying food at the grocery store is much cheaper than getting Subway or McDonald's every day. "I bring food like Cup o' Noodles from my house," Takagi said.
Instead of buying coffee at Starbucks or Java City before class, try purchasing a can of ground coffee at the grocery store. This will last for weeks and be a much more cost effective way to get the daily dose of caffeine that so many college students need.
Little, everyday things such as making a pot of coffee every morning instead of buying a cup, can make a big difference.
"I can't help it, but every day I splurge on a soda from the vending machine," said Palomar student Tanisha Ferrell.
It will cost Ferrel $1.25 to buy a soda from one of the vending machines on campus. If Ferrell is on campus 4 days a week, at $1.25 per day, she spends $5 per week, $20 per month and $240 per year on soda.
Ferrell said she could probably save her money for more important items, such as school books for next semester.
"I buy orange juice or coffee everyday," said Palomar student Hiroshi Takagi. If Takagi were to buy a Tall Mocha Espresso at Java City, it would cost him $2.85. This also adds up fast, totaling $1,040.25 per year if purchased every day.
The knowledge that small items can add up to a lot of money over time does not mean that people need to cut them out completely to save money.
Instead of buying individual sodas every day, students can go to the grocery store and buy them in bulk. Buying in bulk is always the cheaper way to go. Students can then bring a soda from home everyday. An even cheaper way of quenching thirst would be to refill a water bottle at home instead of buying a new one each time.
This type of thinking applies to food as well. By packing lunch at home and bringing it to school, students can cut costs. Buying food at the grocery store is much cheaper than getting Subway or McDonald's every day. "I bring food like Cup o' Noodles from my house," Takagi said.
Instead of buying coffee at Starbucks or Java City before class, try purchasing a can of ground coffee at the grocery store. This will last for weeks and be a much more cost effective way to get the daily dose of caffeine that so many college students need.
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