moonchild
VIP Contributor
Are you a student who finds yourself constantly overspending and struggling to make ends meet? You're not alone. Many students struggle with managing their finances, when I was still in college, I will make plans about how I will save money but most of the times I end up blowing through it, so it is not a big deal at all, the good news is that there are steps you can take to fix a bad spending habit.
The first step is to identify where your money is going. Take a look at your bank statements or keep a spending diary for a week. This will give you an idea of where you're overspending and what areas you can cut back on.
Next, create a budget. List your income or methods of earning and your fixed expenses and then allocate a certain amount for your variable expenses (like food, bills if you pay any, transport and school material).
Another way to fix a bad spending habit is to find cheaper alternatives. For example, instead of eating out every day, try meal prepping or cooking at home. Instead of buying new clothes every week, consider swapping clothes with friends or buying second-hand.
it's important to have self-control and discipline. Avoid impulse purchases and only buy things that you really need. It's okay to treat yourself occasionally, but make sure it's within your budget and won't cause financial stress down the road, this is the hardest thing to do, you might as well get an accountability partner to help you make it into reality
You can start to fix your bad spending habit and become more financially responsible as a student. managing your finances takes practice and patience, but it's worth it because you will get to benefit from it even after you leave college.
The first step is to identify where your money is going. Take a look at your bank statements or keep a spending diary for a week. This will give you an idea of where you're overspending and what areas you can cut back on.
Next, create a budget. List your income or methods of earning and your fixed expenses and then allocate a certain amount for your variable expenses (like food, bills if you pay any, transport and school material).
Another way to fix a bad spending habit is to find cheaper alternatives. For example, instead of eating out every day, try meal prepping or cooking at home. Instead of buying new clothes every week, consider swapping clothes with friends or buying second-hand.
it's important to have self-control and discipline. Avoid impulse purchases and only buy things that you really need. It's okay to treat yourself occasionally, but make sure it's within your budget and won't cause financial stress down the road, this is the hardest thing to do, you might as well get an accountability partner to help you make it into reality
You can start to fix your bad spending habit and become more financially responsible as a student. managing your finances takes practice and patience, but it's worth it because you will get to benefit from it even after you leave college.