Savings Opportunities | Blue to Gold Financial Wellness

Here are great local resources and money-saving tips which can help decrease expenses.

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Major Money-Saving Smarts

Don’t compare your spending and finances with your friends. You don’t know where their money is coming from. They could have family or friends helping. They could be charging up a lot of debt. Focus on your finances and what you know you can afford.
Use the 30 Day Rule. If you want something – but don’t need it – take a step back for 30 days. This gives you time to think about whether or not you should purchase it and if the value it adds to your life is worth the price. It also gives time to search for a better deal.
Know the time value of your money. How long do you have to work to earn the money to purchase that item? Or are you borrowing from your future income to purchase it (i.e. debt)? Is it worth it?
Consider going cash only. It’s easy to swipe a debit or credit card… too easy. Studies show people spend 12% to 18% less by using cash instead of cards.

Consider taking extra classes each semester to graduate earlier. It's pretty much impossible to earn a bachelor's degree in four years if you're taking twelve credits each fall and spring.
If you're an out-of-state student, research to see if you can get reduced tuition through Ohio Tuition Reciprocity or the program for Garrett College students.

Rent books or e-books instead of purchasing.
If you need to buy, try to buy used.
Borrow from the library if possible.
If you had to buy (instead of rent), sell your unnecessary books at the end of the semester.
Check your syllabus when you get it to see if the book is needed and don't unwrap a book until you know for sure.
Ask your professor if older editions are acceptable.

If you live on campus, use your meal plan instead of dining out. You’ve already paid for those meals!
If you live on campus, consider becoming a Resident Assistant. It looks great on a resume and comes with waivers for housing and food.
Consider getting a roommate to help with rent and utilities.
Choose an apartment that may be further away. It may not be as convenient, but living on the fringes of a town can be cheaper.

Review your billing statements to make sure you are not charged unnecessary fees.
Call to negotiate rates – for your cable, internet, interest rates on credit cards, etc. The worst they can do is say no.
Consider getting a roommate to help with rent and utilities.
Search for cheaper rates through other providers (cell phone, cable, etc.)
Consider using online television and video services instead of expensive cable packages or cut back on your cable options.
Save on electric by throwing on a sweatshirt instead of cranking up the heat.
Save on electric by not running air conditioning on high.
Save on electric turning off lights as you leave rooms and unplugging things. Plugged in electronics use electricity even when they're not on!

Review your billing statements to make sure you are not charged unnecessary fees.
Search for cheaper rates through other providers (cell phone, cable, etc.)
If you're limited on data or text or minutes, make sure you don't go over.

Use public transportation such as Mountain Line or the PRT. It’s free for students, so you’ll save money on gas for your car, parking, and wear and tear on your vehicle.
Carpool.
Bike or walk to class if you can.

If you live on campus, use your meal plan instead of dining out. You’ve already paid for those meals!
Do some basic cooking instead of dining out or ordering in.
Prep snacks to bring with you instead of buying from vending machines or shops.
Make coffee at home instead of buying coffee out.
Invest in a good water bottle to use throughout the day.
Use coupons.
Always ask if you can get a discount with your student ID.
Consider dinners where friends bring food instead of going out to eat. Anyone up for a game night?

Shop at local thrift shops. There's no point in paying a ton of money - especially for basics and lounge clothes.
Shop at local thrift shops. There's no point in paying a ton of money - especially for basics and lounge clothes.
Shop clearance and outlets.
Do clothing swaps with your friends.

Look for cheap (or FREE) entertainment.
Check out local entertainment options that are cheap/free.
Check out local entertainment options that are cheap/free.
Always ask if you can get a discount with your student ID.
Consider dinners where friends bring food instead of going out to eat. Anyone up for a game night?

Make healthy choices to help prevent bigger medical expenses.
Don't procrastinate! Prevention is crucial.
Don't be afraid to ask your doctor if the test or medication is necessary... or if there is a cheaper option.
Request generic versions of medication when available.
Review your billing statements to make sure you are not charged unnecessary fees.

Consider going in on a group gift instead of purchasing individual gifts.
Bake or make something as a gift.
Shop clearance.
Stock up after holidays when things get cut to half off.
Give an experience. People like activities together: picnics, trips to state parks, amusement park, movie night with popcorn and candy, etc. Tip: parents especially love this.
Give a memory: photo albums, framed pictures or collages, photo gifts like blankets or mugs. Tip: parents especially love this.