How to Control Spending (On a College Budget)

Imagine that you are at the mall and you see 2 cute shirts, a necklace, the prettiest pink lipstick, and some gorgeous boots that you feel like you must have in your possession or it’s the end of the world! Well you look in your wallet and you realize that you can’t afford everything that you just saw there.  This happens to a lot to college students and it’s really hard because there are soo many pretty, cute things in the world!  Let’s face it, shopping is really fun, especially with a really good friend at your side, and you can’t just avoid the mall, especially if you need some clothes. I’ve personally experienced this and I have some very good ways to control your spending when you go shopping.

                -First, before you go to the mall, know how much money you have on you and in your bank account. When you get this value, decide how much you would be comfortable spending. Like say you have $200, perhaps you tell yourself that I do not want to spend over $60 on this trip. Having an ideal budget helps you look out for prices before you completely fall in love with an item.

                -If you find a lot of things and feel like you have to buy everything, stop right there.  You need to take a deep breath and consider your options. Do I really need this? Am I going to use it? It is always a good idea to walk away, perhaps you can find something that is better or even cheaper. If that item is still on your mind you can go back and look at it again. When you consider your options you will be able to make a more knowledgeable choice.

                -What if I am stuck choosing between two items? Well there are several options you can choose! If it's clothes obviously try them both on, and see which one makes you look and feel best. (This is especially important with items that may have very uncomfortable fabric, you don’t want to make the wrong choice and be stuck.) If both of them look fabulous and you are shopping with someone, ask for their opinion.  They will tell which one brings out certain aspects of your body, or your eyes, for example, and they can be your voice of reason.  If you are buying anything, make sure that you also have something to match it with. This can go for make up or clothing! This prevents you from having to buy more stuff to make an outfit work!  I also do process of elimination and choose two items that I absolutely love the most. Then I blindly choose one to buy.

              -Another good idea to keep in mind, is that you need to buy the essentials like a white t-shirt and a good pair of jeans, before you get anything else. Find these so you can use them to compliment or change up the outfits that you all ready have at home. Definitely keep this idea in mind, before you go and buy something crazy, like zebra print leggings. 

These tips will prevent you from overspending and going broke while you are in college. Thus you will stress less over money and you can focus on more important things like school. 

~Katrina