Unless you're one of the very few lucky people, college graduation doesn't mean you're done with being broke. Even if you get a great job right after graduating, you probably have to start worrying about many new costs. This is especially true if your parents helped you while getting your degree.
Even if you've been paying for groceries and rent on your own for a while, you'll probably have to start paying for things like moving to a new city and making some of these dreaded student loan payments. Life is really expensive for individuals who just got out of college. On the bright side, many ways to save cash don't involve living on ramen noodles or heading back in with your parents.
Buy in Bulk
It might seem counterintuitive to buy in bulk when attempting to save money, but it makes a lot of sense. Most of the time, when you buy a lot of something, you pay less per item. So, even though you spend more initially, you save money in the long run. Think that the big family is the only one who can save money at stores like Costco and Sam's Club? Don't give up.
A membership for one of these stores will probably pay for itself, even if you live alone. Although you might not be able to eat a lot of fresh food or produce before it goes bad, these stores sell many non-perishable food products and paper products that you won't bother wasting if you don't utilize them in time.
You can save more money by buying clothes in bulk. Whether you need a new outfit for your first job after college or want to clean out your closet, buying fundamentals like t-shirts and undies in bulk will save you a lot of money. Wholesale t-shirts cost a small fraction of what a single shirt would cost at retail, and purchasing in bulk means you'll never run out.
Save money on socializing.
Having many friends is important, but spending time with them shouldn't cost you too much money. Getting coffee or a drink can be a good way to hang out with old friends or satisfy new ones, but it can get expensive fast. Going out to eat or going to events makes it even more expensive.
If you can, try to only drink on the weekends. And when you do go out for drinks, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Instead of going to the big chain bars and restaurants, check out the smaller diners, cafes, etc., in your area. You are likely to find many that sell food and drinks for much less than the big-name competitors.
Businesses of all kinds offer discounts on these sites, so whether you wish to do something traditional like grab a bite to eat or try something a little more adventurous like an escape room, utilizing Groupon or a similar program could help you have a fantastic evening at a great price.
Save Money on Transportation
It's great to have your car. It makes going to work, shopping, and seeing friends and family much easier. It was also very expensive. Owning a car isn't cheap. You have to pay your lease or loan payments, pay for insurance, fill up the gas tank, and pay to park.
If you can take the bus or train to get to where you need to go, it might take a little longer, but it will cost you a lot of money in the long run. You can also save as much as you can on transportation by walking or biking. Plus, all that exercise is good for your health and might keep you from paying for medical care.
When you have to have your car, think about carpooling. Take turns driving or ask everyone to pay a little for gas, tolls, parking, etc. If you and a friend split the costs, you'll be able to maintain more money in your account. It may let you use the carpool lane to reach your destination faster.
Cancel your cable television subscription.
Once upon a time, the only way to watch your favorite TV shows was to pay for a cable or satellite package. Streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu let you watch the whole of your favorite shows for a small fraction of what it would cost to buy them. Even if you sign up for a few streaming sites, you will probably spend much less than you would on cable.
Stop paying full price for things.
One of the most straightforward and efficient methods to save money is to shop smart. Before you buy something at full price, you should compare prices. Pay close attention to the once-a-week ads for supermarkets and other stores, and if you see a good deal about something, stock up. Sign up for the store's loyalty program if it has one.
You might want to shop used to save money on big-ticket items like furniture or electronics. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find great deals on used items that are still in great shape. If you decide to do this, be smart and satisfy the seller in a public place.
You can begin saving money without making big sacrifices if you make a few small changes. Be careful about how you spend all your money, look for deals, and don't spend more than you can afford. If you do these things, you'll be on your way to a healthy savings account.
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