What are some easy and practical ways to save money?

What are some easy ways to save money?

• You see, I'm in my first year of college. My weekly allowance is 1000-1500. I smoke, so I don't eat a lot. I really really want to save money for myself so that I won't ask my parents especially my dad for money if ever I have gimmiks or whatever. We are currently experiencing MAJOR financial crisis, so I really need to save up. I have a lot of birthdays to attend to, then there's Valentine's, my best friend's 18th birthday, my 2nd anniversary with my boyfriend and my birthday. Oh yeah, and there's Christmas. I need to saaave BIG TIME. HELP ME. :-S Ooh, and what do you think of part time jobs? Like, is there a job I can apply for that won't affect my studies? Or some business, etc. Thanks!

• Answer:

  You have to start thinking S-M-A-R-T. What kind of cutbacks can you make? For example: I drink bottled water. Now at $1 a bottle on something that covers over 65% of our planet is not smart. So I bought one of those water filters that screw into your faucet. I have bottles that I refil over and over again. I take them to work. Do you have a lot of small appliances around that house that are always on? I cut my electronic bill almost in half by unplugging all the clock radios and night lights. I also bought some of those florescent bulbs that look a lot like a regular bulb. These things use 80% less electricity than regular bulbs. You would be surprised, but these small things add up. I know I was spending money on the water filter and energy efficient bulbs but these things will pay for themselves in a month providing they pertain to you. If you really need the money right away start cutting back on your food costs. Romain noodles cost a dime and they taste just as good as campbells chicken noodle that costs $130 a can. Ok no chicken in romain noodles, but you are probably just missing about 4 tiny pieces of chicken. Put a brick inside your toilet 'chamber'. You will use a little lesser water each time you flush..Before you know it you will be ahead. Wanna be creative? Find yourself leaving lights on? Buy a motion sensor switch, the lights will turn on when you enter the room and will turn off (by a set amount of time) when you leave the room. I have one, they cost $15 at HomeDepot. Need new windshield wipers for your car? Who says you have to buy 2? You only need the new one on the drivers side, leave the old wiper on the passenger side. So remember you have to start thinking S-M-A-R-T! Yours truly seahorsehawrey.