23 Of The Best Money Saving Tips Ever... That Actually Work
Are you having a bit of a hard time with your cash? We've found some student money saving tips that are actually useful and will get you that bag/makeup/iPhone/food you've had your eye on.
Here's the best 23.
1. Start selling your stuff on DoneDeal
Clothes, bags, shoes, furniture, even textbooks
2. Sign up for all the rewards programs you can
They have them at Superdrug, Boots, Tesco and more
3. Do the 33-item challenge
Wear 33 items of clothing (including jewellery and shoes, excluding underwear) for 33 days. If you need to buy something new, apply the 1 in, 2 out rule!
4. Stay in more
You'll be surprised how much money you save. Or maybe even start drinking out of a flask when you do go out!
5. Repair your broken shit instead of throwing it out
Just because your top has a tear doesn't mean it's done. Just sew it up! And if your heel comes off, glue that baby back on.
6. Drink more water
Um, yes. A lot of the time when you're feeling hungry you're actually just thirsty.
7. Meal prep
By prepping your meals on a weekend for the whole week not only will you save money, you'll be less inclined to eat out.
8. Go to the library
Did you know there's a place with free books, internet, games, DVDs and workshops? It's called the library
9. Buy generic versions
Stop buying only brand names at the supermarket and switch to the generic ones. This could save you a lot over the year.
10. Master the 10-second rule
Whenever you pick up an item and add it to your cart or to take it to the checkout, stop for 10 seconds and ask yourself why you’re buying it and whether you actually need it or not. If you can’t find a good reason, put the item back.
11. Cut or dye your own hair
This might seem scary but hair grows back! Just get some sharp scissors or if you're only game to dye it, just go to a pharmacy and pick up a sexy new colour for a fraction of the salon cost.
12. Pack food for road trips, flights, and other travel
This will make sure you avoid impulse buying expensive shit!
13. Make your own cleaning supplies
Not only is making your own cleaning stuff better for the environment and your health, it's wayyyy cheaper than store bought crap.
14. Scrimp on beauty products
You don't need to spend a fortune to look and feel good. Makeup from Penneys or even Superdrug/Boots is still great quality and there are so many dupes out there, you really have no excuse.
15. Use coupons
Coupon websites are the holy grail. Make a rule that you'll never get a massage, haircut or nail treatment without getting a coupon.
16. Change your mobile phone provider
You might be paying more than you have to - there's heaps of deals like Lycamobile's 30GB for €15 plan. Yes.
17. Do DIY
If your room is looking a bit shit, why not DIY? It's fun, a great way to make something old look fresh and it's super rewarding. Oh and it's much cheaper than buying new things.
18. Ask for a discount
Any time you speak to someone about a bill, ask for a discount. You never know, they might just be in a good mood.
19. Book your own flights
Travelling can be hard to organise especially for lazy people but you could save a lot if you just buy flights online using sites like Skyscanner.
20. Use the online doctor
Going to the doctor can be expensive but there's sites like Lloyd's Online Doctor that are only €25 for a consultation.
21. Use an automatic debit
Set up a transfer that takes out X amount every week/fortnight/month and don't touch it!
22. Go to the movies on the cheapest day
Most cinemas have a cheap day like €5 for a ticket. Avoid going until that day.
23. Share media streaming services with someone
Netflix and Spotify usually let you have more than one device so ask a friend if you can split the cost.