How to Be a Broke College Girl
Updated: Apr 20, 2019
It's been a hot second since I hopped on here and wrote a blog post, so it's about time to drop in and say hi! Let me tell a little something about college... money is not really a thing. And being a girl, of course I want to go grab ice cream with friends, pamper myself at the nail salon, and treat myself to a new outfit! But with my expensive taste and low budget, sometimes the #brokecollegelife is REAL. So, let me share my tips on how to be a broke college girl... or maybe rather how to balance it out as best you can!
1. The Nail Salon? That becomes a DIY home manicure. Let's compare prices here... $45 to get your nails done at the salon OR a $7 bottle of polish that you can keep using. I will probably be on the $7 bottle o' nail polish train! But here's the other thing, somehow EVERY time I paint my nails, one of them just doesn't want to dry and next thing you know my perfectly painted nails are ruined. Whoops... every. single. time. But you win some, you lose some, right?
2. Meal Prep! I'm a busy girl on the go, and Tupperware has become my best friend. It might be easier to stop by somewhere and grab a bite to eat, but you can for sure save money preparing meals for the day in advance. Some of my favorite things to meal prep are chicken and veggies, salad, overnight oats, even a mini charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, and salami! I pack my lunch pail, and hit the road!
3. Be creative when you hang out with friends! Everything you do with friends doesn't have to be expensive. A movie night in with popcorn costs little to nothing. Go to a park and go for a walk! I don't think there is a price tag on enjoying nature. The other day, a friend and I bought a frozen pizza and hung out instead of paying more at a pizza place. There are so many activities and fun things to do around your local city that cost little to nothing! Go explore, and get creative!
4. Never go to the grocery store hungry. You guys. I have done this so many times, and I leave the store with about 5 other things that I didn't really need. This is also true with Target... something about that store makes me buy way more than is actually necessary. Stay strong, bring an accountibility partner with you any time you shop there, and speed as fast as you can past the dollar section (which I don't know why we call it that when there are things ore than $1 over there!)
5. Be honest with your friends: sometimes, you're just running low on cash! They'll understand! Trust me! If you're in college, chances are, your friends are also in college. Whoa...strange right??? This means that they are also probably living the #brokecollegelife and completely understand if you just don't have the funds because they have been there done that. Don't be afraid to be understanding of them too!
Simply put, sometimes being a college student is tough. College is the prime time in your life to go explore, meet new people, learn more about you, and have the best experiences, but sometimes it's just hard when the wallet is empty. But the one thing I have learned about college students is that we are pretty darn creative! These are just some of my tips and tricks of the trade, but whether you are married with kids or in college currently, I know we've all been there! I would love to hear some of your tips in the comments!
Simply, Sincerely,
Maddie