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How to ‘Treat Yourself’ on a Budget

College is stressful, and managing money can be hard. Trying to manage your money during stressful times can be especially difficult. You may find that when life gets tough you just want to ‘treat yourself’, but you don’t want to fork over your hard earned money just for a little enjoyment.

Here are 4 tips to treating yourself without breaking the bank.

  • Set aside a certain amount that you can spend each month on yourself.
    • Each person has a different budget, and that budget will determine how much you can actually afford to spend on yourself. This could also limit how many times you can afford to engage in some extra spending. For some, spending $15 every week on themselves fits into their budget. Another person may only be able to devote $10 each month to pampering themselves. Whatever your budget is, stick to it. It is easy to spend too much if you do not have a plan before spending.
  • Plan ahead.
    • There are times when we all are just looking forward to the end of the week. Maybe you have three tests and two papers to write. Maybe you have to work extra hours, even though your campus organization is holding their biggest event of the year. No matter what your circumstances, there are times when you know you will just want to celebrate the week being over. If you see you have a crazy week ahead, look around for different deals or discounts that you could use once your hectic week has finished.
  • Don’t forget it is okay to spend money on yourself.
    • Sometimes it’s hard to convince yourself that you should be spending money on yourself when you have other financial obligations. Treating yourself is not supposed to be overwhelming, or make you feel bad. It is alright to spend money on yourself every now and then.

“When you treat yourself right, you run better and more efficiently. Which means you don’t have to go 100 miles an hour to get everything done.” – Ann Curry

  • Treating yourself doesn’t always have to be a big thing.
    • When you hear “treat yourself” your mind probably first went to spending money. However there is a lot more to indulging on yourself than just buying something. It is important to take some time to focus on your self-care in other ways as well. You can treat yourself without spending a single penny. Some ways to do this include: watching your favorite series on Netflix, getting outside and engaging in a physical activity you enjoy but haven’t gotten to do much of recently due to your busy schedule, or calling a friend or relative you have been wanting to catch up with.

Remember – treating yourself is important, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. For help establishing a budget or savings plan, or if you have any other financial questions, visit our website, www.k-state.edu/pfc to make an appointment with Powercat Financial Counseling. Our services are completely free and confidential to all Kansas State University students. One of our counselors would be happy to sit down with you and discuss different ways to make wise financial decisions.

Lindsay Adams, Peer Counselor I
Powercat Financial Counseling
www.k-state.edu/pfc