Budgeting your money in college can be difficult, especially at the start of the school year. Rent, tuition, books, activities, and the excitement of the new school year cause us to spend a lot more money than we would like, making for a pretty steep bill at the end of the month. What if you could enjoy all of the excitement that being back at school brings as well as reap the cost saving benefits that exist all around us in Manhattan? The beauty of the “back to school” time of the year is that there are deals, specials, promotions, even free giveaways all around us. Let’s take a look at all the ways you, as a college student here at Kansas State, can start off the semester financially strong.
Search for Deals
There are tons of cost savings and deals specifically designed for college students right here in Manhattan. $2 off might not sound like a lot, but save that much every week for a year and you’re already at $104 cost savings through minimal effort on your part. Websites such as www.college-coupons.com offer coupons specifically for students. They have coupons for places such as Pie Five, Dairy Queen, Domino’s, Houlihan’s and more. In addition, the K-State residence halls and student union are always handing out coupons this time of year for local places around Manhattan. Simply looking up specials before going out to eat, seeing a movie, or shopping for groceries can save you a lot of money in the long run. Don’t forget to save by earning Pocket Points for staying off your phone while on campus or during class. Download and use the free Pocket Points app to earn free and discounted items on and off campus!
Look for Free Giveaways
Need a new cooler for this upcoming football season? Powercat Financial is currently giving away a free YETI cooler, a 30 oz YETI cup and a 20 oz YETI cup through an online scavenger hunt. Visit www.ksu.edu/powercatfinancial/events to fill out the online form about all the financial resources that Powercat Financial has to offer and your name will be entered to win one of the three YETI prizes.
Shop Smart
Doing research before purchasing that $300 textbook can end up saving you hundreds. Websites like Chegg and Amazon offer textbooks at significant price reductions. In addition, students receive a 50% discount on Amazon Prime memberships, which can be used for free two-day shipping on that textbook you needed a week ago. The extra research is well worth the time and effort.
Make Money
The great part about the beginning of the school year is that you don’t have to look far and wide to find part-time jobs. Join Handshake (http://www.k-state.edu/careercenter/handshake/), the new job recruiting platform offered through the career center here at K-State, to search for part-time jobs on and off campus. The new resource is simple and easy to use, making your job search less time-consuming and more efficient.
Manage your Money
Be proactive this semester with your money and schedule a free and confidential appointment with Powercat Financial at www.ksu.edu/powercatfinancial/services to discuss all the ways you can budget and save this upcoming year. We would be happy to discuss more on budgeting, set you up with a spending plan and answer any financial questions you may have to start off the school year with your best foot forward.
Sydney Johnson
Peer Financial Counselor II
