By Larisa May
While they may not have to face the threats the protagonists do in Dungeons & Dragons, college students should still be on the lookout for everyday “thieves.” With the arrival of the highly anticipated film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, we took a deep dive into finding out ways for college kids to stay away from allowing retail therapy to steal all of your hard earned cash.
Small purchases can end up being a big issue in the long run, so it’s best to watch your wallet. Here are five ways you can save yourself some money this spring!
Tip #1: Shop sustainably.
You don’t have to break the bank to update your spring wardrobe. Thrift stores offer a lower-cost alternative to regular outlets. You could also attend clothing swaps, like the ones held by ASU’s fashion collective, where you trade the clothes you don’t want anymore with other students.
Tip #2: Buy secondhand textbooks.
If you don’t need the latest edition of a textbook, try finding a used copy online. Websites like thriftbooks.com offer textbooks at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Sometimes you can reach out to your professors and see if they know any former students that are selling their old textbooks, or if there’s a copy of it that you can find online. Ebook formats can also cost less than hardcopies, and will also make carrying your things a lot easier.
Tip #3: Walk short distances.
If you’re able to, take a quick walk rather than driving. All that fuel adds up, even for a short drive. Grab your earbuds, put on your favorite music, and go run your errands on foot. Not only will you be saving your wallet, but you’ll also be decreasing emissions and saving the environment as well!
Tip #4: Cook at home.
Making your own meals can help you save money in the long run. If you have the time and ability, a short weekly grocery trip can set you up for success. A simple meal plan can save you some cash and time, and teaches you life skills down the road. Another option is planning a potluck dinner with a few friends or family members. Everyone can bring a dish, and you can split up the leftovers for future meals!
Tip #5: Put your money somewhere safe.
If you have a habit of overspending, try and keep your money somewhere you can’t spend it as easily. One option is to keep most of your money in a savings account, and transfer funds to checking as necessary. The extra work may be enough to dissuade you from any impulse purchase. Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on where you’re putting your money. Look at your bank’s interest rates and make sure you’re getting the most out of your investments. Some banks offer high-yield interest rates, but be sure to actually read all the terms and conditions before signing up for anything!
As a college student, there’s lots of tiny ways to keep money in your wallets! The best way is to keep an eye out for a certain roaming band of thieves.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is now playing in theaters.
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