Money Saving Tips to Survive the University of Montana School Year

Are you going to college this semester? Here are some tips to help you get through this fall semester!

Budget — hard: Draw up a weekly budget, listing all your known income and projected payments. The difference is how much you need to earn, or how much you can spend on partying at The Elbow Room.

Get insurance: The average student takes thousands of dollars worth of possessions to college. If the goods are not fully covered by your parents home insurance or the college’s own policy, you’ll need to arrange their own.

Wise up on travel: Walking and biking are free. But if you’re taking a car to college you will end up as an unpaid taxi driver. Ask friends to contribute towards gas.

Be a discount pro: Many stores offer student discounts but don’t advertise about them — so ask.

Pick up a recipe: Cook a meal and you can eat for a day; learn how to cook and you’ll be eating for life — and saving money at college.

Check pay stubs: Even part-time workers should receive at least the minimum wage. Students also need to check how much tax the employer has deducted — especially if you have more than one job.

Consider an allowance: If you don’t trust yourself, you could hand your per-term loan/grant payment to Mom and Dad, to be doled out as a weekly or monthly allowance.