Meter

Issue date: 3/23/09 Section: Business

Media Credit: themallatgreenhills.com The Mall at Green Hill

Tuition is on the rise, gas prices are erratic and decent jobs are becoming extinct. Realizing that, now could not become a better time for students to budget.

Due to these tough economic times, many college students have to pocket pinch more than ever.

What is even more difficult is having to pay for everyday expenses that have increased in price, without receiving an increase in income.

Although it may seem nearly impossible, there is a resolution that can get students through these challenging times.

Below is a list of places students tend to overspend the most:

• Fast food restaurants are students' biggest enemies.

They are conveniently located around college campuses.

Instead of students quickly preparing a meal at home, they tend to pick up a meal at their local fast food restaurant.

Although most places have a dollar menu, students usually find themselves over spending.

Many overspend because the items on the dollar menu are usually not filling enough for one person, causing students to order three burgers, two small fries and two small sodas.

The problem lies with the fact that they probably could have purchased a filling meal for a fraction of the cost by just ordering a combo.



• Entertainment is another way students overspend.

After a long week of tests, papers and boring lectures, students sometimes need to get away. As a result, many students tend to go to local clubs.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with going out, however, everyone knows a night is more enjoyable when it is free. Most local clubs allow males and females in for free before a certain time.

If students would be on time for the party instead of trying to be fashionably late, then they would save a lot more than they think.

• Too often students find themselves overspending in bookstores.

They usually purchase books from bookstores because they are in a rush to obtain the books.

Bookstores generally sale overpriced merchandise, which can easily be purchased elsewhere. There are many Web sites that sale used textbooks for up to 75 percent off.


• Malls are also a great place for students who enjoy overspending.

Students' biggest mistake when they go to the mall is not planning ahead.

If they would just think or even write down what they need to buy then more money would be saved.

Another mistake consumers make is shopping on a time limit. If there is not enough time to shop around, chances are great money saving sales will be missed.

The last mistake students make is going to the mall without a budget.

If they would just set a limit on how much they are willing to spend then it will be less likely that they overspend.


Everyone, everywhere is feeling the effects of the economic downturn. As a result, consumers, especially students, have to be more frugal than ever.

Although students are budgeting more than before, many are still unintentionally overspending.

Whether one is going to the club or purchasing a book for class, the best ways to avoid overspending is by planning ahead and setting monetary limits. Once this is done, budgeting will be a piece of cake.•

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