HELP! Need help budgeting money.. any ideas?

United States
January 13, 2007 10:38pm CST
so I am a totally broke college student, and I really need to save money. I earn $250 every two weeks, and it just seems to trickle away no matter on much i try to save. I am trying to budget myself only 50-75 dollars a week (that gives me a savings of 200 dollars a month about)... but i feel there has to be better ways... how do you guys budget your money... are there certain things you do that make it easier? help pleaser
4 people like this
33 responses
@boeyong (256)
• Malaysia
14 Jan 07
Before you decide you are broke, you can ask yourself and meditate seriously on this question: "What are you broke for"? If you earn $125 a week, what do you spend it on more? It is entertainment? Unnecessary shopping? You can list down all the things you spent on last month, and then review the list this month and so on. Then, shorten the list by crossing out and plan to cut down on expenditure you deem unnecessary. You have to take out the non-essential spending seriously and concentrate only on essentials. Save up some of the money, plan for it in your budget - even $5 a month can mean $60 after 1 year. What if you save $20 a week? That's more than $1,000 extra next year for you to spend, if you choose to. Or let your savings snowball until you really need something important to buy. Always buy in cash. If you are lousy around credit cards, then cut them in half and get a debit card. Spend only what you have (which means what is left over last month's spending - NOT what you think will be left over when the month is still running). I learn from experience that when you are around easy credit, "emergencies" always abound, so NEVER spend on credit but on available cash. And never borrow. Even if you have generous friends. Try to cook your own meals rather than eat outside.
2 people like this
• United States
14 Jan 07
awesome advice! I think i may use it! thanks
@vijayr (114)
• India
15 Jan 07
nice one. good reply man.
• India
14 Jan 07
my friend its very important to save and i can see that u r trying to save so good work. i cannot suggest what u should do as i do not know how much is ur expenditur but i will tell u what i do. every month when i get my salary i keep half the amountt aside and fix in the bank. so i am left with only half of my salary i try my lever best to adjust in the amount. and remove money from bank only if needed urgently. so try to keep some fixed amount seperately u will end up having more money. all the best for saving.
2 people like this
• United States
14 Jan 07
thanks! ya i think i'm going to start just putting aside 100-150 of each paycheck in a savings account and only use it in absolute emergency.
1 person likes this
@riyasam (16556)
• India
14 Jan 07
thats a very good idea.
2 people like this
@jbjuel (81)
• Denmark
14 Jan 07
well, one way I do it, is that I put all my expenses up in a spreadsheet, and then add every month. that give you the best view for your money, so you allways know excatly what you are able to spend.
2 people like this
• United States
14 Jan 07
ya I think I have decided to do the spreadsheet, that way i can see where my expenses are going, and where i can spend less money... THANKS!
@riyasam (16556)
• India
14 Jan 07
i think every drop of water makes an ocean so start saving in smaller amounts.
2 people like this
• United States
14 Jan 07
true true... thanks for your response
1 person likes this
@melanie652 (2524)
• United States
14 Jan 07
Keep track of ALL of your expenses, even if it's just 50 cents for a candy bar. Write it all down. That way you will know exactly where your money is going. Once you can see exactly where some of that extra money is going, you'll know what you need to cut out. Also write out a budget so you know what needs paid and when. Budget your money according to when you get paid. If you get paid the 1st and the 15th, then write out the bills that need paid by the 1st then the others you will have to pay by the 15th. Having it in writing in front of you makes it alot easier than trying to remember everything. I have my budget on my computer on a worksheet of what needs paid by when. Every month I print out a new months sheet so I can cross off the bills that have been paid. Makes it very easy for me! That way I'm not forgetting anything too? A great way to save money is to set up an automatic withdrawal from your checking account into your savings account. Treat it like a bill on your budget - after all you are paying yourself! It doesn't have to be a huge amount.....$5/month or whatever you can afford. Hope this tips help!
• United States
14 Jan 07
hmm, ya maybe i'l start writing everything down.
1 person likes this
@dopey22girl (3319)
• United States
14 Jan 07
I guess try to save as much as possible...if at all possible ask for a raise from your boss. I know this is probably unlikely but you never know, a little extra may help. I guess if you write on here a lot you could make a little extra pocket money. If gas is one of the things you spend money on, then drive as little as possible. Try walking whenever possible. I hope this helps!
2 people like this
• United States
14 Jan 07
haha ya gas is expensive, but i dont own a car :) I already walk everywhere... :)
1 person likes this
@banta78 (4326)
• India
14 Jan 07
I think it is great that you want to save money and are keen to do it. I would suggest that since you ar college student you budget youself by keeping record in a register of what you need to spend for what is essential like your college fees, travel and book allowance, canteen expenses, and your accomodation if you are living alone. Keep that separate. And then try to keep your non essential expenses to a minimum. That way you can save money. And more imp. save money in bank and fix it so earn some interest with that. And try also to find new ways to earn more money . good luck with your budgeting.
• United States
14 Jan 07
ya i'm trying to earn more money online (with mylot and agloco), but agloco isnt up and running wuite yet and mylot isnt quite giving me millions haha... but i do my best :) thanks
1 person likes this
@venshida (4836)
• United States
14 Jan 07
You need to obtain a note book write down all the money you spend every day, and then analyze where your money are spent. After the 30 days period, you should write up a budget and stick to it. You might want to transfer the money you need to save to a bank account without a Atm card so you don't have quick access to the money.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
ya i think i will use my ATM card... i was using my credit ard a lot and i definately spent way too much...
• Canada
14 Jan 07
Budgeting is not rocket science. Saving money is not about making more money. The more you make the more you will spend. Get a book to write in. Your pay is your gross. 10% of the top is for your savings. Put it in a separate bank account. Do not touch it. Off the balance comes your expenses, rent, utilities, car, whatever it is. This money is gone. If you have any money after you budget for your expenses, good, if not, too bad. Do not draw from your savings. If you make $500 a month, you will save $50 a month, in a year, that is $600.00. If you can save more from your pay, after expenses are taken care of, then good!
• United States
14 Jan 07
Thanks for the response
@Ashida (1370)
• United States
14 Jan 07
If your money is trickling away, then look at the little things you buy. Do you get snacks/drinks out of machines? do you eat out often? Things like this. Try sticking a post-it note in with your money that says something like -- Do you really need this? It's kinda like reminding you that you're supposed to be budgeting. You can also try to earn more while you're on Mylot.
2 people like this
• United States
14 Jan 07
good way of looking at it... i will try ur post it idea, its a good way of reminding myself... and ya i'm trying to be more active on mylot and make sure i post quality stuff. Thanks for your response.
1 person likes this
• Pakistan
14 Jan 07
I earning same as you .. the easiest way to save money .. coz i m saving 100$ per week.. i m earning 250$ ..but i think i am earnin 150 $.. and i have to manage on 150 ..i divide 150$ in to 7 days.. and i save 100$. and i enjoy ma life..too god wid dat.. noe u tell m i rite.? or wrong..ye say ppl if i did wrong
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
ya i only get 250 every two weeks, you seem to be getting 250 every week... but i kinda of have the same idea as you.
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
15 Jan 07
My youngest daughter is still in college and works oncampas for the university. It is hard. The best way to save is to not eat out so much. Maybe you are already doing this but you would be amazed at how fast your money goes when you do eat out. Even if it is just macdonalds. Maybe your family could purchase you gift certificates for restaurants as gifts. We found that can help alot. We always give gifts in a mug to my nephews that are in college. They can be made in the microwave quickly. They range from cakes and soups to hot chocolate. Shop at thrift stores, they are a great sorce of filling your needs without spending alot.
1 person likes this
• United States
16 Jan 07
awesome idea! I will definately check out the thrift stores around town when i feel the need to shop!
@vijayr (114)
• India
15 Jan 07
I have just started to earn money in mylot. But if i have to save money. Start investing in a Bank. Dont use a credit card or a Debit card. These two cards dries your money easily. Dont waste your money on unwanted things. Buy products related to your taste. Hope you save your money for future. I dont need you to think that i could have saved money in the future.
1 person likes this
• Indonesia
15 Jan 07
I am sorry but I have to disagree with you. Credit card is exist to assist us. As long as you have a proper budget plan and you are a dicipline type of person, credit card will help you a lot. You can purchase everything you need but you only have to pay at the end of the bill month. isnt that great? especially if the bank offers you further discount in certain merchants. BUT you have to remember the golden rule, always pay on time!!
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
Your post brings back memories of my college days. I was a broke student too, so maybe some of the things I did can help you save some $. -buy as much of your personal products such as shampoo at dollar stores as you can. -if you are away from the cafeteria at lunch time, bring a sandwich or something similar along to eat so you don't have to buy more expensive items out of a vending machine. Its easy to keep bread, peanut butter, jelly and some cookies in a dorm room. -don't spend ANY of your loose change unless its for the bus that won't accept paper money. If something costs $1.55 use $2 to pay for it. Take your loose change and put it aside in an empty jar or whatever. Every few weeks wrap it all and take it to the bank. You'll be surprised how fast it adds up. I still do this and this change helps fund my Christmas club account every year. Good luck. I'm glad to see there are colege students out there who are thinking ahead and trying to do the responsible thing with their finances.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
haha Thanks for the tips!
@wahmoftwo (1296)
• United States
14 Jan 07
You could sign up to be a chacha guide at www.chacha.com it is legit, but you need high speed internet.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
hmm I'll check it out.
@missybal (4490)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Hunt for the cheapest price for everything! For your car insurance it can be a huge difference. check every time your renew your policy. It does change with your age in price and companies change their prices too. Also if you can pay in full. I save $70 every six months by doing this. Internet companies, televisions companies. If you can go without tv do it. Instead of renting movies check and see if your library has movies to borrow. Some big ones have lots you can borrow for free. That is if you live on your own. Cut all extras you will get to enjoy it more later. Find free ways to have fun. Mylot may be able to help you too so don't give up on this site. It does pay. Good luck.
1 person likes this
• India
14 Jan 07
i wonder of budgeting money, bcoz if money is going to be saved and stored it gets out in any other purposes but if we go on investing in other areas that will not only save money about give some extra benefits to us. and later on give some fixed amount in later period. Its a case in my life. so It has a greater effect bcoz im a cool buyer.
• United States
14 Jan 07
I don't invest because I use the money in my savings regularly for school and stuff, I am just trying to save enough this semester so I dont have to take out loans next semester
@vhmehta (621)
• United States
14 Jan 07
Budgetting is a strict and desciplined approach to save money. You have to stop spending your money on things you can avoid. Make a list of places where you spend and how much.. then find out where you can stop spennding....
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
list everything... and revaluate... got it! Thanks!
@allen123 (76)
• United States
14 Jan 07
i guess it dwpend on what you need and what you dont need.you make 500 monthly you probably dont pay rent or anything big so hold out somtes and watch your money grow! or what i would do is find a bigger source of money
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
ya I am looking into getting a different job for next semester... the only problem is it will be off campus.
14 Jan 07
Hey, totally understand where you're coming from! Check out my blog for ideas http://emptypurse.wordpress.com
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Jan 07
I'll keep it bookmarked! Thanks