Adulting 101 – Finances After the Holidays

Adulting 101: Finances After the Holidays

by Mina Hale

The downside of the holidays is being broke. You've spent all your money on presents for your relatives, or maybe on alcohol to survive those same relatives. Either way, you have nothing–nada, zero, zip.

Getting a handle of your finances for the new year is not only a must, but is crucial for you to not end even broker (if that's even possible).

While the task might seem daunting, I'm here to guide you on how to get yourself back up and running before the sales hit the stores again. The first and hardest step is to open that banking app.

Yup.

It's going to hurt like a Brazilian wax with honey, but in order to grow you need to know your starting point.

The second step to regaining a sense of control on your finances is assessing your necessities and separating them from your wants.

You're going to cringe at this proposal, but hear me out. I know you think you NEED iced coffee from Starbucks to start your day, but you really don't. Especially after spending hundreds on candles, VR glasses, bluetooth speakers and other overpriced gifts that you gave out. Brewing your coffee at home, or switching to an inexpensive alternative such as hot cocoa could make a considerable change in your wallet. The same goes for bringing a lunch from home, carpooling to class/work with friends, and switching to reusable water bottles instead of buying new ones every time (bonus for saving the environment).

This brings me to the third point, which is analyzing where you buy. Target is fun. Strolling with a red shopping cart on a Wednesday afternoon is the most fun a college student can have on a Wednesday. But grocery shopping at stores like Target can get quite expensive.

Bring in Save-A-Lot and The Dollar Store. I know you're judging, but your stomach can't tell if that breakfast you just ate was made with Target eggs or not.

My regular $50 grocery shopping trip turns into roughly $15 when shopping at one of these stores. Bring the biggest shades you own if you're one to be embarrassed about dumb things like bargain shopping, but when you can afford an extra drink at the bar or going to the movie theater on a weekend, then you'll be grateful.

Lastly, take advantage of coupons. Did you know most schools can hook you up to your local movie theater? Also, your student ID is your best friend when going out to places. Most college towns, or even larger touristy spots, will offer local students discounts in restaurants, movies, attractions, and other hot spots.

If you truly are a Starbucks snob or can't get yourself to shop at a Dollar Store, then indulge on tuna, popcorn, and flavor packets for water.

After all, are you really a college student if you're not constantly broke?