For those of us already coping with the frugal budget of a college student, filling up our gas tanks has become a bit brutal on the bank account.
Like it or not, if you need to drive, you need to start pinching pennies elsewhere to compensate for what we're seeing at the pump.
There are basic ways to go about sparing some change here and there. Buying one fewer CD here. Eating dinner out one less time there.
The following is a list of ways to save money you might not have realized:
1. Clip coupons - This isn't just something to do when you visit your grandma anymore. The high gas prices have also caused prices at the grocery store to climb. Taking a few coupons can save you many dollars.
2. Eat cheap - Let's face it; it's a step down doing your shopping at Aldi or Dollar General instead of Marsh, but it's hard to argue against paying 50 cents for a box of cereal that'll cost $2 or $3 elsewhere.
3. Exploit discounts - Businesses around Muncie offer discounts to students. Take advantage of this. Papa John's gives us bargains. Might as well take them up on their offer. You can even take advantage of this with Web sites such as Campusfood.com, which periodically offers special deals.
4. Movies = money - Although it might seem oh so unbearable to not be able to see "Pineapple Express," pass up the $8 for the ticket (and probably another $80 or so if you want snacks) and go see a free flick at UPB's Friday Night Filmworks.
5. Old clothes can still be a new look - Whoever said you had to pay $100 for those torn up jeans when you can buy equally damaged ones at the Goodwill for $1?
6. Find a book buddy - Have a class with a friend, and haven't bought your books? Granted you're a bit late for that with it being week four of the semester, but you can save a bundle by going halfsies with a friend. The only trick there is you've got to learn to share.
7. Look elsewhere for lattes - The aroma from the cafe in the Ball State Bookstore is about as tempting as a siren's song early in the morning, but 100 feet away you can find your morning caffeine fix in the Atrium for half the price. Saving $2 a day for a year can really add up.
8. Be creative with your costumes - It might seem a little early, but Halloween stores are already making their way back into Muncie for the season. This year, instead of buying that $40 outfit from a bag take a stroll through your or your roommates' (permission suggested) closet to see what you can scrape together.
9. Douse the drinking - Yes, this one might hurt a bit, but let's face it, alcohol isn't cheap. Instead of forking over $20 or $30 for that fifth to get you through the weekend, pocket it for the sake of your gas tank (and your liver).
10. Think outside the vehicle - This should be kick-in-the-teeth obvious, but simply not driving will do wonders for your wallet. Walking, bicycling, carpooling, you name it. Alternative transportation is the way to go when gas prices get so high you have to resist the urge to cry.
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