This article is dedicated to the hip+poor college graduates who are really struggling right now. Here are ten ways to save money while you search for your dream job in the worst economy in three decades.
1. Don’t sue your college for not securing a job for you less than an hour after you graduate.
Vintage-feel Chianti accent vase
2. Decorate your apartment with recyclables.
For example, buy a couple bottles of cheap chianti at your local discount liquor store and have a fun girls night in at your new apartment. Then use the bottles as accent vases or candle holders.
3. Visit your local library.
If you live in a big city like New York or Chicago, you can check out dvd’s, books, museum passes and more. Do you really know how much free stuff your local library has to offer? Right now is a really good time to find out.
4. Re-learn how to grocery shop.
Make a list of the things you buy on a regular basis. Next, find out how to get those things on sale from your grocery store. Most grocery stores have deals if you sign-up to be a member, or you can print coupons online, or pick up daily coupons at the customer service counter. Come up with a system so you don’t pay too much for groceries.
5. Negotiate your rent.
You might want to check out this firsthand account from a broke college grad about how he negotiated his rent successfully a few months back.
6. Party during happy hour.
Lots of local watering holes are having awesome deals on happy hours right now. Some even have “poor college grads” or recession themes and offer free food. Find out what deals are going on in your neighborhood. Plan to go out with your friends during these happy hours, then head home to watch a movie you checked out at the library. You’ll save loads on entertainment.
7. Carry coupons everywhere.
If you get a handle on what types of products you purchase on a regular basis, you can be on the lookout for coupons and carry them with you at all times.
8. Ask for student discounts everywhere.
Not every place of business advertises that they offer discounts for students, so be sure to ask before you pay for anything. These discounts often apply to the recently graduated as well. Basically, if you have a student ID, you’ll probably qualify for the discount.
9. Use public transportation.
Instead of paying high gas prices, take the bus or subway. And forget about taking cabs anywhere. A short trip in a taxi costs more than a vacation home these days.
10. Shop at consignment and thrift stores.
Search online to learn which consignment shops in your area are getting the best buzz. This is a great way to stay fashionable without going broke.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rob Taub. Rob Taub said: A fun read even if you’re 3x removed. RT: @GradToGreat 10 Thrifty Tips for Hip Grads http://bit.ly/RWDnB [...]
Great advice – I do almost most of these things. But, I must admit that I am a sucker for the Subway Scrabble Game and I always buy a large soda because of it!
But honestly, the more money that can be saved, the more “ammo” a young person has when they go to build something on their own.
[...] you’re in college or just graduated, GradToGreat.com has some fantastic tips for saving your pretty pennies while you negotiate the worst job market in [...]
This is important even if you aren’t graduated yet.