College students are known to be partiers who stay up all night playing video games while eating minimal. Being in that stereotype I have learned to adapt. Managing your money wisely is a unique trait for being 22 and dumb. Although it took me a while to figure out how to fully manage my money, it helps when you don’t go out for every meal. Eating out is a definite way to drain your wallet and leave your stomach aching for more food when your pockets are empty. In order to stay on track and eat something healthy, I have a few tips to give you.
1. Don’t eat out: We all know how easy it is to run to Chipotle or McDonald’s and grab food when you don’t want to have to go out, buy the food, then come home and prepare it. But in reality, what would cost you $10 bucks at your local sandwich shop, would really cost you 5 bucks at a grocery store, and you could make more than one meal. For example, my girlfriend loves to go to Noodles N Company and eat all the pasta her little heart could want. But on the news, I can go to Wal-Mart and get the pasta and Alfredo sauce and maybe even some garlic bread for $4. This is the difference between a $16 dollar meal between the two, but now only 4 dollars.
2. Stay away from candy: You’ve arrived at the store, but now you have to know what to buy. While you’re on a budget, you soon learn to realize what you can do for two dinners price-wise you can get for a box of fruit roll-ups. These boxes are designed to grab your attention and get you to grab a $7 box when it might be worth $7 for the meat and potatoes. I am not preaching healthy, I am preaching intelligently. To get the most bang for your buck, buy foods that fill you up for hours, not 20 minutes. Staying away from brands also helps in the long run. Many grocery stores offer high-value name-brand items that are significantly less than the average name-brand item.
Only two suggestions though, the process of not eating out and staying away from branded sweets etc. it will leave you more time for the weekend money instead of picking up some food so you don’t have to take advantage of your roommate.