Disclosure: WE DON’T SELL ANY COURSES. We make money through product suggestions located in our content as an affiliate. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The ideas presented are Money Vice editorial team’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. We’re not licensed financial advisors. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.
1. Set Up a Simple System to Track Every Expense
👉 In a Nutshell: Know where your money goes, or it will disappear.
You ever check your bank account and think, “Where did all my money go?”
Yeah, that’s what happens when you don’t track your spending.
It’s like pouring water into a bucket with a hole. You won’t notice the leak until it’s empty 😲
One $5 coffee here, a $12 Uber there, and suddenly, you’re eating instant noodles for dinner all week.
But when you track every dollar, you stop those little leaks before they drain you.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Pick a Budgeting App: Download an app like Rocket Money to track your expenses automatically.
Step 2: Categorize Your Spending: Set up categories like food, fun, and bills so you know where your money goes.
Step 3: Check It Every Night: Take one minute before bed to review your spending and make sure you’re staying on track.
2. Use Cash for Fun Spending to Avoid Going Overboard
👉 In a Nutshell: If you can’t see it, you’ll spend it.
Ever swipe your card all weekend, then check your bank balance like it’s a horror movie?
That’s because digital money feels fake until it’s gone 😑
When you use cash, you see what you have left. And you’re way less likely to waste it.
It’s like having a built-in stop sign for your spending.
No more waking up to “insufficient funds” notifications.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Set a Weekly Fun Budget: Decide how much you’ll spend on going out, coffee, or impulse buys.
Step 2: Withdraw That Amount in Cash: Keep it in an envelope labeled “Fun Money” and use only that.
Step 3: When It’s Gone, It’s Gone: No more swiping. Once the cash is gone, fun spending is done for the week.
3. Turn Your Dorm Room Into a Money-Saving Machine
👉 In a Nutshell: Your dorm can save you way more money than you think.
Think of your dorm like a financial cheat code.
If you’re spending money on laundry, overpriced snacks, or random Amazon orders, you’re doing it wrong.
😉 A few smart hacks can save you hundreds every semester.
Because let’s be real. College is already expensive enough.
Might as well make your dorm work for you, not against you.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Skip the Campus Store: Buy snacks and essentials in bulk at Walmart or Costco instead.
Step 2: Get a Drying Rack: Stop wasting quarters on dryers. Air dry your clothes for free.
Step 3: Borrow, Don’t Buy: Need a printer, a bike, or a textbook? Check campus resources before you spend.
4. Avoid Wasting Money on Stuff You Don’t Need
👉 In a Nutshell: Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you need it.
Retail therapy feels good. Until your bank account cries for help.
That new gadget, extra hoodie, or second streaming subscription? Yeah, you probably don’t need them 🙃
Spending on stuff you think will make you happy usually just makes you broke.
Save your money for things that actually improve your life, not just fill your closet.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Use the 48-Hour Rule: If you want something, wait 48 hours before buying. Chances are, you won’t want it anymore.
Step 2: Unsubscribe from Temptation: Get rid of store emails and social media ads that make you impulse buy.
Step 3: Borrow or Buy Used: Need something? Check Facebook Marketplace or borrow from a friend first.
5. Learn to Cook Cheap and Still Eat Like a King
👉 In a Nutshell: Cooking saves you money and makes you the MVP of your friend group.
Eating out is fun, but it adds up fast.
You can make an entire week’s worth of meals for the price of two DoorDash orders 😄
Plus, knowing how to cook means you never have to eat sad cafeteria food again.
And let’s be honest. Homemade meals just hit different.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Find 3 Go-To Cheap Meals: Pick easy meals like pasta, tacos, or stir-fry that you actually enjoy.
Step 2: Meal Prep Like a Pro: Cook in batches so you always have food ready to eat.
Step 3: Buy Smart: Stick to a grocery list and avoid shopping when you’re hungry.
6. Avoid Credit Card Debt Before It Becomes a Problem
👉 In a Nutshell: Credit cards are like fire. Use them wisely, or you’ll get burned.
A credit card can be your best friend or worst enemy.
Swipe too much, and the next thing you know, you’re drowning in interest 🫠
But if you use it right, you build credit and avoid financial stress.
The goal? Never spend money you don’t already have.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Use It for Small, Planned Purchases: Only swipe for things you were already going to buy, like groceries.
Step 2: Pay It Off Every Month: Never carry a balance. Pay in full to avoid interest.
Step 3: Set a Low Credit Limit: Keep it small so you can’t overspend.
7. Earn Extra Cash Without It Taking Over Your Life
👉 In a Nutshell: Side hustles are great. Just don’t let them take over college.
You need extra cash, but you also need time to study and have fun.
Working too much will burn you out fast🥴
The key? Find flexible ways to make money without sacrificing your sanity.
Because what’s the point of making money if you don’t have time to enjoy college?
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Pick a Side Hustle That Fits Your Schedule: Try online gigs like tutoring, freelancing, or reselling.
Step 2: Set Boundaries: Work in short shifts so you don’t fall behind in school.
Step 3: Automate It When Possible: Sell digital products, rent out stuff, or find passive income ideas.
Taking control of your money in college isn’t just about surviving.
It’s about setting yourself up for an easier, richer future.
Hi! I'm the founder of Money Vice and a passionate personal finance enthusiast.
Here we love to talk about money using a unique type of blender, where we combine juicy chunks of money lessons, slicing them into bite-sized steps, and sprinkling some South Florida vibe for that little zing! (the perfect cocktail to learn how to stack cash to achieve financial independence).
