Best Money Saving Programs For College Students

Mint - Mint is a free tool that allows you to connect your accounts from all your banks, lenders, and brokers and have them on a dashboard. We love Mint because it helps you set a budget, tracks your spending by category, and allows you to set goals. Best of all, it's free! 

Personal Capital - Personal Capital is similar to Mint but not as robust with budgeting and goals. However, it's more robust when it comes to investing analytics. If you're an investor (or want to be), this is probably the best tracking solution for you. It's also free. 

Clarity Money - Clarity Money is another tool similar to Mint, but with less budgeting features and more "help" to allow you to understand your money. It also has great features like helping you cancel subscriptions or avoid other money waste. 

How to save more money on food as a college student

• Student restaurant discounts: many dining places offer a 10% discount. All you have to do is ask if they offer it and show your student ID. 
• Pay attention to grocery store ads: they often have great deals in produce, meat, and bulk dry goods. Spending a little extra now can save you a lot in the future. Keep in mind your fridge/freezer space, though–a mini fridge isn’t the best place to store meat for a month!
• Use any student meals or dining dollars that your school offers: some schools require you to have a meal plan, so you might as well utilize it. Eat on campus, or spend dining dollars at any convenience or food shops on campus before eating out.
• Don’t shop hungry: this will save you from buying a bunch of munchie food. It’s cheaper to eat healthy and much easier to eat healthy when you aren’t starving as you walk down the snack aisle.
• So you’re a coffee lover: buy a coffee maker and buy your preferred brew in bulk. This is much cheaper in the long run, also the smell of brewing coffee in your dorm/apartment can help wake you up and get ready for class.
• Scrounging for food the few days before payday: buy ramen or oatmeal. Both are definitely affordable on a student budget. If plain oatmeal is too boring for you, add a little honey and fruit (frozen bulk or fresh). Both are also super simple to microwave for easy meals.
• Skip the bottled water: this water does not have to meet the same clean standards that tap water has to meet. Buy a water pitcher with a filter and a BPA free water bottle, and you will save tons of money in the long run while drinking healthier water! Side note: infuse the water with lemon and mint for a health and flavor boost.