1. Be Smart With Student Loans

When you're still in college and you haven't started to pay back your student loans, they're easy to put out of your mind. However, the day will come when you'll be in repayment, so now's the time to be smart with student loans. If you don't know where to start, be sure to talk to your college's financial aid office. Then, shop around for the lowest rates you can find, or look for competitive student loan refinance options to save even more.

2. Find a Part-Time Job

Another way to make finances easier in college is to find a part-time job. Earning extra money each week can take the pressure off when it comes to buying groceries, gas, eating out and saving for college loans. A job also provides real-world experience, helps you learn new skills and it looks good on your future resume. Just make sure you don't take too many hours and try to find a healthy balance with schoolwork. 

3. Follow a Budget

Following a budget is a good idea for anyone whether they're in college or not. By crafting a budget, you'll know ahead of time exactly what you need to pay and when. You'll also know how much cash you have left each month. By writing your finances down on a calendar, you'll never miss a due date or forget to make a payment. Besides paying your bills, make sure you save for recreation and put a little into your savings each week for emergencies. 

4. Be Cautious With Credit

A credit card can be an effective tool for financing a purchase and building your credit score. Credit cards are also handy in emergencies and for travel-related expenses. However, it's important to resist impulse purchases that could put you into debt. Credit cards aren't free money that you can use on a whim. If you have a credit card, use it only for emergencies and pay it off quickly. This will teach you good financial habits that you'll use all your life. 

5. Use Student Discounts

Businesses know that college kids are financially strapped and luckily many of them offer student discounts. This is your golden opportunity to save money, so don't be embarrassed to use them. Student discounts are available on tech items, online streaming, software, movies and even transportation. Many discounts start at around 10% and over time they'll add up. To take advantage of all these discounts, remember to always carry your student ID.

6. Buy Used Whenever Possible

Your college years are the best time to save money by purchasing used items. For example, college books are incredibly expensive which is why it's always best to buy used. Check online and see if you can find pre-owned or older editions of what you need. Other pre-owned items you can buy include dorm furnishings, bikes, appliances and clothing. Buying used is also better for the environment and allows you to buy expensive brand names at a fraction of the cost. 

The college years are a lot of fun, but they can also be financially stressful. Following a budget, using student discounts and shopping for the lowest rates on loans will make your post-college years so much easier.

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