MAXIMIZING THE LIMITED STUDENT RESOURCES

Written by: Janice Nonato Ragay

The student life is one of the most exciting and enjoyable stage in our life. It gives us the opportunity to explore things we have not been through. But in spite of the excitement and thrill on the campus and the community the problem of having limited resources will hinder the activities we intend to explore. The fact that being a student, we are still subject to the rules and the budget our parents are giving us for our everyday student life. Let me underline some tips on how to save and maximize our limited resources as a student, to wit: 

1) Make a budget out of the limited resources your parents are entitling you every month.  This will let you see how well you can manage your resources and discipline yourself.

2) Open a bank account to a bank that respects you and make sure you save a percentage of your allowance for emergency and urgent needs. This will prepare you for life’s uncertainties that need monetary expenses.

3) Instead of throwing out some damaged clothing, repair it. Don’t toss out a shirt because of a broken button but instead sew a new one on with some closely-matched thread. Don’t toss out pants because of a hole in them – put in a patch of some sort and save them for times when you’re working around the house. Simple sewing can be done by anyone and it can save you lots of money by keeping you from buying new clothes when you don’t really need to.

 4) Drink more water. Not only does drinking plenty of water have great health benefits, water drinking has financial benefits, too.  Drink a big glass of water before each meal, and not only will you digest it better, you won’t eat as much, thus saving on your food expenses. You will also find yourself feeling a bit better as you begin to get adequately hydrated.

5) Give up expensive habits, like cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. These habits cause money to flow away from you with nothing in return. Make yourself busy by studying often and by going to the school library to research and get updated with current events.

6) Swap books, music, and DVDs cheaply with your friends and classmates or on the internet. You can easily swap these entertainment materials that you’ve grown bored with via the internet or through your friends and classmates so that you will have a new material to indulge in.  

7) Maximize your money on yard sales. Do not disregard yard sales; you might end up getting things that will help you much in your student life. Always ask for a good bargain price and make sure the things you buy will be worth the price that you will be paying.

These are just small things that can definitely help you save money and maximize your limited resources as a student. Be responsible!