Below is a list of innovative ways to save a buck or two. Use these ideas to help trim some of your expenses.

Keep a Spending Journal
• Ever wonder where all your money went? Keep a journal and record what you spend every day. It's easy to spend $15 a week at the local coffee shop, or $20 on late night pizza, without really noticing. A spending journal will help you figure out your actual spending, and where you might want to cut costs.

Cost-free Communications
• Instead of calling long distance or mailing letters, use e-mail. Many colleges offer free e-mail accounts, and free use of on-campus computer labs.
• Sign up for online banking. Many banks offer this service so you can pay electronically. This saves time, money, and postage.

Buying Books and Supplies on a Budget
• Buy used textbooks from the bookstore.
• Check with friends who have taken the course before to see if their book edition is the one on your required reading list.
• You may be able to find bargains buying books online.
• Wait to buy books and supplies until you need them. You may find you can share books that are used infrequently, or you may find that you don't need them at all.
• Check with your local or school library to checkout the books you need.

Cut Your Entertainment Costs
• Use your student ID to enjoy the benefits of being a student. Many venues on or near campus offer discounts to students, so don't forget to ask.
• There are plenty of free on-campus sporting events or concerts. Check the student activity calendar at your school.
• Avoid high-priced movie tickets by seeing films on campus at discounted prices. Or throw a party in your dorm room and watch videos. Some campuses offer discounted movie rentals and your local library may have movies you can borrow at little or no cost.
• Check with the local or state chamber of commerce website for free concerts, festivals and other activities in your college community.

Share Expenses
• Do you have an apartment? Get a roommate. If you already have one, can you fit in another?
• Utility costs, such as cable TV, telephone, power, and water may be shared.
• Before moving in, check with your roommate about sharing appliances, like a refrigerator, microwave, CD player, etc.

Looking Good for Less
• Buy clothes at end-of season sales.
• Shop at thrift stores, consignment shops, or tag sales.
• When you shop at a sale, avoid impulse buying. Ask yourself, "Do I really need this item or do I just want it?"
• Why join a gym when many colleges have fitness rooms, tennis courts, volleyball courts, running tracks, sports fields, and recreation centers that students can use for free?

Cheap Eats
• Always use a list when grocery shopping, go only once a week, and never shop on an empty stomach!
• Use coupons, whether ordering a pizza or buying cereal.
• When items that you use go on sale, stock up. Consider going to discount stores or warehouses to buy in bulk any items you use frequently...but be sure they're not perishable!
• Vending machines can be money magnets. Make your own bottled water or thermos of coffee.
• If you have a meal plan on campus, use it. Many meal plans are "use it or lose it".
• If you don't eat as much as the plan offers, see if you can reduce it to better suit your eating habits.
• For restaurants, check out early bird or happy hour specials where you can eat at a reduced price.

Commuting with a Friend
• Save money by carpooling. Many colleges have rideshare boards where you can link up with someone going to the same destination you are.
• Consider public transportation. Your college may offer shuttle buses to local areas at little or no cost.
• Walk. Not only do you save on parking fees and gas, you are benefiting yourself and the environment.

Barter!
See if you can trade services with some friends.
• If you are good at word processing and someone else can change the oil in your car, strike a deal!
• If you need childcare, find another parent in the same situation and set up a schedule.
• Like to cook or bake? Trade a plate of cookies or a loaf of bread for services you need.