Now that you’ve finished your course requirements, graduated, and have set off on your first post-college job search, it’s time to consider your finances while living on your own. In the midst of the graduation excitement and ideas of absolute freedom as you set off to chart your own course in life, it’s easy to lose sight of the necessity to keep your finances in check. This is especially true if your peers are gallivanting around on their own spending sprees.
While it’s tempting to go out and purchase a brand-new car, fully furnish your first apartment, and even update your wardrobe, now is the time to continue living the college student lifestyle as much as possible despite your fat new paycheck. Your future self will thank you if you follow these tips for living well on a dime.
Hand-Me-Downs Work Great
Yes, it’s not exactly the sexiest thing to admit that your furniture came from your grandmother’s basement while admiring your friend’s new $5,000 leather sectional. But consider that your friend may have put the couch on credit (which means he’ll pay far more than sticker price if interest is accumulating) and it will be clear that your bank account benefited from your fiscal restraint.
If the furniture is beat up or out of style, invoke your inner DIY diva and refinish or re-upholster the pieces to your liking. You’ll save a boatload and that money will come in handy when it’s time to pay off your student loans or save for your first home purchase.
Eat Ramen…It Tastes Good!
OK, perhaps this is a bit too extreme for some (although I still pride myself on keeping my grocery budget as low as possible, just like my college budget). You now have the income to afford food that’s a bit higher quality than ramen noodles. As long as you’re not buying designer ketchup and letting food waste away before you eat it, it’s alright to indulge a bit with your fruits and veggies. But you shouldn’t use this as an excuse to go buck-wild with your dining budget.
By cooking more nutritious meals at home, you’ll save money, be healthier, and ultimately be happier when you’re not living paycheck to paycheck because you’ve kept your expenses in-check. If you’re worried about the potential impact on your social life, invite friends over for dinner. You’ll strengthen your friendships AND be able to meet your financial goals.
Consider A Roommate
Unless you had a truly horrendous college roommate experience, there’s no reason you should have to foot the entire bill for your living expenses alone. Keep in mind that if you lived in on-campus housing, you’ll now be responsible for paying utilities and renter’s insurance on top of the monthly rent. Why not split that with someone to help alleviate the burden? Make sure to seek out a roommate who has stable employment, sign a lease, and set living expectations before handing over the keys. Bonus points if you can get your landlord to write up a co-leasing agreement so you won’t have to worry about taking care of the logistics.
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Cut The Booze And Meals Out
Out of control entertainment expenses are one of the quickest ways to bust a budget. Just as you should limit your meals out, you should try to save on bar tabs, cable, vacations, and social activities as much as possible. This isn’t a suggestion that you become a recluse, but more that you budget for entertainment expenses and be creative to find cheap (or free!) ways to keep yourself busy, networked, and socially content. By not keeping up with the Jones’ today, you’ll ensure you’ll have a financially stable foundation tomorrow.
You could also consider cutting your cable and still figure out ways to watch your favorite shows.
What advice do you have for those moving into their first apartment? How did you cut costs when you were in your own first apartment?
Earth and Money says
Great article! Many new students are living on their own for the first time, and learning as they go along (with bumps in the road to be sure). Accepting hand me downs is a great way to furnish an apartment without breaking the bank. Heck, I’ve been out of school for almost 5 years now, and most of the furniture in my apartment are the same hand me downs that I got when I finished school. Good furniture lasts!
The Happy Homeowner says
Thanks! I gave this same advice to my 3 younger siblings when they graduated & they’ve all noted how helpful it was…..at least I can help them to not make the same mistakes as I did!
Now I’m a huge fan of DIY and hand-me-downs…….better late than never I suppose 🙂
Robert says
I agree with the hand-me-downs. My parents saw my moving out as a chance to redecorate – but I won because I got a lot of their furniture. It saved me a lot of money!
Careful Cents says
When I got my first big paycheck I stayed in my apartment with a roommate. But it wasn’t long before the new money got to my head. I wish I had taken this advice and waited a little longer before increasing my lifestyle. Like you mentioned, your future self will thank you, when you sacrifice a little now to save some money.
The Happy Homeowner says
I’m in the same boat…if only I had a financial education on top of my academic one…I’d have had thousands less in debt!
The Happy Homeowner says
Hahaha…that’s awesome!!
The Happy Homeowner says
Oops…that was supposed to go to Robert’s comment…darn iPad!
Dannielle @ Odd Cents says
Good advice… I love the idea of using hand me down furniture because it can save you lots of money. If you’re handy, scour garage sales for items and re finish/ re purpose them.
Tom says
The hand me down aspect of saving as a young person is crucial. What better age than this to recycle, reuse, repurpose?
SavvyFinancialLatina says
Great article! I am trying not let my lifestyle inflate. It’s harder, but I do it by putting big chucks of money in our savings before we spend it.