Welcome to the real world!
There are bills to pay, no parents that dual function as your personal ATM, and you have to somehow figure out how to get in THREE square meals a day.
Happy you’re here!
Wanna go back to school yet?
Kidding... 😉
Just like any other skill, you can develop and improve your financial fitness. By putting systems in place, exercising discipline, and flexing your delayed gratification muscles... you'll be well on your way to becoming more confident in your financial decisions.
Here are 3 Money Saving Areas to consider when looking at your current spending habits:
1. Coffee
Ditch the daily Dunkin drive-thru or your scheduled stop at Starbucks. Save money by 1. cutting back on your caffeine intake (start with a hard look at cleaning up your current sleep habits) and 2. brewing your regular cup of joe at home via Keurig.
Instead of an everyday occurrence, make your favorite chain/local café beverage a once-a-week treat.
2. Food
No more campus dining halls.
Although cheap and convenient, it's also time to part ways with microwave mac and cheese and ramen noodles. You can stay on a budget AND have nutrient-dense, substantial meals.
Eat out less. It not only adds up financially, but calorically.
Going into the grocery store without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Even worse if you go in hungry.
Have a list in the Notes app on your phone. Try meal prepping. You'll save money, have more free time during the week, and be able to stay on track with personal health goals.
3. Hobbies
Pursue hobbies that won’t break the bank!
Do you really need to spend every weekend running up tabs buying tequila shots for all your coworkers? Explore less costly, healthier stress relief outlets such as working out, reading, or socializing via card/board game/movie/bowling/Top Golf type of nights.
Becoming independent in your 20's can be incredibly refreshing. Effective money management will provide you with even more freedom: giving you the ability to live life on your own terms, walk away from situations that no longer serve you, and allow you to live in alignment with your goals.