Students talk budgeting tips
Most college students are faced with becoming adults, having bills to pay, buying their own food and taking care of themselves on their own.
Several Central Michigan University students shared budgeting tips that work for them.
Natalie Doherty, a Novi junior, said she tries to set a spending limit for herself every week.
“It works sometimes,” Doherty said. “I try to only go out to eat once or twice a week and go grocery shopping every other week. And I spend $20 on miscellaneous things.”
Holly Ritter, a Waterford junior, said she only buys what’s necessary. She also said she goes grocery shopping every other week. To save on gas, Ritter and her roommates carpool.
Kevin Harrie, a Montague senior, had tips for budgeting but also said he has had trouble with budgeting himself.
“I just try to make sure I just buy groceries instead of eating out all the time, because they last a lot longer and you can make a lot more,” Harrie said. “Other than that, I struggle with budgeting.”
Harrie also noted that public transportation can help students with budgeting. The Isabella County I-Ride takes students from apartment buildings to campus every half-hour on weekdays. I-Ride operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sarah Brown, a Grand Blanc sophomore, said she also struggles with budgeting.
“I’m real bad at (budgeting),” Brown said. “I try to not to get as many Starbucks as I do. I get it like every day. I try not to get it every day. I try and use my FLEX. I run out of that before I start using my real money.”
FLEX Dollars are available to CMU students. They can be used to purchase food anywhere on campus. FLEX Dollars are purchased at a discount, for instance, $200 Flex Dollars costs $180.
Brown also said she has her mother sends things that she needs from home, rather than driving back home, so she can save money on gas.
Kelsey Ivan, a Grand Blanc junior, said she tries to budget how much she has available to spend each week. She said she tries not to spend more than $50 per week, mostly on groceries and her apartment.
Hannah Sassone, a Frankenmuth junior, said she tries not to eat out very much.
“I try to make goals for myself, like not spending over this much per day,” Sassone said.
