College is one of the best ways to grow your marketable skills and eventually earn a good salary in the working world. However, getting an undergraduate education is extremely expensive, especially with tuition and other costs rising across America. Fortunately, there are several ways you can keep your expenses to a minimum, which will help keep your checking account above water while paying for tuition.

5 Tips for Cutting Costs When You’re in College 

1. Buy Budget-Friendly Books

Textbooks are required for most college classes, though they aren’t always cheap. However, you don’t always have to buy new books directly from the bookstore. Instead, you can save cash by purchasing a used textbook or renting one for a small fee, or you can check your campus library to see if they have one you can use for free. If you do end up buying a book, sell it back to the bookstore at the end of the semester to get some money back.

2. Start a Savings Account

In addition to having a checking account, it’s a good idea to start saving so you have funds available in case of an emergency. Some credit unions offer savings accounts with attractive terms—such as those that require minimal deposits and offer monthly dividend payments.

3. Deepen Your Pockets With Discounts

Your student ID can be your all-access pass to discounts for many different expenses, including going to the movies, buying clothes, or dining out. You can also use your student status to help you save on major purchases. For instance, many retailers and university bookstores offer deep student discounts on laptops.

4. Make Your Meals

Although it can be tempting to go out for meals with friends, or pay for an unlimited plan for your campus dining hall, it’s almost always cheaper to eat at your place. This is especially true if you live off-campus and have access to a full kitchen. Invest in ingredients that can make many healthy and nutritious meals—such as rice, chicken, eggs, produce, cheese, and pasta.

5. Keep a Close Eye on Credit Card Use

A credit card can be a nice safety net when you’re a college student. However, these resources typically come with high interest rates that can leave you in a difficult cycle of debt and dig into your checking account over time. To avoid problems—and boost your credit score—only spend about 10% of your credit limit and make sure to pay off the balance in full every month.

As you get ready to go back to school, Spirit of America Federal Credit Union can be your resource for a wide range of financial services. Offering checking accounts and credit cards with favorable terms, this Lincoln, NE credit union presents low-risk solutions for students who have to watch their budgets. They also provide low-minimum savings accounts with dividends so you can grow your wealth as you pursue your degree. To learn more about their services, visit their website. For questions about accounts, call a friendly associate at (402) 467-1102.