Life 101

23 Of The Best Money Saving Tips Ever... That Actually Work

Are you having a bit of a hard time with your cash? We've found some student money saving tips that are actually useful and will get you that bag/makeup/iPhone/food you've had your eye on.

Here's the best 23.

via GIPHY

1. Start selling your stuff on DoneDeal

Clothes, bags, shoes, furniture, even textbooks

2. Sign up for all the rewards programs you can

They have them at Superdrug, Boots, Tesco and more

3. Do the 33-item challenge

Wear 33 items of clothing (including jewellery and shoes, excluding underwear) for 33 days. If you need to buy something new, apply the 1 in, 2 out rule!

4. Stay in more

via GIPHY

You'll be surprised how much money you save. Or maybe even start drinking out of a flask when you do go out!

5. Repair your broken shit instead of throwing it out

Just because your top has a tear doesn't mean it's done. Just sew it up! And if your heel comes off, glue that baby back on.

6. Drink more water

Um, yes. A lot of the time when you're feeling hungry you're actually just thirsty.

7. Meal prep

By prepping your meals on a weekend for the whole week not only will you save money, you'll be less inclined to eat out.

8. Go to the library

via GIPHY

Did you know there's a place with free books, internet, games, DVDs and workshops? It's called the library

9. Buy generic versions

Stop buying only brand names at the supermarket and switch to the generic ones. This could save you a lot over the year.

10. Master the 10-second rule

Whenever you pick up an item and add it to your cart or to take it to the checkout, stop for 10 seconds and ask yourself why you’re buying it and whether you actually need it or not. If you can’t find a good reason, put the item back.

11. Cut or dye your own hair

via GIPHY

This might seem scary but hair grows back! Just get some sharp scissors or if you're only game to dye it, just go to a pharmacy and pick up a sexy new colour for a fraction of the salon cost.

12. Pack food for road trips, flights, and other travel

This will make sure you avoid impulse buying expensive shit!

13. Make your own cleaning supplies

Not only is making your own cleaning stuff better for the environment and your health, it's wayyyy cheaper than store bought crap.

14. Scrimp on beauty products

You don't need to spend a fortune to look and feel good. Makeup from Penneys or even Superdrug/Boots is still great quality and there are so many dupes out there, you really have no excuse.

15. Use coupons

Coupon websites are the holy grail. Make a rule that you'll never get a massage, haircut or nail treatment without getting a coupon.

16. Change your mobile phone provider

You might be paying more than you have to - there's heaps of deals like Lycamobile's 30GB for €15 plan. Yes.

17. Do DIY

If your room is looking a bit shit, why not DIY? It's fun, a great way to make something old look fresh and it's super rewarding. Oh and it's much cheaper than buying new things.

18. Ask for a discount

Any time you speak to someone about a bill, ask for a discount. You never know, they might just be in a good mood.

19. Book your own flights

Travelling can be hard to organise especially for lazy people but you could save a lot if you just buy flights online using sites like Skyscanner.

20. Use the online doctor

Going to the doctor can be expensive but there's sites like Lloyd's Online Doctor that are only €25 for a consultation.

21. Use an automatic debit

via GIPHY

Set up a transfer that takes out X amount every week/fortnight/month and don't touch it!

22. Go to the movies on the cheapest day

Most cinemas have a cheap day like €5 for a ticket. Avoid going until that day.

23. Share media streaming services with someone

via GIPHY

Netflix and Spotify usually let you have more than one device so ask a friend if you can split the cost.

via GIPHY

Also read: 13 Of The Best Ways To Save Money For Travelling

Share this article
Article written by
Emma is an editor and writer from Brisbane, Australia and has been living in Dublin since September 2016 after she decided warm weather and beaches were overrated. She now wears three pairs of trousers every day and loves it.