2-minute read
Growing up on the islands, budgeting has always been a big part of my life. My budgeting enabled me to get everything that I wanted and/or needed. Recently, I have had some conversations about budgeting as a student, and tricks to help bring the budget down. For the better part of 8 months, I have been able to spend 65-80 euros on my food budget (per month). However, this hasn’t always gone perfectly since I am a serial snacker that yearns for wine often. Nevertheless, after conversations with some friends and self-reflection on my budgeting habits, here are 6 tips you might find useful.
1. Stop spending on the things you want, focus on the things you need.
This one is specifically for my fellow vegans and vegetarians who enjoy eating imitation meat or those serial snackers out there who understand the struggle. While these products do taste great and provide the feeling of comfort, they are not a necessity! Truthfully, while you may feel great in the moment, they leave a dent in your budget over time.
2. Cook meals that use the same or similar ingredients.
This is a major recommendation! As a vegetarian, I use mostly veggies when I am cooking. However, when I shop, I make sure to get ingredients that can be used to make more than one meal. I also get really creative with how I make use of those ingredients. (Pinterest is the best for recipes)
3. Shop at cheaper supermarkets in your vicinity!
Yes, it might be a bit out of the way or way too much work to go supermarket hopping, but let’s be honest, it is always a great idea to go to the stores where you can get the products cheapest.
4. Search for sustainable initiatives in the city.
I recently learned from a friend about “too good to go”. This is a food-waste initiative that donates food products that would otherwise be thrown out. Download the app and get started!
5.Track your spending habits (Don’t leave those receipts behind)
As challenging as this seems, it is a brilliant way to nip bad spending habits in the bud. Often times when shopping, we do not realize those bad spending habits. But by keeping your receipts you can always monitor your shopping patterns and confront your “weaknesses”.
6. And if all else fails, STOP ordering in! This is probably the most challenging one of all because sometimes we are just not in the mood to cook or have no idea what to cook. By ordering in less, you will definitely see a big change at the end of the month.
Now, I am well aware that these tips are easier said than done (Lord knows, I have my struggles) so I just want to remind you that it doesn’t need to go perfectly every month. Use the start of each monthly budget as a clean slate: learn from your mistakes. Finally, be open to the fact that you may have to let go of some products (that you love but don’t need) for their cheaper alternatives. Let me know in the comments what works for you when budgeting and if you try any of my tips, let me know how it goes! Until next time!
Very good tips, Nisalyna!