Quick tips to save your money

by Faith Jenkins, Times Writer

December 16, 2024

MATC Times Writer Faith Jenkins has money on his mind.

So, you spent all your money on seasonal shopping, and now you are thinking about how you should have saved it. Don’t be ashamed, I’m here to help bring awareness to your spending habits and give you some quick tips on saving those coins.

Your spending habits can be difficult to manage. You impulsively make an unplanned purchase without considering the long-term consequences. It can be difficult to change because of the emotions associated with the purchase. Here are some suggestions:

Think before you purchase.

For example, the other day, I went to a shoe store to buy new Jordans. As much as I wanted them, I knew it wasn’t the time. So, I kindly told the cashier, “You know what? You can just put those back, I’ll be back.” When I returned several weeks later, I was able to afford the shoes and the socks were free.

Save money for those things you want in the future. No matter how big or how small.

Many students are swept up in the illusion that money is meant to be spent. While this is true, it is important to spend on the right things at the right time. Keep track of what you are spending and align them with your long-term goals before making a big purchase.

Track your spending by creating a monthly budget.

If you need assistance with budgeting, some banks have tellers who specialize in budget planning. Otherwise, you can write down your income and expenses and do simple math. Make sure you bring in more than you spend AND also save for the future.

Check your bank balance every day.

This ensures that you’re on track and up to date with how much money you have and where it is going daily.

Try spending cash instead of your card

Spending cash over cards, for me, makes me feel the pain of my spending, and makes me automatically get in saving mode. Who doesn’t like heading out to run errands and then coming back home with some money. Also, give yourself some kind of reward every time you complete a trip and come back with money. Maybe you can save enough to buy a pair of Jordans too.

Whatever you do, just be logical, and make every move make cents.

About the Contributor

Warren Murphy, Managing Editor

My name is Warren Murphy and I am Managing Editor of the MATC Times. I joined the staff last year, and after consistently contributing as a writer, I was named Features Editor. This year, with our new Editor-in-Chief, Zanaia Joshua, selecting me as Managing Editor, I plan to help curate a student paper that serves as a true mouthpiece for the voice of our students. I am in the Liberal Arts Transfer program and I plan on transferring to UW-Madison to complete my bachelors after this upcoming fall semester. For fun, I love to play basketball and go to stand-up comedy shows with my friends and family. I originally joined the Times because I was having a hard time finding a space for myself on campus. If you're struggling to find your place like I was, I strongly encourage you to reach out and see how you can get involved. MATC Times believes wholeheartedly in the power of collaboration and inclusivity, as baked into our foundation by our previous Editor-in-Chief Christopher D'Allen, and as student leaders, Zanaia and I are working constantly to ensure we provide a space that welcomes ALL students.