PCC students share money-saving tips

You can wash it, pull it, yank it and maybe even try to grow it but you aren’t likely to stretch that dollar any further. Poor college students need to know every opportunity available to save and manage their precious few funds while avoiding the dread of debt.

Quick tips and some helpful suggestions from fellow Pima Community College students will have you on your way to a balanced budget and steering clear of sneaky and unnecessary costs.

Food and drinks can add up tremendously over the month.

Small day-to-day expenses can lead to thousands of dollars down the drain every year. A daily trip to the coffee shop for your $3 latte will total nearly $1,100 by year’s ends.

To save money on food, PCC student Andy Bulkley will “eat off the dollar menu” while Carlos Barragan tries “not to eat out at fast food restaurants.”

Have you been to an art opening recently? If so, you might have seen Samantha Angiulo, who takes the opportunity to go “to art openings because they always have free food” that can serve as her dinner.

Housing costs can be a large chunk of your budget.

PCC doesn’t have dorms, so students must find other options for housing.
“I live with my parents, so that helps,” Christine Woodrich said.

Daniel Epp saves by living “with a lot of roommates to keep costs down.”

Transportation costs are up, thanks to high gas prices.

Consider alternative options to driving a car.
“I take the bus,” Miko Gastelum said.

If the bus isn’t best for you and a bicycle is out of the picture, you can adopt driving habits that save money.

Consider following Dana Burns’ example. “I don’t floor it around town,” she said.
If you are looking to buy a vehicle, get a history report on that used car before your purchase and save future costs by avoiding a lemon.

The report will inform you about the vehicle’s title, registration, odometer, major damage and recall history.

Several online sources are available and dealers often provide this service for free, according to www.azag.gov.

Save money on clothes.

Used clothing stores often sell name-brand fashions at greatly reduced prices. Trade in your old or unwanted clothes in exchange for a new wardrobe.

In addition to national outlets like Salvation Army and Goodwill, Tucson is home to stores such as Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet that buy and sell gently used clothing. You can find store details on the Web.

Avoid payday loans.

Lenders often charge hefty annual percentage rates that can equal 390 percent, according to www.azag.gov. It is easier to just flush your money down the toilet and save the trip.

Don’t use your credit card unless you can pay it off at the end of the month.
It takes many years and thousands of dollars to pay off credit-card debt. Everyone knows this but many will learn the hard way.

Use alternate sources to get college textbooks.

Many online sources offer discounted new and used college textbooks. Popular outlets include Amazon.com and eBay.
PCC student Narcisa Palma said she saves more than 60 percent with her method of “renting” textbooks online.
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You now have tools to budget your funds and shave expenses. Following these suggestions can add up to big savings. Your future worry may be how to manage all that extra money as you continue your costly education.

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