Small Apartment Habits That Drain You Bank Account

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As a college student living in an apartment, you might be excited to finally be living independently. You can do things you have always wanted to do and do not have to answer to anyone. However, it is important that you control your spending, especially since you are on a tight budget. There are habits you may have that can be costing you money and draining your bank account.

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Watching TV

Watching TV in and of itself is not a bad thing. However, how you are watching it may be costing you a lot of money. Cable is the traditional way to watch TV, but it is also one of the most expensive ways. Nowadays, there are a variety of streaming services that offer the TV shows and movies you want to watch. When deciding what streaming service to invest in, think about what shows you are interested in and choose the platform that has the most of your list. Once you finish watching the shows and movies on one platform, you can move on to the next. This way, you are only paying for the one platform you are using at a time and are not paying for extra platforms or channels you do not watch.

Check with your local library to see if they offer any streaming services with a library card. Many libraries offer a platform called Kanopy, which offers TV shows and movies at no cost to library cardholders. Your library may also have DVDs and Blu-rays available for checkout. These services are free with your library card, and it is free to get a library card.

Owning a car

Cars are expensive. Not only do you have to pay upfront at the dealership, but you also have to budget for gas, repairs, registration, and other expenses that come with the car itself. Aside from that, you may also have to pay for a parking spot at your apartment. These costs can add up quickly and drain your bank account. Instead of owning a car, utilize your college town’s public transportation. Many colleges offer discounted passes for public transportation, allowing you to save even more money. Learning how the public transportation system works may take a bit of time, but it will be worth it as you continue to save money.

Figuring out food

When you live in the dorms, you likely have access to a meal plan that is already paid for. However, living in an apartment means that you are on the hook for figuring out food, which likely means cooking on your own. For many students, this feels overly time-consuming, so they decide to eat out regularly. Eating out is more expensive than cooking your own food, so it is important to limit how often you do so.

When you go grocery shopping, plan out your meals for the week. Find coupons and sales, and plan meals around these to save money. Get your grocery store’s rewards card. Those who have the store’s reward card can earn points to help save money on future purchases. In some cases, reward card holders get special sales on certain items each week, allowing you to save extra money. Avoid grocery shopping on an empty stomach, as this will cause you to buy even more.

Utility cost drainers

In the dorms, your electricity is likely included in the price of the dorm. However, when you move into an apartment, utilities are likely an additional cost outside of the rent. You may not be used to implementing habits that save you money on utilities since you have not had to think about it before, but there are things you can do to help reduce costs.

The cost of your electricity bill may shock you. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce the cost. Turn off the lights when you leave the room, even if it will only be for a few minutes. These few minutes will add up. Unplug electronic devices that are not being used. Even electronics that are powered off use some electricity. Watch TV on a laptop instead of a big TV, especially if you are watching it alone.

You can also take steps to reduce your water usage. Instead of running the faucet when you are brushing your teeth, do so before and after using what you need, and turn it off in the meantime. If possible, take showers instead of baths since they use less water, and limit the length of your showers. Have your landlord fix leaking faucets as soon as possible to avoid water waste. Reduce how much you rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Use the dishwasher and laundry only when the machines are full.

Small habits in your apartment can be costly, draining your bank account. Knowing how to adjust these habits can save you money in the long run.

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