Okay, as said in my previous post that I am finally gonna post a post on something that is affecting most poly students- monetary issues. 

After I stepped into poly, my expenses are increasing sharply because the teachers do not spoon feed you as like what teachers in secondary school and primary school do. Like lecture notes, tutorial worksheets... all of these are the things students in poly (like me) spend a lot of money on. So to cut down on more costs, I'm just gonna share with you guys what I would do to do so. 

10 ways to cut down on your costs (basically, on how to save and scrimp)

1. Food court or fast food

Okay, so I know a lot of you will be spending most of your allowance on food. I spend like 3/4 of my money on food. So yeah, it's annoying but food is essential. Please do not ever skip meals. Never ever do that. For people who think this is dieting, it's not. It's just gonna make you fatter because your body will never know when are you gonna take in food so whatever food you eat, they will just store it as fats. Okay anyways, since we are unable to not eat, all we have to do is scrimp. Like for example, go to food courts to eat instead of eating fast food. Fast food costs like $5 a meal and they are super unhealthy. Food court costs about $3 to $4 and it's so much healthier than eating fast food. Go for the healthy and cheaper alternative. Even though it's just a dollar or two, it helps in the long run. 

2. Bring your own drinks instead of buying them

I know whenever we eat, we have to have a drink after that. Like fast food, in the $5 meal, they'll provide a drink (which is soft drink = unhealthy), and if you're eating in food courts, you tend to buy a drink which costs a dollar or so. In order to save more money, just bring your own drink from home. Like for example, you can just buy a big bottle of juice concentrate (like ribena) which costs between $2 and $3 and you can use it for like 2 weeks to a month. It's so much cheaper than spending the dollar on a drink in school, every meal, everyday. 

3. Eat at home instead of outside

As said in the first point, a lot of money is being spent on food. In order to save costs, eat at home instead of outside when you have the chance to. Eating at home = $0 (Parents will provide you with food right?) Eating outside = $3-$5 You'll not only save a lot but you'll also be able to spend time with your family. Killing two birds with a stone. 

4. Shopping every 2-3 months instead of every day, week or month

Girls love shopping (like who doesn't?), even guys too. In poly, there would be a peer pressure to dress up nicely for school (true?). People just tend to buy more and more clothes every day, every week or every month. Instead of doing so, shop every 2-3 months. I know there will be urges sometimes but we just have to learn to control it. Every month, there will be some money that you have saved up. Accumulate the money over 2-3 months and put it in a piggy bank without touching it until the end of 2-3 months. Use the money up to do your shopping. 

5. Shop cheap

What's the magic word? SALE. Okay, so I know branding is about everything now. Get things that are on sale instead of what is new. You don't need to follow the trend. Just be yourself. Following the trend is just too mainstream. EXACTLY like those GEEK and NERD shirts. Of course, if you don't have any money to spend, don't spend at all. Or maybe just at Cotton On (especially under their sales section, it's super cheap).

6. Gifts and birthdays

I don't see a need to spend so much money on gifts for others. I mean it's always the thought > material. Most importantly, it's the thought rather than how expensive it is. I'm sure everyone feels the same way right? If you care too much about how much it costs, I think you are just too materialistic.

7. Transport

Ever heard of bus 11? Yes, they are your legs. Walk to wherever you want to go. It's a cheaper alternative (good exercise too!). If you can't, the bus is always a cheaper alternative than the train and cab.

8. Save it

Go out lesser, spend lesser money! You can't spend money at home (unless you're doing online shopping, which you shouldn't when you're under the "saving up" period). Watch shows online- movies, drama, entertainment whatever.

*Gonna start a Harry Potter movie marathon at home during the holidays by myself (Hopefully on a rainy day).

9. Entertainment

Gym, swim, a run in the park, it's all healthier and cheaper as compared to going shopping, watching movies and what not in town. True? I myself personally recommend the gym.

10. Quote

Ending off with a meaningful quote:

"The rich get richer by living like the poor. 
The poor get poorer by living like the rich."

"A heart is just like a home-for that someone special to live in. And only that someone."

"You don't need a million reasons to love someone."

dana
"If life was only as beautiful as looking through my camera lenses, I'll live this life happily."

I don't want a tagboard. Hahah, pardon me.

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