Fresh Out of College? Check Out Ways to Make Saving Easier

Graduating out of college and looking for a job might often seem like venturing into uncharted territory. Let’s face it, as a fresh-out-of-college young adult, you, or your parents, might have spent an awful deal on university fees, hostel accommodation charges, food and travel expenses, etc. So, it is not uncommon to feel financially overwhelmed until you land your first job. Also, fluctuating market conditions, risks of recession, and the ever-rising costs of living (inflation) might make the situation even direr.  Are you someone who’s wondering how to save up some coin and become more financially prudent? Keep reading to find out some easy ways that make saving money so much easier. 

1. Start budgeting

Keep track of your cash in and out-flow. Find out how much money you currently possess, and then make a pre-planned note of what your inescapable expenses are. Accordingly, you can then go ahead to assign a certain amount towards fulfilling your wants. Maintaining a daily journal of your spending habits is most advisable.  

 2. Tuck it away 

As someone who’s just venturing into budgeting and managing money, you might have the leeway for a little while and start out slow. However, that being said, you must still aim to set aside a certain amount every month as savings. Slowly but steadily, this will get you into the habit of saving while also enabling you to maintain a small emergency fund in case unexpected circumstances strike.  

Moreover, you can invest this money to grow substantially over the years. This can be done by employing investment tools such as:  

• Fixed deposits (FDs) 
• Commodity investments (Gold, Silver, Platinum, etc.)  
• Certificate of deposit (CDs)  
• Mutual funds (MFs). Etc.  

Also, if you have a high-risk appetite and profound knowledge about the functioning of the Stock Market, you can watch your money grow multi-fold by investing in the right equities too. 

If you are new to investing, read How to Avoid Common Investing Mistakes to be better prepared. And once you are prepared it’s time to head over to Bajaj Markets to check out the different investment options.

 3. Be thrifty  

Another great way to save money is by shopping for essentials in thrift markets. Markets like these typically sell second-hand goods, such as apparel, furniture, appliances, etc., at extremely affordable prices. You can locate such a market/shop in or near your locality and save tremendously. Sometimes, people get very lucky when thrift shopping and even find premium brand-name goods that have been barely used, at shockingly low rates! Another plus point of shopping this way is that these thrift shops often donate their revenue to good causes and social-benefit organisations. Moreover, thrift shopping reduces your carbon footprint, thus making it a very environment-friendly way to indulge! So, you can walk back home with an elevated sense of fulfilling your moral responsibilities, along with getting a great bang for your buck! 

 4. Eat home-cooked meals

It is a well-known fact that eating out in restaurants is not cheap! With the current evidence of rising inflation, eating a single meal outside might be enough to land a big blow on your wallet. This is why you’re better off eating in rather than eating out. Cooking your own food ensures that everything you eat is fresh and healthy while also aiding you in your journey to save more.  

 5. Shop at farmers’ markets

Shopping for vegetables, fruits, and other groceries at daily and weekly farmers’ markets is a great alternative to shopping for the same at supermarkets. Farmers are known to sell the freshest produce, that too, at reasonable prices. All you have to do is locate one such market near you, find out its frequency of operation (daily/weekly), and then you’re all set to cook healthy meals with just-harvested fruits and veggies! 

 6. Use your credit card wisely

Falling into a vicious debt cycle is the last thing you want to happen, especially when you’re young and trying to build a secure future for yourself. Thus, we advise you to limit the usage of this debt-creating money tool to emergencies alone. Going on a buying spree is much more likely with a credit card in hand. You might end up spending more than you can afford to repay, which might result in a lot of buyers’ guilt, and debt traps, of course. Instead, make all your purchases using a debit card or cash or you use your credit card only when needed. This way, you will be aware of exactly how much you’re spending and will be able to practice the act of consciously living within your means.  

 7. Stop paying for entertainment

Paying for entertainment, especially subscription OTT services, might not be a financially viable choice, especially when you’re in the early stages of making it on your own. Thus, we suggest you look for sources and options that help you de-stress and unwind for free. These might include visiting local parks, going on runs, attending community events, etc.  

Managing your money is a bit like learning how to swim. In the beginning, you have to consciously practice it in the form of daily habits before the entire act becomes a subconscious feat. So, which one of these money-saving hacks are you going to utilise in your budgeting journey? Let us know in the comments; we’d love to know!