How to avoid payday splurges
✏️ by LJ McAiney (Academic Inclusivity Rep)
With the second instalment of student finance dropping this January, we know that the urge to splurge is pending! Don’t worry though, here are five easy things I do to manage my money at uni - and make it last!
1.Make sure your rent is paid! 🏠
May sound silly, but paying your rent as soon as possible reduces the temptation to spend. Sectioning that money off as soon as the money hits your account can help you visualise what you’ve got to work with.
2. Budget planners 📅
Visualising your weekly allowance can help hold yourself accountable for what you have been spending. Maybe try sectioning off:
- Subscriptions
- Bills
- Food shops
- Social money
- Emergency fund/ savings
Seeing how much goes into each section per week can help you understand how much you have left over to treat yourself!
3. Volunteering or Societies! 🎨
At JMSU, there's lots of hobby societies which usually come with no or low joining fee! It’s never too late to join a society, make new friends, all whilst saving money!
There's also lots of volunteering opportunities around the Liverpool area, which can help you find a new passion, help your local community, and doesn’t cost a penny!
My personal favourite is the Williamson tunnels, if you like to get your hands dirty, thrive on organisation or speaking to people, there’s something there for you. It’s a great community and learning about Liverpool’s history at the same time.
4. JMSU events ✨
JMSU always have plenty of events running throughout the year, which all students are open to attend. Keep an eye out on the JMSU website for updates on events, from flower arranging to self-defence - we have something for you! Beat those January blues and try a new hobby or sport.
Keep an eye out on the JMSU website or social media, as they’re always hosting events. I recently attended the Christmas event and got great freebies and snacks, they’re worth every second, meeting new people and seeing your school reps too!
5. UniDays & Student Beans 💰
Companies such as UniDays are great for finding sneaky student only discounts! From food, clothes, subscriptions, they have a bargain for you! If you haven’t used these before, its totally free and has loads to choose from.
My personal favourite is Gander, which shows you all the food and supermarket reductions in your area! You can select your favourite stores and items and you’ll get notified when things are reduced! It’s a great, student friendly way to save money and get a good bargain on essentials.
