Some Helpful Banking Tips

Who needs an ATM when you have a smart phone?

By the time you reach college, hopefully you have a bank account…whether it is one under your parent’s name or one of you own; it’s wise to have a safe place to keep your money. Most of the time, within a few weeks of opening an account at a bank, you receive a debit/check card in the mail. The activation process is easy and so is using the card. You just use it like cash.  The money charged to your debit card will come from your checking account. As long as you keep an eye on your account activity and you keep your account and pin number secure, there should be little to no hassle. 

There are some less obvious things to keep in mind though, when using a debit card. Because you are not relying on the visible cash in your wallet it becomes easier to over spend. An easy way to keep track of what you spend and how much you have remaining is to use online banking. Most national banks offer a free online service and some even offer apps for iPhones and Androids. If you check your account daily, you are much less likely to overspend or be a victim of card theft. The only possible issue with online banking would be a security breach if you were to forget to log out of your account and someone else accesses it. So, just remember to log out and never save your password on a computer.

Another tip to remember when banking is that when you do need cash, and your bank doesn’t have an ATM nearby- there are other options besides using another bank’s ATM and being charged. One option is to use a Cash Points ATM. These green ATM boxes may be in random parking lots, but they don’t charge you to withdraw money, which is awesome. Another idea if there isn’t a Cash Points ATM around, is to go a gas station or grocery store and buy something small and ask for cash back at the register. This could be similar to an ATM charge, but if you have to buy groceries anyways, you may as well get cash back at the same time. 

Sometimes, you just have to spend money…as long as you are keeping track of your spending and keeping your information safe, you should be okay.

Be Smart When Buying Big Ticket Items

Try saving cash/change in a jug- it adds up fast

As a college student at the age of 21, I really haven’t had to buy too many “big ticket items.” When I was in high school, I babysat and saved up $100 for my first iPod and in college I bought a $100 GPS. Other than those two items, I really haven’t made too many huge investments. Looking ahead to the future though (44 days until graduation), I know that I will soon have to start saving up for things like furniture, electronics, and of course bills.

Who doesn't love an old school iPod?

Luckily, throughout my childhood and teenage years my parents have taught me the correct way to save up and prepare for a big investment. My mom has always told me to ask myself before I buy something expensive: “Will you still want this item in six months? How about in a year?” If the answer is yes, then you should probably go for it.

The other important factor to remember when investing in pricy merchandise is that the item you want to buy may be sold at many different stores. If this is the case, it is definitely wise to shop around and find the best deal. A big ticket item should never be purchased on impulse. It is completely fine to take some time think things through and look around.

Another pointer for those who are looking to buy something expensive is to try to find out when the best time of year is to buy that item. For instance, the best time to buy a big screen television would be in February (before the Super Bowl)…not in July, when mostly everyone is spending time on vacation (outdoors). If you’re still in school, don’t forget about tax free weekend! The dates are different depending on the state you live in, but they are typically in August.

At some point in our lives, we will all have to make some investments. As long as we keep these pointers in mind though, they shouldn’t break the bank.

Time For a Guest Post! Reece Shares Her Love For rue21

When I was asked to do a guest post for Brandi’s blog, Pointers from a Penny Pincher I was very excited, not only because she is a wonderful person but because her blog is about saving money when shopping and finding great deals, and that’s something I personally love to do when I go shopping as well. 

What’s so great about rue21?

 

I personally love to shop at rue21 because they have great deals on everything. Every time I go to rue21 I never leave empty handed because I always find something cute, but at a very reasonable price. One time I walked out of the store with a dress that only cost me $3. Clearance, yes, they have a great clearance section, don’t be afraid to check it out because usually that’s where all the good findings are- trust me. Another great thing about rue21 is that they not only sell great clothes for women but for men as well.  They also sell jewelry, shoes, hats, perfume etc. all at good prices.

Here are a few dresses and tops that I purchased from rue21 and none of them cost over $7.

 

 

 

       Here are some earrings, necklaces and rings that I have purchased at rue21 all for great deals.

Online shopping at rue21

Yes, they even have online shopping at rue21 you can check out all their great deals, so if you like to do all you’re shopping online go check them out and find some great deals without even going to the store. 

http://www.rue21.com/

                        

Thank you so much for your post, Reece. I love your style and you always have the best tips for saving money- especially on beauty products. Your blog, Beauty Tips on a College Budget is one of my absolute favorites.