Sometimes I get the feeling that people are asking themselves, "How does Molly do it? She either has a ton of money or is robbing a bank." Actually, neither of those statements are true. I am a poor student just like everyone else. But I do things a little bit differently than other students, and that has allowed me to keep my finances in check.
Number one, I have been looking at this graduate program since my first year of undergrad. I had a plan, and although I wasn't sure I would get an assistantship, I applied for it anyway, and was, of course, happy to receive it. Without it, I wouldn't be able to afford this year abroad at all.
So what else do I do to save money while abroad? Take a look....
I don't pay full price for big ticket items. For example, my zipper broke on my other coat and I needed a new coat, and fast. I wanted a quality winter jacket that would last for years, but at a discount price. I went into the Altstadt in Salzburg and went through a few of my favorite shops, trying on different coats. I really liked one that I tried on at Esprit. It fit, was a cute color, and best of all: it was affordable. It was originally being sold for over 100 Euros but I got it for over 50 percent off. How's that for a deal?
I shop around for things like haircuts, for example. I want my hair cut and highlighted, but I haven't been able to afford it here. After some research, I found a place that will let me get my hair done by a trainee. It will perhaps take an extra hour or 2, but it saves me so much money! I am going to get my hair cut and highlighted at over 50 percent off.
And a few general things...
I don't go out all of the time. I like to go out as much as the next girl, but it adds up, especially when you are drinking and somehow forget that you dropped an extra 50 Euros. When I go out, I take out a certain amount of money and stick to it. Then, the next night, when someone else asks me to go out, I politely decline. I cannot afford to go out constantly.
I cook at home. Ok, not really cook. I make pasta and salads, cut up fruit, and prepare vegetables. It saves me so much money. At the beginning of the year I was eating out a lot, but as soon as I realized it was really hurting my pocketbook, I reduced it significantly.
I know where to go. 75 cents for a postcard? No way. I go to the place around the corner that sells them for 40 cents. 3.50 for that bagel sandwich? Across the street there is a place that sells the best croissant sandwiches for 2.50.
I don't buy a lot of clothes. I am like every other woman. (I am stereotyping women: Gloria Steinem forgive me) I do love to shop. But I realize that clothes are expensive. I tend to head to the sales rack at places, and really think about it before actually buying clothing.
I work. I organized a babysitting gig here in Salzburg before even arriving here. I only babysit once a week, so it's not affecting school, and it's enough money to allow me to either: buy an item of clothing I want, go out, or take a short trip every week.
Still, you may be saying to yourself...
....But Molly. You travel all of the time. What about Abu Dhabi? What about Munich? the Netherlands? And everywhere else you go? First of all, I am an expert at planning trips on a budget. I research well in advance for the best price. I also have student discount cards that I paid for that allow me to get 50 percent off on trains in Austria and Germany. I also have befriended people all over Europe that allow me to stay with them. So think about it. I get cheap transportation and a free place to stay (and eat). What am I really paying for? I don't buy souveniers anymore, so other than paying for admission to sites, postcards and few lunches, there isn't much I have to spend my money on.
In addition, I:
also keep track of everything that I spend my money on, down to the 50 cents that I spent the other day to buy hot chocolate out of a vending machine. Anal? Maybe. But as a student I can't afford to spend a lot of money, and I need to keep track of where it is going.
I'm not perfect. I have an iced cafe latte addiction that definitely cuts in to my bottom line. But thankfully, I am able to counteract that by not buying other things that I want.
Time to sign out. I'm about to go on a tour of the Haus der Natur with my church (for free, might I add)
Bye for Now, Molly
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