Post-Christmas Crash: How to Save During the Winter
Written by Jenna McConnel
Thumbnail and Banner Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
After the busy and expensive holiday season, and with tuition quickly following, students (and everyone else) may find themselves a bit tight on cash. Quite frustratingly, many companies also cut hours in the first few months of the year after the holiday rush. However, time unfortunately stops for no one, and necessities are still, sadly, necessary. So what can we do to cut costs where we can and make life more affordable? Below I’ve compiled a list of some great ways to save during this slower time of year, and some fun and free or low-cost activities!
Shop the Sales
Grocery stores will sometimes have some very good deals on! Keeping an eye out in the flyers for these deals is a great way to start budgeting, as different items will be marked down each week, or sometimes even biweekly or monthly, depending on the place. As well, programs such as the Flash Food app are great tools to get food for less! It shows deals on fresh fruit, veggies, treats, and more, for a fraction of the original cost. If you are planning on eating certain items quickly or don’t want to cook, some stores significantly mark down items that are close to their expiration date, such as sandwiches and other pre-made meals. These can make grocery shopping much less stressful and can help students eat healthier!
Take Advantage of Public Services
They’re there for a reason! There are a ton of brilliant services in the city which you can use to cut costs that are both convenient and economical! Making use of the public transit system or walking instead of driving everywhere, reading books from the library instead of buying them new, or packing a lunch from home instead of buying one while out, are just a few examples. They are all well-known but not often thought-of ways that you can take advantage of the resources right in front of you! Walking or bussing is also very beneficial for our environment, so you can feel good knowing that you are contributing to keeping our planet healthy while also keeping your bank account happy.
Activity Suggestions
We still want to have some fun sometimes, right? Understandably so, as socializing and taking time for breaks is vitally important to our overall well-being. But what can we do when hanging out with friends or other loved ones so frequently requires spending money? Below are a few select ideas for some free or low-cost activities/places to go that are tons of fun while also not breaking the bank:
Emera Oval:
Looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy with friends or trying to plan an affordable date night? Look no further than the Emera Oval! It is completely free, offering hours of fun skating and zipping around the rink. There is rollerblading offered in the summer as well, making it an enjoyable option year-round! Check out their website to find more info.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia:
As the largest art gallery in Atlantic Canada, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. With two buildings filled to the brim with beautiful art pieces, you will never run out of things to see! It offers a student admission rate of only $4, making it a great option for SMUdents and students all over the city! To learn more about events and other fun activities to do there, head to their website.
Free Events on Campus:
We have lots of engaging and entertaining events on campus to enjoy as well! Besides our jam-packed welcome and wellness weeks, SMUSA is always planning! Whether it be movie nights in the auditorium, dance parties in the Gorsebrook pub, or participating in one of our many societies, there is something for everyone. These events are typically free (or a very low cost) for SMUdents, and are a great option for those in residence looking for a night out! To find out what events are coming up, take a look at the SMUSA official website.
Saving can be a tricky task, with many small purchases that are endlessly popping up. It is not impossible to do though! Hopefully, with the help of these tips, you can start your journey to financial freedom. Every little bit helps, and putting these good habits into action now is a great way to set yourself up for an easier time down the road. Remember, while saving is important and a good skill to have, it’s still okay to splurge once in a while! Doing it mindfully is the trick, and with these tips in your arsenal, you will be better off than you know.