Want to get the most out of your money? Use our 23 budgeting tips to increase your net worth.

23 best budgeting tips

• Find a way to track your spending. e.g., Receipt, Envelope, Calendar, Notebook, Checkbook, or Computer.
• Only withdraw money from your financial institution’s ATM. Avoid ATM fees by both your financial institution & the financial institution’s ATM that you use
• Consider Online Billpay. It Saves .44 for each bill that you would normally mail
• Save Loose Change. Change really does add up to dollars.
• Balance your Checkbook. Insufficient funds (i.e., bounced checks) fees range from $25-35 per item.
• Sign up for overdraft protection, if possible. If your bank offers this, it will help prevent you from incurring insufficient funds for a minimal fee.
• Re-evaluate your current checking and/or savings account. As a student, you should be eligible for a no-fee, no minimum balance requirement account.
• Pay credit cards on time to avoid late fees. Late fees are typical $25-$35, depending on the credit card company.
• Reduce soda, coffee, or bottled water expenses.
• Eat out two fewer times per month. E.g., If you spend $15 each time you eat out, this would save you $30/month or $360/year.
• Take advantage of balance transfer options. Only transfer an amount that you know you can pay off in the timeframe of the offer.
• Sell things you aren’t using anymore.
• Consider generic prescriptions whenever possible. Discuss with your doctor whether or not this is an option for you.
• Instead of going out to eat, have a pot-luck dinner with friends.
• Use coupons. Use coupons only if you were going to buy the item anyway.
• Buy items you frequently use in large quantities.
• Compare credit card costs. Do you pay an annual fee? What is your APR?
• Shop with a list.
• Shop for needs and NOT wants.
• Examine your cell phone plan again.
• Whenever purchasing a good or service, ask if they offer student discounts.
• Lengthen personal maintenance schedule.
• Bake or make gifts instead of buying.