Spending money wisely as a student is significant in shaping your present experiences and your future. Whether filling your wardrobe, eating fast food or adding to your savings, knowing where to put your money can make all the difference as a student.
One of the biggest considerations when deciding how to spend money is balancing immediate wants with long-term priorities. For many students, this means finding a middle ground between necessities and having a good time. “I’d say most of the money I make I spend on stuff like food, clothes or anything that I probably don’t need. You have to save some of your money for the future, especially for things like college,” said Sam Bruneau ‘25.
While spending money on things you like to do is important, there are other worthwhile investments. “Family. When anyone asks me what I think is worth spending money on I always think first about my family,” said Bruneau.
Additionally, Bruneau suggests investing in tools for well-being, like a massage gun to help athletes with recovery and soreness. “It is a great way to help with muscle recovery. It is a game changer for me after running,” he said.
Experts encourage people to think beyond spending all their money on “things,” but rather to look for new experiences. Journalist and author Travis Bradberry states, “We are not our possessions, but we are the accumulation of everything we’ve seen.”
Whether it is a two-week vacation to Japan or a last-minute trip to Boston, getting out to see things will make you happier. Many purchases that seem important at the moment turn out to be fleeting. Temporary happiness achieved from buying unimportant things is almost like “puddles of pleasure.”
Focusing on purchases that will be used more often is a better use of your money than short-term purchases. There is a never-ending list of things that one could buy, but figuring out what is important to you is what matters.
