John J. Bowman Jr., Accountant, on Saving for College Students

College is a time of education, exploration and adventure; it's also a period where you likely need to save money. When you and most of your friends are trying to keep more funds in the bank, you can use some clever tips to help you get the most out of your money.

Review Your Meal Plan
If you're constantly having money left over on your meal plan at the end of the semester, consider a more cost-effective plan. While the college might require you to have a certain meal plan during your first-year there, you will likely have more freedom as you earn more credits.

Shop For Textbooks Wisely
You've probably heard older students complaining about the cost of books if you're new to campus. Skipping out on buying books is a bad idea because professors require them for a reason. Instead, ask your professor if it's acceptable to use an older version or an online version of the book if one of those options is available for less. Also, you might be able to reduce the cost of books by taking them out from the library.

Move to Off-campus Housing
In the beginning of your college career, you may want to see what life is like living on campus. After the first two years or so, however, you may want to consider moving off of the campus. Moving to off-campus housing doesn't mean you have to commute from your parents' home. Instead, you could opt to share a house or an apartment with friends, which will probably be cheaper than staying in the dorms.

Don't Squander Opportunities
Many colleges have plenty of free or low-cost programs, soirees and events for students to attend. Also, you might find that your school offers discounts at local attractions if you bring your student identification card along with you. Don’t avoid free opportunities on campus, consider how they can make a major difference in your spending.

At this point in your life, you might not think that saving money matters too much, and you might spend all of the funds that you have. Eventually, this issue is going to cause financial problems in your life. Instead of making a mess for later, take steps to reduce your spending now.

About the Author:

John J. Bowman Jr., Accountant, is a well experienced financial tax professional based out of Pittsburgh, PA. He is the Founder ad CEO of his firm, Bowman & Associates, and has made significant strides across the financial and civil sectors. For more information, or to read John's blog, please visit, jbowmanaccountant.org or jbowmanaccountant.info