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Time Business News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Manage Money as a Student: Budget Tips for College Success
Managing money as a student isn't just about skipping lattes or buying used textbooks. It's about building smart habits that stick with you long after graduation. When you're balancing tuition, living expenses, and limited income, every dollar counts. And while budgeting may sound like a chore, it can actually give you more control and peace of mind. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to help you get a handle on your finances during college—and set yourself up for long-term success. The first rule of money management is knowing what's coming in and what's going out. Start by listing all your sources of income—whether it's part-time work, a scholarship stipend, parental help, or financial aid. Then, break down your monthly expenses. This includes: Rent and utilities Groceries Transportation Phone and internet Tuition and fees (if not paid up front) Subscriptions and entertainment Categorize them into 'needs' and 'wants.' This doesn't mean you can't have fun. It just means you need to know where your money's going so you can make intentional choices. Apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need a Budget) make this easier by tracking spending and helping you set limits for each category. Once you have your budget mapped out, fund your essentials first. Rent, utilities, groceries, and tuition payments should always be covered before discretionary spending. A common budgeting rule is the 50/30/20 model: 50% of your income goes to needs of your income goes to needs 30% to wants to wants 20% to savings and debt repayment While this may not fit every student's situation perfectly, it's a solid starting point. Adjust the percentages based on your actual income and obligations, but don't let savings drop to zero. College students have access to a surprising number of perks—if they know where to look. From transportation and software to restaurants and streaming services, student discounts can significantly reduce everyday costs. Websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans compile current offers and exclusive deals. Many major brands also offer educational pricing directly on their websites. For example, companies like Apple and Adobe have special pricing for students that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Using student discounts wisely allows you to afford the things you enjoy without sacrificing your financial goals. Life is unpredictable. A sudden car repair or medical bill can derail your entire budget if you're not prepared. That's why even a small emergency fund matters. Start with a modest goal: $300 to $500. Keep it in a separate savings account, ideally one that earns a bit of interest. This buffer will help you avoid relying on credit cards or borrowing money when the unexpected happens. Remember, the point isn't to save thousands overnight. It's to develop the habit of saving consistently, even in small amounts. Credit cards are useful tools—if used correctly. They can help you build a credit history, which you'll need for future goals like renting an apartment or buying a car. But they can also be dangerous if you treat them like free money. Here's a smart approach: Use your card for small, planned purchases (like gas or groceries) Pay off the full balance each month Avoid using more than 30% of your credit limit And never take out a credit card just for the rewards. If you're not confident you can manage it, stick to cash or debit until you are. Between classes and assignments, your time is limited. But even a few extra hours of paid work each week can make a difference. Look for jobs that fit your schedule and skill set: On-campus jobs (library, tutoring, front desk) Freelance work (writing, design, coding) Part-time remote gigs (customer service, virtual assistant) Some students also explore work-study options, which are often more accommodating to academic responsibilities. Just be sure your job doesn't interfere with your grades. The return on your education is your top investment. Budgeting isn't something you do once and forget. Your expenses and income will fluctuate, especially in college. Check in at the end of each month and adjust your plan. Ask yourself: Did I overspend in any category? Are there recurring charges I can cut? Did I save as much as I planned? Over time, you'll get better at spotting trends and avoiding financial pitfalls before they happen. You don't need a finance degree to understand how to manage your money. But you do need to know the basics. Look up concepts like: Interest rates Student loan repayment options Budgeting strategies Credit scores Resources like Investopedia offer clear explanations and guides that are beginner-friendly. The more you know, the better decisions you'll make—and the fewer financial regrets you'll have later. Managing money as a student isn't about being perfect. It's about being proactive. Every meal you cook instead of ordering, every discount you claim, and every dollar you save adds up. These small steps create a mindset of responsibility and independence that will serve you well beyond college. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. Start now, and you'll thank yourself later. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
WIRED
14-03-2025
- Business
- WIRED
Save 10% on Shark's Vacuums With Our Coupon Code
Keeping my house clean can feel like an impossible task with a litter-kicking-happy cat and a two-year-old on a mission to throw everything, whether it's Cheerios or pizza, onto the floor. One of the things that has made it easier, though, is my Shark handheld vacuum. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is one of our favorite handheld vacuums, and it's made it easy to clean up messes from both my cat and tiny human without needing to lug my old vacuum out for every mess. If you want a mess-free home for less, check our Shark coupon code. But Shark makes more than just handheld vacuum cleaners: they've got robot vacuums, steam cleaners, cordless vacuums, carpet cleaners, and so much more. And there's several we love, from the Shark PowerDetect (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and the Shark Genius Steam Mop. Shark also makes fantastic hair tools like the Shark FlexStyle (9/10, WIRED Recommends). In the spirit of spring cleaning, there's no better time to get a brand-new Shark vacuum, especially since you can snag a Shark promo code for 10 percent off and up to $100 off any Shark vacuum. There's also student discounts and referral codes for more money off if you qualify. Here are all the Shark promo codes you can't miss. Get 10% Off Your First Order With Shark Promo Code If you're buying a Shark vacuum for the first time, you're in luck: you can get 10 percent off right away by signing up for Shark's emails. You'll be prompted to put your email in, and will be emailed a unique code for you to use to get 10 percent off your order of a single item. That item doesn't have to be a vacuum—feel free to snag your own Shark FlexStyle, an air purifier, or even a red light mask. Get up to $100 Off Shark Vacuums With Daily Sales and Coupons Speaking of Shark's website, it's also worth checking the daily sales the site is running. You'll often find $100 off products like the everChange Air Purifier Max, the Matrix robot vacuum, and the cordless PowerDetect. Get 15% Off $150+ With the Shark Student Discount If you're a student, you can get one of the best Shark discount codes regularly available: 15 percent off purchases over $150. In order to get it, you'll need an account on UNiDAYS, then visit the Shark website through the UNiDAYS portal to get the student discount code. Give $20, Get a $20 Shark Coupon Code With Referral If you've already had your first order on Shark's website, all is not lost. You can refer a friend to get them a $20 discount on orders over $100 on Shark's website. You'll score a $20 discount for yourself, too, once that referral code is validated, though you'll need to spend $200 to use it. Shop Responsibly (and Save) With Refurbished Shark Products If you're looking for an eco-conscious option, Shark has a refurbishment program where you can get a certified renewed vacuums, hair dryers, and stylers for a lower cost. It's a great way to get a discount on Shark's fantastic gadgets, with up to $100 off a refurbished product. There's not always a refurbished product ready to buy, but you can sign up to get alerts for certain products, like the Shark FlexStyle system. When to Save the Most With a Shark Promo Code Wondering if there's a best time to shop on Shark's website? While some of the best times of year won't be until the fall holiday season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can keep an eye out for great sales during summer holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shark also has an end of season sale usually in July, plus a Shark Anniversary Sale in September.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
How to save up to 70% on designer brands at Harvey Nichols
Luxury high street stalwart Harvey Nichols houses gourmet food and drink, deluxe home decor and a roster of high-end fashion and beauty – ideal for gifts with guaranteed wow factor too, the retailer has it all. Designer labels (think Jacquemus, Toteme, Valentino) can be found populating the digital shelves, as well as comparatively accessible names, from Missoma to Ganni and Veja, alongside some of the most lauded beauty brands, including Loewe and Charlotte Tilbury. Designer items don't come cheap of course, but with the Harvey Nichols designer sale, you can now save up to 70 per cent and may be able to justify the purchase after all. And the savings don't stop there. You can also sign up for the Harvey Nichols newsletter which gets 10 per cent off your first purchase, but do keep in mind that exclusions will apply. An important PSA for all students; when you use your UNiDAYS and Student Beans codes at the checkout you can get 10 per cent off fashion and beauty orders, whether you're supplementing your transitional wardrobe with lightweight knitwear or you're looking to re-buy your signature scent for less. Below you'll find the top offers currently available, and keep scrolling for our top picks. A lot of tempting deals can be found on designer handbags. Case in point, you can get more than £300 off the Coach bandit bag (was £550, now £250, The pièce de résistance of the design is the silver branding. Similarly, there's £280 off this Jacquemus le rond spiaggia woven raffia basket bag (was £560, now £280, complete with geometric golden charms. As for footwear, you could walk away with £65 off emerald green Veja sneakers (was £125, now £60, If you prefer a chunkier silhouette, opt for Axel Arigato's marathon runner sneakers (was £290, now £145, while they're £145 off. Wide-leg jeans are an enduring staple, and while their price is still quite eye-watering, you can nab Alexander McQueen's wide-leg denim jeans (was £890, now £356, with more than £500 off. With a mid-rise fit and faded finish, they'll be perfect with a white blouse for spring. Or, to inject a splash of colour into your wardrobe, Paul Smith's striped socks (was £115, now £85, are up to the task. As for beauty bargains, there's £50 off Acqua Di Parma's signatures of the sun magnolia infinita eau de parfum (was £225, now £200, described as elegant and floral. There's an equally impressive deal on the Foreo luna mini 3 (was £168, now £118.30, Teaming silicone with sonic pulsations to clean the skin, it's touted for bringing the skin a healthy glow – and, similar model, the luna 4, was our favourite tried and tested cleansing tool, so this is a brand that you can trust. How we choose the best discount codes To bring you the best discount codes across our carefully selected line-up of shops, we have a crack team of bargain hunters on high alert. From tech and beauty to home appliances and outdoor gear, we'd recommend bookmarking our dedicated deals page to get the latest and best money-saving discount codes. We only ever highlight offers from our tried and tested favourite retailers and brands. Why you can trust us The Independent has been a trusted consumer champion since 1986, reporting on behalf of our readers to find the best deals and discounts. Whether it's discounted designer fashion, regular deals coverage or helping you source the top offers during some of the biggest annual shopping events (think Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and the Boxing Day sales), our team are always looking out for the best ways to save you money on the products worth buying. We only ever select offers on the brands and retailers that we trust.
