How To Live Well
Suggestions On How To Reduce Expenditures

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1. Pay off your car loan. If that is not possible, consider selling your new car and getting an older model car that you can pay cash for and not have a monthly bill.
   
2. Pay off all other consumer debts. Consumer Credit counseling is a National Non-profit organization that can help you pay off your cards.
   
3. Plan to bring and use only one credit card while attending school. Make sure that you do not charge more than you can pay, in full, the next month.
   
4. Shop in bulk. Go to stores like 'Smart and Final' or 'Food Max' with other students and split the costs of certain items. You will spend less time in the stores and save money.
   
5. Movies, videos, magazines and even music can be rented from the local library.
   
6. Pay cash for everything.
   
7. Make a budget and stick to it. The financial aid budget is based on a single student, no spouse, no children. Make an alternative financial plan if you do not fit into this category.
   
8. Take advantage of the Bay area's many free activities. You can hike, go to the beach, roller blade in Golden Gate Park, walk across the Golden Gate Bride and many more activities that are too numerous to mention.
   
9. Make your own coffee at home, expensive espresso's really add up.
   
10. Don't buy bottled water. Purchase a filter for your faucet and bring your own water.
    
11. Find a work-study job. There are many jobs available through the Federal work-study program. They pay from $8.50 - $14.00 an hour and can greatly reduce your student loan debt.
    
12. Always before borrowing, think of the "Bigger Picture". Do you really need that money NOW and is it worth paying back 3x what you borrow.