Going to college is expensive, no doubt about it. Between textbooks, tuition, housing, utilities, and maintaining a social life, managing money can be challenging. So, here are a few habits students can avoid to save more money.

1. Buying new textbooks

College textbook prices have increased faster than tuition, healthcare costs, housing prices, and inflation. Cut this expense by buying used books online through retailers like Amazon or Half Price Books. Or, rent your textbooks though sites like Chegg, Campus Book Rentals, or Campus Books.

2. Carrying a credit card balance

When using a credit card while at school, only charge what you’re able to pay off in full each month. If you’re already carrying a balance, consider transferring the balance to a credit card with a lower interest rate and no or low annual fees. CEFCU offers multiple Credit Card options, all with low introductory balance transfer rates, no annual fee, and even better — no balance transfer fee! Most competitors charge a 3-5% balance transfer fee, which can add additional damage to your wallet. Learn more at cefcu.com/mycard.

3. Going out to eat

Spending an average of $6 for breakfast daily and $12 on lunch or dinner, adds up to $90 for 5 days of food. Instead, buy $90 worth of groceries and you’ll eat for a month.

4. Going to bars for fun

Drinking can be a very expensive habit. On average, college students spend $900 a year on alcohol. The cost goes way up if you get hit with a ticket for drinking underage or driving while intoxicated. Instead of going to bars, have fun inexpensively by going to student union events, bowling, or cooking dinner with friends.

5. Owning a vehicle

If you live on or near campus, having a car can be a needless expense. By avoiding monthly car and insurance payments, parking fees, as well as gas and maintenance expenses, you’ll save over $20,000 during your 4 years at college. Consider using public transportation, getting a bicycle, or walking. And if a car is a necessity, consider a safe, late-model, used car financed with a Vehicle Loan from CEFCU.

6. Buying a daily latte

A latte at $4 a day adds an extra $120 to your monthly expenses. Instead, buy a coffeemaker, a pound of coffee, and a travel mug and you’ll be able to brew a month’s worth of coffee for a fraction of that cost.

7. Living alone

Save on housing and utility costs by sharing an apartment with a couple of friends.

Take control of your budget today. Use Online Budgeting Tools, available on CEFCU On-Line® and Mobile Banking to categorize your spending based on transaction types, and start setting your budget goals!