Any financial advice/tips for a soon to be undergraduate?

Saving is a good virtue,don't let anyone tell you otherwise

1.Create your monthly budget

You are most likely going to spend more then necessary if you do have a pre-planned monthly budget. Keep a clear record of your earning and spending habits, and plan a budget accordingly.

In my case, I do not have a pre-planned budget but I have a fixed amount of cash in my wallet that I put at the start of the week allowing me to keep track of my expenses easily.

There is no doubt that credit and debit offer you an easy way to make payment.

However, using cash will help prevent spending more as you will budget accordingly. You will also be protecting yourself from potential credit card theft and other fraudulent activities.

1. Get a piggy bank

It may seem childish, but starting a piggy bank is a great habit that will enable you to add to your savings.

You can either fix an amount to put in your piggy bank daily or simply empty your pockets into it at the end of each day.

In my case, I empty my coins out into the piggy during the weekend.

You can also opt for an auto transfer from your main bank account to your sub-account(money cannot be seen

3.Borrow books from the library

Hard copies of books are too expensive and many of these books are such that you would not read them once exams and classes are over.

So instead of spending money on these books, you can borrow them from the library. You can also try EBook.

It is quite common for a publisher to sell both the eBook and hardcover copy now. What's more, they can be downloaded for free online(Google is your best friend).

If you are an avid reader, you should try reading eBooks as it is a convenient and economical way to learn. Also, EBook is very convenient as you can download many books and store them on your tablet.

For more tips on saving you can look around seedly website on its price comparison article

Do visit my blog on personal finance if you have the time too:https://sonicericsg.blogspot.com/2018/12/post-7...)

For beginner, you may first build up the saving habit. You may take a look at this read more and budget your monthly expenses. Also you may take a look at the high interest saving account. For example DBS Multiplier, this is good for fresh grad.

Envision how your hard-earned money is to be spent. (perhaps a one-month backpacking trip across Europe?) imagine yourself having loads of fun spending your money. the use of positive visualisation will help make saving fun. also, having a concrete goal will beef up your immunity against mindless impulsive spending. before you fork out hard-earned money at the cashier, you will now be reminded of the fact that "if i buy the latest iPhone, this will take me looooonger to pay for Europe"

also, just like SMART goals, giving yourself a deadline to save your designated amount of money helps you stay on track.

The good news is, you're young and time is your advantage!

First of all, figure out where most of your expenses are going.

Tips to save money:

Cut out taxis if you take them. The Singapore public transport system is efficient enough, and if you are going to uni, you probably get concession too. Make the most use of it!

Cut out expensive coffees, cakes, meals or generally anything at high SES cafes. Or even bubble tea at $5 a pop.

Drinking or clubbing sessions with buddies? Probably can cut out as well!

Buying the latest fashionable items? Time to cut down. Some of my well made clothes have lasted me a decade and counting.
In essence, for everything you purchase, look at the value you are getting per dollar spent. If you have that mindset, then you are on your way to being more prudent.