It’s not a secret that podiatric medical school is expensive.

With rising inflation and gas prices, most days, it feels like many of us are spreading our budgets thin and cutting as many money corners as possible to survive.

We all know about meal prepping on Sunday nights to cut down on spending food outside during the week, but what about saving while we’re spending? Setting a budget is one action we can take to ensure our money goes towards paying back our student loans, but there are other ways that you can make your life easier while still enjoying it like anyone else!

Here are a few habits and tips I’ve picked up along the way:

• Similar to earning credit card rewards, Cash Back apps are an excellent way to strategize how and what you shop for, whether for groceries or clothing. There is a whole new meaning to how you spend your money from discounts, earning points, and gift card and cashback rewards.

Ibotta, Honey, Fetch Rewards, Rakuten, Dosh, and Checkout 51 are some rebate applications that can easily be downloaded onto your smartphone. My favorite is Fetch Rewards since you can scan any e-receipt or paper receipt and still receive points regardless of whether it’s listed in their store directory.

• Couponing on Household Items

I believe in not paying for consumable goods such as toothpaste or toilet paper. Why pay the total price for items that are consistently replaceable? Retail stores such as CVS Pharmacy or Walgreens offer weekly discounts on Colgate Toothpaste or OGX Shampoo.

By downloading their store apps onto your phone, there is no excuse for not using a coupon, as they can be digitally clipped. Once that is done, you can shop and scan your items through self-checkout. Deals such as 2 for $12 for toothbrushes are always accompanied by cashback rewards that can be redeemed on the same receipt. You’ll find yourself paying with only pennies and dimes on these trips!

• Thrift Shopping for Business Wear Business wear can retail for up to $200, but let’s be quite honest, as much as that is an investment for the long term, that money doesn’t just lie around. A sustainable alternative is to shop at your local second-hand stores for business attire, where many people have donated their gently used business casual and formal wear. With slight alterations and dry cleaning, you won’t even be able to tell the difference between a $20 vs. $200 suit set. Only Shopping During Clearance Events/Off Season Coupled with thrift shopping, buying brand new doesn’t have to hurt your wallet.

For new winter jackets or boots, consider looking for marked-down items or store-wide sales promotions during the summer months. During the end-of-summer sales, swimsuits and sunblock are great to score since back-to-school items have become the main focus. Stock up for next summer!

• Follow “Brad’s Deals,” A curated website for those who need a streamlined way to get the best prices and deals can be attributed to Brad’s Deals. The founder, Brad Wilson, was a broke college student (similar to those of us reading) who wanted to make it easier for people to find discounts on name-brand items. From running shoes to linen bed sheets, it’s the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping without waiting for Black Friday sales.

• Groupon-ing If you’re looking to try out a new restaurant or museum without breaking the bank, Groupon is the perfect place to explore on a budget. Groupon is a website and online app that offers low-priced goods or services up to 70% off the regular price. However, one limitation to being aware of expiration dates or the time-limited nature of some services or stores discounts.

I hope you grabbed a few tips to help you with save money while in school. Who knows? You may find a new hobby while you are at it that you may keep for life!