Money saving tips for students?

[jillebean]

I'm in my first semester of an RN program. My husband is on dialysis, but is still working as much as possible. Needless to say, money is tight!

Any suggestions on now to save money, especially on groceries and stuff?

Thanks!

[Saysfaa]

Some ideas: think in terms of nutrient value rather than simply cost. Flavored sugar water is generally less dollars then 100% fruit juice, but it gives you empty calories and sugar spikes. The effects of the sugar spikes push you to eat when/what you don't need. You'll be healthier, feel better, and ultimately save money on food if you avoid the sugar spikes.

Oatmeal (even when you add fruit or dried fruit for variety or texture or to get some fruit into your diet), is a very inexpensive breakfast. Just get the Quick Oats or Old Fashioned Oats rather than the little packets already mixed with sugar. You can make the Quick Oats in the microwave just like the packets, but it isn't much faster.

Beans and Rice are very cheap without being empty calories. Ethnic cookbooks are good sources of recipies to add variety. There is not just so many cultures using them to give you a wide range of kinds of recipies, but also how many kinds of beans and kinds of rice there are. Basmanti or jasmine rice are a little more expensive than other kinds but still much less expensive than many more typical American diets. Watch out for "Americanized" versions of ethnic recipies though, they tend to add so much fat/sugar. Also, think "peasant food" or "everyday food" rather than "holiday food"... go with the simple everyday recipies not the elaborate special occasion foods.

Potatoes are very cheap and versatile. My wheat-intolerant friend indroduced me to using them instead of wheat.... either noodles or bread. Just bake the potato and spoon the spagetti sauce or chili on. If you eat them as *plain* potatoes instead of as the base of recipe, it is better to load them with milk or broth instead of some of the butter or cream cheese.

Fruits and veggies are essential, even if they seem to cost a lot. Fresh or frozen or dried have more nutrients than canned.

Hm, one more thing... food is not just about nutrients. People like what they are used to, so it might take a while for new menus to become what you are used it. It helps to move toward something (like eating more veggies) rather than moving away from something (like eating less chips).

[SaraFL]

OP, I'm sure you know that most foods that will be cheap may also be off-limits to your husband because of the rigors of the "dialysis diet". So these suggestions like ramen noodles, potatoes, even high-nutrient foods may have to apply only to you. Of course I am sure you have discussed this with his doctor, just wanted to mention it, just in case.

[labrador4122, RN]

oh borrow as much books from the library as you can.

they have care plan books, nclex-rn books, & also ask your teacher if you can use an old version of the book for class, you can find that really cheap online nowadays......... or see if you know or get to know someone from the class infront of you if you could borrow their book. I lended someone my book before.