Finding sources of paying for you college education can be a nightmare. There are hundreds of grants and scholarships to apply for, and, even when you get the financial aid you need, it’s not always enough to cover your living expenses. Therefore, it’s important that students know how to stretch what little money they have. Consider these money-saving tips from CollegeScholarships.org:

1. Get a free checking and savings account. The bank will nickel and dime you on dumb stuff like too many ATM withdrawals, too many checks written, or a funds transfer. Shop the town for banks catering to students. Make sure you can access online banking, pay bills and manage your account without attached fees.
2. If you have to have a credit card, make sure you get one with the lowest interest rate possible; no annual fees and with only enough of a credit limit to get you by in an emergency. Don’t carry it with you, but instead keep it in a safe place known only to you.
3. Pay credit card bills on time. Companies charge late fees, sometimes as much as $50 per month. And do not go over your credit limit—that offers just one more way for your credit card company to get rich off your poor judgment.
4. If you can’t borrow, buy used college textbooks. On sites like Amazon.com used hardcover books are often cheapest. Soft cover are more valued for convenience, so if you’re willing to haul a couple extra ounces, then hardcover is the cost-saving choice. ISBN.nu allows you to easily compare book prices from major online book stores. The campus bookstore will sell a supply of used books, but they are limited; so check the online sources as well.

Students who are serious about saving money should first figure out exactly where there money is going. Save all of your receipts for a week, and, at the end of the week, add up where exactly most of your money is being spent. If you’re spending more than your weekly budget on eating out, then it may be a good time to learn how to cook.