I'm moving into a student house next year with three other people... Have you any money saving tips?!?

Question

Household bills and everyday shaopping would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

If you buy something special to eat that is expensive for yourself, I know it sounds selfish, but find a hiding place for it. That is unless your roommates are really generous. As for shopping, try to keep a list of the main things you buy. Go to a couple different stores and write down the price at each one. Then you know where something is cheapest and when it goes on sale if the price is good. Also, buying groceries that are on sale and using a coupon with the sale item is a great savings. Oh, and my dad watches Judge Judy a lot and she says get agreements in writing, like who pays what.

Answer 2

When I was a student, people used to save money by stealing other people's food and not paying their share of the bills. I don't suppose much has changed.

Answer 3

Do yourself a favor and don't pay attention to the previous answer!  Hogwash!

You have to meet with the three other people and work up a budget for all household expenses.  Obviously, everything should be divided by 4.  Write down the plan on a piece of paper so everyone  can sign it and agree to it.  Also, it may be helpful to make changes to your written agreement as the school year progresses, just in case one roommate leaves and another joins the group.

Make a plan of the common items that you all need to use (condiments, paper products, etc.); everyone should contribute to the purchase of those items.

If you are all eating together, plan menus and divide up the grocery purchases.  If everyone is responsible for their own meals, assign a shelf in the cupboards and a shelf in the refrigerator to each person.  

If you can't all agree to use the same soaps and shampoos, etc., everyone needs to purchase their own and -- no borrowing without asking!

Answer 4

The biggest thing you'd better get straight from the outset are responsibilities for rent and utilities.  Who is going to be on the lease and how are expenses divided?  These student "group living" arrangements have a habit of ending badly.