by Miranda Miller-Smith

Created on: February 24, 2009

I have seen my share of tough times. As a college student who earns a living as a writer, I have become quite skilled at living without a lot of money. I know when I get my student loan, that money must stretch for quite some time. It must cover tuition, books, rent, and the costs associated with having a place to live.

My number one tip for living without a lot of money is to utilize the internet. You can find many samples and free trials that will help you immensly. Search for coupons online and use them, sign up for free samples of food and household items. These freebies can make a huge difference. Especially if you can have one sent to your home, and then sign up for another using as an example your parents address. You will get two samples that way. In terms of granola bars, cereal samples and pet food that can make a huge difference to someone who is broke!

Thinking in terms of what can you get for free? Can you take walks? Start picking up coke caps while getting some exercise. You will get a free Coca-Cola beverage for every eight caps through mycokerewards.com, or you can redeem for gift cards or an assortment of free items for your coke points. Walking will also save you money on gasoline and you might even find change while looking for coke caps.

I visit my local Kroger marketplace at lunch time. I always enjoy the free samples of fruit, bread, cheese, Donatos pizza and so on. I can try a little of this and that and I am full when I leave the store. I don't have to buy lunch that way, it sounds cheap I know, but you have to eat to live, but normally that costs money, which you might not have a lot of to spare.

I also visit the pet shops and enjoy the free mini bags of gourmet pet food. My animals believe these little bags are treats and not food. So sometimes I save a little cash on dog treats this way.

I rent videos at my library for free instead of visiting Blockbuster. I can entertain myself for hours on end with free books, dvds and magazines from the local library.

Another tip I love is this:

I earn rewards from a search and win site, and for playing games on microsoft's club live. Sometimes I am able to earn gift cards for searching the internet, or free t shirts for playing games. You cannot beat that!

There are many ways you can live without a lot of money without starving or being bored to death, the place to begin is online. You can even earn money online doing short surveys via sites like www.dollarsurveys.net. Sure it is only $1, but it will add up and help out too!

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