Saving Big by Living at Home During School
Starting post-secondary school or job training is a big step in life. It often comes with excitement, new friends, and the dream of independence. But it also brings some serious costs. Many students move away from home to live near campus or in another city. While that may seem fun, it’s not always the best idea when it comes to saving money.
Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on many daily expenses. In this article, we’ll explore how choosing to stay home can help you keep more cash in your pocket, making your school years more affordable and less stressful.
Why Rent Isn’t Always Worth It for Students
One of the biggest reasons to live at home is rent. Renting an apartment or even a dorm room can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars every month. Then, there are utility bills like electricity, water, and internet. If you’re living alone or even with roommates, these costs can add up fast.
Let’s say rent costs $800 a month. In one year, that’s $9,600. That’s money that could be used for tuition, books, or saved for your future. Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on rent alone—sometimes enough to cover a whole semester of school.
Home Cooking vs. Dining Out
Another huge way to save is on food. When students move out, many don’t cook every day. Fast food, takeout, and frozen meals quickly become the norm. Eating out regularly can cost over $200 each month.
At home, you probably have access to home-cooked meals, groceries from your parents, and fewer temptations to eat out. Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on meals—plus, home food is often healthier!
A study from the USDA found that people who eat home-cooked meals save around $5 per meal compared to eating out. That can mean saving $100 or more every month.
Saving on Travel and Transportation
When you live near your school or training center, or even better, can take public transportation or carpool from home, you save a lot on gas, parking fees, and car maintenance. For students who move away, especially to other cities, owning or using a car becomes a must. That’s expensive.
Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on gas, insurance, and car repairs. Plus, you’ll save time stuck in traffic and the stress of finding parking every day. Some students even get rides from their parents, which cuts travel costs even more.
Extra Perks of Living with Family
Besides saving money, living at home has other benefits. You’re around family who can support you when school gets tough. You may have access to laundry, free internet, and even some shared groceries or household items like soap, toilet paper, and shampoo—all things you’d have to pay for on your own.
Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on small daily needs that quickly add up when living alone. If your parents help even a little, it can make a big difference in your monthly budget.
Plus, with fewer bills and more financial support, you can focus more on your classes and future instead of stressing about money.
Real-Life Story: Jason’s Smart Choice
Jason, an 18-year-old student in his first year of college, had the option to move out. But after doing the math, he realized the cost of rent, food, and bills would leave him in debt. Instead, he chose to live at home.
With help from his family, Jason spent less than $100 a month on personal expenses. He used the money he saved to buy a laptop, pay for textbooks, and even start a savings account for his second year.
Jason says, “It wasn’t always fun staying home, but I’ll graduate with no student debt. That’s worth it to me.”
Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on more than just bills—it can save your future too.
Final Thoughts: Save Now, Thank Yourself Later
Deciding where to live during school is a big choice. Moving out might feel exciting, but it comes with major financial responsibilities. Staying home can sometimes feel boring or less independent, but it gives you a strong start without the stress of money problems.
Living at home while enrolled in post secondary school or training can save money on…. on rent, food, travel, and more. It also gives you a chance to focus on what truly matters—your education, career, and long-term goals.
You won’t live at home forever, but choosing to do so during school could be the smartest financial move you ever make.