Four easy steps to save a few dollars

As college students, we are trying everything in our power to save money. Sometimes it's not always easy.

When all of your buddies decide to go bowling, see a movie, and get a few drinks all in the same night, fifty dollars has escaped your wallet in no time.

It's not possible to save money during every occasion but it is possible to save money during some.

Monitoring your dough spending during grocery shopping is probably the easiest way to save cash.

The number one rule: Stay away from name brands. They are evil.

Yes, the name Ziploc sounds enticing at first, but once you realize that the same size box to the left of the Ziploc bags that reads Great Value is two dollars cheaper you'll gladly spare the fancy name brand in exchange for saving a couple bucks.

Rule number two: Limit the amount of fast food you buy.

There is no doubt about it; fast food is delicious, but expensive. The U.S. Department of Labor says that the average U.S. Consumer spends 12.4 percent of their paycheck on food. 5.4 percent of that is on food away from home while the other 7 percent is on food at home.

Meaning that almost half of the money spent on food is from fast food restaurants, which is a big reason why peoples' money disappears so quickly. The average cost for a meal at a fast food restaurant is about $7. Just try adding up the amount of money you spend on fast food in one week and realize what else you could have spent it on. Trust me, it'll make you think.

Rule number three: Driving less equals spending less money on gas.

I know Orlando is a big city and you have to drive to get just about everywhere, but there is a way to drive less. Instead of driving your friends around everywhere, ask them to drive sometimes. It's only fair.

Instead of driving to class everyday, catch a ride on one of UCF's shuttles. If you live close to campus, consider riding your bike or even walking to class instead. Not only will you save some gas, but you'll also save time trying to find a parking spot in one of the  overcrowded and hectic garages.

Rule number four: No one says that staying in on a Friday night is a bad thing. Give it a try.

Yes, Friday is the prime day of the week to go out and spend money on doing all kinds of things that college students love to do. I get it.

However, there's nothing wrong with staying in on some weekends. Watch a movie at your dorm or apartment, hang with some friends at their place or play some video games. I don't know what you prefer, just abstain from going out and spending unnecessary money on Friday night activities every now and then.

These four simple rules can promise to keep a few extra dollars in your wallet that will eventually add up and help you realize how much money you can save by cutting out some of the things in your life.