09/15/2022 |
One of the benefits to travel nursing is the opportunity to visit and explore new cities and sites. However, trying out new restaurants, shops, or other activities can get expensive if you are not careful with your funds. Rather than miss out on the experience, we have compiled a list of 7 tips to help you save money during your travel assignments.
1 – Research Your New City
Since you typically have a few weeks before your contract starts, make sure to research your new city. A few things to research include the weather, cost of living, events, nearby hikes, or other activities you may want to do while there for your contract. This will help you pack accordingly to help prevent purchasing clothing or other items that you may have left behind. If you are planning on hitting the trails, pack your hiking gear. If your new city typically gets a lot of rain during the time you are there, pack a raincoat and umbrella. Planning and packing efficiently will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and will allow you to have extra cash for other activities.
2 – Meal Prep/Bring Lunch
One of the easiest ways to save money is to bring your own lunch to work and meal prep. There are many sites, books, and videos on meal prepping and how to save money while doing so. Not only does meal prep save money, but it is also a great way to save time when getting ready for your shift. With your meals already made, you can grab and go on your way to work.
3 – Make Your Coffee
Along with bringing your own lunch to work, consider making your own coffee. Depending on what kind of coffee you like and size you order, it can cost you between $3.00-$7.00 per cup. If you order one cup per day before every shift (assuming you work four days a week), that will cost you $156.00$364.00 during your 13-week assignment. For coffee lovers, it may be a good idea to invest in a mini Keurig or small coffee maker to travel with to help save money and make coffee quickly.
4 – Bike/Carpool
Depending on your location and commute, you can save money getting to work by walking, riding your bike, or carpooling with coworkers. Walking or riding your bike is a great way to not only get exercise, but to enjoy some fresh air before and after work. Carpooling with coworkers will not only help you save money but can be therapeutic. Talking to your coworkers during the ride to or from work can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and have someone to talk to about your shift.
5 – Save on Entertainment
During your assignment, there may be restaurants or venues you want to visit. Groupon is a great site to find deals for restaurants or local events and activities to either do by yourself or with a group of friends. Another way to save money is to check out free local events. Examples of free events include farmers markets, live music downtown or in the park, or festivals and parades. Outdoor activities such as hiking, going to the beach, or walking downtown are not only a great way to save money, but to get some fresh air and exercise. There are several ways to save money on things to do either by yourself or with your friends and make the most out of your days off.
6 – Get a Credit Card
Credit cards can be useful for emergency situations, but some provide rewards that can be used towards gas, hotels, or flights. Take advantage of your credit card company’s rewards. Some companies offer free flight mileage on every purchase, or hotel discounts when getting complementary upgrades. Research credit card companies and their rewards to get the most bang for your buck. Just be sure to always pay it off on time!
7 – Budget
Lastly, keep track of your monthly expenses. Knowing what you spend each month on rent, utilities, food, gas, or streaming services, will give you a better idea of how much you can spend on activities and events. When planning ahead, if you see an event or restaurant you would like to go to, put some money aside so you have it ready for when the time comes. It is also important to have an emergency fund on hand as situations can arise at any time. Whether it be a problem with your car or your contract getting cancelled, make sure to have savings to take care of yourself if an emergency does occur.
In conclusion, there are several ways to save money whether it be during or after your assignment. Having a budget and keeping track of your finances is a great habit to have to ensure you get the most out of your earnings.
If you are a travel healthcare professional looking to save some big bucks on your next assignment, check out our jobs here!
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