One of the best things about being in college is that it’s a time to learn what it’s like to be on your own. College is when you learn the most about how to manage your time, to be focused on your schoolwork and also be smart about your money. However, the tricky thing about having all of that freedom is that you can easily be tempted into not making the most of all of those things, especially as it relates to spending your money wisely.

But, just because the lure to be an impulsive spender may present itself, that doesn’t mean that you have to fall for the trap. If you would like some proven and effective tips on how to avoid impulse spending in college, we have five for you right here:

1. Make out a weekly budget. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is taking on the “I’ll just wing it” mentality when it comes to spending money. If you have a budget set aside for food, gas and entertainment, that will help you to make plans that will fit into what you can afford to do.
2. Use coupons. There used to be a time when people associated clipping coupons with something that their grandparents did. But, thanks to television programs like Extreme Couponing and mobile apps that let you download them on your phone, using coupons has become common. Shopkick, SnipSnap and Yowza are all apps that can connect you to discounts at most of your favorite stores. If you’re still feeling a little “too mature” for using them, look at it this way: coupons can save you money and they are readily available using your smartphone.
3. Don’t always use “shopping trips” as a way to spend time with your friends. In college, there is always someone who is going to the mall or a vintage store up the street. While it’s certainly acceptable to sometimes go along with your friends (even if it is just to window shop), the reality is that after 3-4 trips, you’re probably going to want to buy something whether you need it or not. So, when the invite is extended to you, know that it’s fine to sometimes say “That’s OK. Text me when y’all get back.”
4. Avoid payday loans. All of us have times when we find ourselves in a bit of a financial bind. But, when you do, one of the last things that you should ever consider doing is applying for a payday loan. Sure, it might seem like “quick money” but the amount of interest that you’re charged is an easy way to get into a hole of debt that can be extremely hard to get out of.
5. Use cash. Credit card companies are pretty aggressive about trying to get college students to sign up with them, but there are many sad stories about how credit card debt ruined a lot of people’s lives. There are a lot of financial experts who encourage individuals to live by the simple motto of “If you can’t pay for it with cash, then you don’t need it.” If you follow that rule in college, in time, your bank account and credit rating will be so glad that you did.

Be wise about your spending, frugal when it comes to saving, and a smart shopper when you can use a coupon.