MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Summer is on its way and everyone’s ready to go out and have a good time, but what if your wallet is feeling a little light?
There are many things that we are all guilty of spending too much money on. If you’re wondering how you can still have fun this summer while saving a few bucks, there are a few things you can do.
First off, stop the frivolous spending. Sometimes, stopping off at the Crossroads may seem more convenient, but if you are not taking advantage of the mess hall, the nearly $300 that’s being taken out of your paycheck each month is going down the drain.
Walk instead of taking a taxi. Taxi fares start at around 550 yen, so instead of taking a cab from the North side of the station to the South side, jump on the shuttle bus or walk. If a taxi is a must, pile in with a group of friends to split the fare.
Also, at the top of the list for bad spending habits are cigarettes. It may seem like an improbable goal but it could save you a few dollars a day, which adds up quickly.
Forget the name brands. Whether you’re buying laundry detergent or toilet paper, it’s all the same, so why pay the extra couple bucks?
If you are shopping at the commissary, sometimes it pays off to buy in bulk. A case of canned corn or ramen noodles won’t go bad quickly, and if the sale offers coupons for items, you can get a lot for just pennies.
It might not seem like a lot, but making these small adjustments to your spending habits will save you a lot in the long run. Whatever you do, don’t charge it. Interest rates on credit cards are through the roof.
If you’re looking for inexpensive activities to get involved in around Iwakuni, there are probably more things to do than you think.
The Hornet’s Nest and the Marine Lounge both offer a home away from home vibe if you just want to relax and watch a movie or enjoy the free Internet access.
The Single Marine Program also offers inexpensive trips throughout Japan that usually include lodging and transportation.
Information, Tours and Travel also offers various bus trips and tours with a proficient tour guide nearly every weekend to help you fill your days with culturally enriching activities.
Looking for inexpensive activities on base? Watch a movie at the Sakura Theater for a couple bucks or bowl a game at The Strike Zone. Free media is also available at the station’s library so go grab a book or a few movies.
Last, but not least, if you have nothing better to do, work on your summer bod. Visit the IronWorks Gym to work on those abs, go to the park to shoot some hoops or swim a couple laps at the outdoor pool.
If you are still having trouble saving money, you can seek help at the Personal Financial Management Program located in Marine and Family Services Building 411, Room 201.
The office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
The program offers free financial classes with topics that include savings and investing, managing money and credit, understanding the Thrift Savings Plan, newcomer financial information, and a teen finance class, along with free one-on-one counseling services.
For more information on the services offered by the Personal Financial Management Program, call 253-6250, and don’t forget to take advantage of the extra cost of living allowance you’re receiving while being stationed here in
Japan.