Being a travel nurse has many benefits. In addition to helping people, you get to experience new cities, make new connections, and enjoy the variety in your job, among other things. However, new places to see and new things to do can add up while you’re on assignment, and if you’re not careful, it can increase your spending.
Budgeting is essential for all of us; however, it is even more important for travel nurses. When moving from assignment to assignment, you need to have the funds to get to your next location and for a place to stay during your next adventure. To help make your money last, here are a few ways you can save as a travel nurse.
Track Your Spending
It is easy to spend more than you intended when you are not paying close attention, especially while on the road. Swap out buying souvenirs by bringing a camera to capture your experiences. Although it can be tempting to splurge while in a new location, keep track of all of your expenses throughout the assignment to ensure you remain within your budget. Indulging here and there won’t break the bank, but making more conscious decisions will go a long way.
Couponing
You can reduce the cost of everything with a good coupon. Look for coupons in the paper, local guide books, and online to save money on expenses from groceries to entertainment. Be sure to price compare as well. Whether renting a vehicle, visiting an attraction, or choosing a restaurant, compare as many different prices as possible online to ensure that you get the best possible deal.
And if you’re looking for local experiences, Groupon is a great resource. While some discounts may not be huge, Groupon offers discounts in many areas, and you can search easily. Whether it be travel expenses or an item for your home, it is easy to shop.
Meal Prep
Food can be an area of big spending, especially when trying new cuisines in your area. However, you can save a lot of money if you cook meals at home. Meal prepping is a great option and makes taking your lunch to work a lot easier as the meals are ready for you when you need them. Most hospital cafeterias can be pricey, and frequently eating out can catch up to your wallet.
If there are dishes that you must try while you’re in town, set a budget for the amount of money you plan to spend on dining out. Experiencing the food is a great perk of traveling, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Travel With Friends
A fun way to make your dollar stretch is by traveling with friends. Taking an assignment with a friend would allow you to save money by sharing housing, transportation, and more. Usually, most hospitals have a multitude of specialties and positions available that aren’t limited to nursing. Many openings can include allied health positions as well. So, whether you have a fellow travel nurse you’d like to go on assignment with or someone who works in allied health, you should be able to make this work. A helping hand is always welcome when saving a few more dollars!
Set Savings Goals
Setting a goal is crucial to financial freedom as a travel nurse. Before leaving for your travel nurse assignment, research everything you may want to participate in and start saving. Work on deciding what is a want versus a need. Every “no” to something you don’t need is a “yes” to your future travels.
Being a travel nurse has many rewards, such as the freedom to travel and learn in different environments. A little planning ahead can save you big money and make your travel dreams a reality. As you continue your journey, you’ll pick up even more tips to make your assignment the best!
Ready to travel? Check out or job board for available travel nurse jobs or reach out to our travel nurse agency for help.
