WordPress, Twitter, and other Open Source applications are now being widely used and encouraged by the city of San Francisco, California.

Mayor Gavin Newsom instituted the nation’s first open source software policy (effective February 1) for the government last week in a bid to allow various free software applications to find their way into the mix when city departments are considering using new software. Newsom’s directive still allows departments to purchase commercial software, but they are required to now consider and weigh open source options if that purchase will cost $100,000 or more.

Millions Saved

The move is expected to save the cash strapped city by the bay millions of dollars annually in software costs. Those savings will allow the city to make a dent in its deficit while raising the visibility of open source programs which rarely are given wide berth by corporations or governments.

Under Newsom’s directive new software purchases, including non-application software, such as databases, operating systems, web application servers are included.

WordPress, Twitter

WordPress is already a favorite of San Francisco, the content management system powering several city sites including Recoverysf.org, Datasf.org, and the mayor’s site at Sfmayor.org. The city has also integrated its informational 311 system with Twitter, allowing followers to notify the city about certain problems related to services such as pothole repair, abandoned vehicles, graffiti removal, streetlight repair, park maintenance, and other matters.

Of course this is good news for students who are well versed at coding and are trying to gauge what will be available to them post graduation. As all kinds of software applications find their way into every facet of our lives, this field remains bright. And, with cities, corporations, and individuals seeking to save money, your open source college project just may find its way in front of a larger, perhaps global audience.

That’s just it: if you are a full time student with little or no steady income, saving money can seem to be out of the question. But, I’m not talking about saving a lump sum rather very small amounts over time that can yield decent savings. Those monies can then be used for leisure pursuits or set aside for your rainy day emergency fund.

Let’s take a look at several ways you can squeeze out some funds without being squeezed yourself:

Your Bank – As a student, you shouldn’t have to pay a monthly service fee for your checking account. In addition, several banks offer special savings programs where they either let you “keep the change” or will automatically deduct a dollar from your account and put it into savings whenever you use your debit card. Savings accumulate slowly and steadily, but they do add up.

Meal Ticket — You’ve been avoiding the cafeteria all semester long, but maybe you really haven’t given it a chance. Instead, you’ve been scouring the supermarket for whatever suits your fancy and bringing food home to your dorm. Unfortunately, you’re paying a premium for your meals while using the college cafeteria could give to good food for a better price. Sign up for the food plan which best fits your eating habits.

Transportation — Without a car on campus, you’ve resorted to getting around town using public transit. However, the cost of hopping on a bus is expensive and you’re spending more money than ever before. Why not get a monthly pass to help you save money? Sure, your upfront costs will be higher, but by the end of the month you could save 20-40% on fares with your monthly ticket.

Rent Textbooks — We’ve mentioned several websites in the past including Chegg.com that has this type of deal, but it is worth repeating: don’t buy your textbooks. Instead, find out who is renting the books you need and you could end up saving hundreds of dollars each semester. Get the same books as everyone else uses, but rent them.

Computers — Everyone has to have a computer, right? You betcha! But the prices can be unnerving, even prohibitive. Thankfully, many personal computer manufacturers offer student discounts on hardware and software, savings that can make a huge difference to you. Consider downloading free Open Source programs too especially well known applications such as OpenOffice.

Cell Phones — Inasmuch as you love your cell phone, if you’re on anything but a family plan, then you’re paying too much for this service. Maybe you value your independence,  but cell phone plans are notoriously complicated and expensive, especially if you use it a lot and want to keep connected with all of your friends and family. Save yourself and your family big bucks by opting for a shared plan.

These are just a few of the ways you can save money while attending college. Done together and with you thinking of additional ways to save, can yield the savings you want while taking the pressure off of balancing a tight budget.

Adv. — Are you looking for ways to save money? In this economy that answer is: who isn’t? For practical ways to save, SayLowerBills.com offers to you sound tips on how to pay less for housing, family living expenses, medical care, transportation, recreation, you name it.  Free tips and tools are available at your disposal, so please visit the site to find the help that you need.