How to Make & Save Money

Hi everyone! As you all know, I am a broke college student that shares ideas that I come across or even experience myself. So today, I thought, what is better than sharing my tips on money itself? That's right, today I am sharing with you how I make and save money as a college student. Starting at age 16 in high school I have had a job and have gained many more as the years go on. Each year I have a new reason to need more money, which means more work and more saving for me. Now it does take a lot of discipline and hard work, but it is certainly possible as a full time student to continuously make money for both spending and saving.

1) Retail is not only a way to spend money...
Like I mentioned before, I started working at the age 16 at Old Navy in an outlet mall near me. Now first jobs are never the best time of your life, but it gets you where you need to be. Yes, the dreaded retail. And guess what? I still work there...four years going strong. All joking aside, this job has kept me on a steady paycheck, big or small, for four years. I have been there long enough that I know its reliable and I have come to know and appreciate the people there and the actual job itself. Another plus is there are retail jobs in ANY city you go. Retail is most likely always an option which also means you can move within your store from city to city. And don't forget the best part...discounts!

2) Work Study
This is a huge lifesaver when I am here at school and need money just to basically survive. It isn't the highest paying job, but it is enough to put a little extra in my pockets and it is not hard at all! I work about 5-6 hours at our university's bookstore every week. This gives me about $72 every two weeks. Now I know this doesn't like much, but when I just need some money here or there, it is just enough. Plus, it isn't a very strenuous job and it's right on campus which makes it even better.

3) Cold hard cash
A second job that I have had for two years now is bussing and hostessing at a local restaurant. With this job, I get a lot of tip money which can be very dangerous. Personally, when I have cash, I am more tempted to spend it. That being said, I came across a trick for saving cash that I used last summer and it helped me save hundreds of dollars. Every time I got a $5 in cash, I put it aside and counted it all up at the end of the summer and put it in my savings account. I know $5 doesn't seem like a lot up front, but it adds up quick!

4) Coins count too!
Just like the $5, don't forget to save all of your change too! My family and I practiced this all last year when saving for Ireland and it was definitely worth it. Any spare change you come across put aside in a jar and count it up at the end of the year, summer, or whenever you need/want the money. I'm telling you, it will be a pleasant surprise!

5) Selling back clothes 
What could be better than getting cash for clothes you don't even wear anymore? Exactly, nothing. Plato's Closet, which I have talked about in my previous post (Shopping On A Budget) is a name-brand second hand shop that sells and buys gently used clothes. I have gone here on numerous occasions to sell back clothes and most of time get at least some money for it. Don't expect a ton of money back, but it is definitely enough to buy a new outfit to replace the old one you just sold back. Or if you're being good, $20 you can put aside in your bank account.

Below is a video that explain Plato's Closets buying process: