Why You Should Consider Saving While At College

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College life can be a thrilling experience for many students. It's a time when young adults explore their interests, meet new people, and learn about themselves.

However, amidst all the excitement, it's crucial to consider the future and start thinking about saving. 

How To Earn A Living While At College

In order to start saving, one should have a consistent flow of income and as a college student here a couple of ways to make it possible.

1. Get a Part-Time Job

One of the most popular ways to raise money as a college student is by getting a part-time job. Many college students work part-time jobs to make extra money to help pay for tuition, books, and other expenses.

​Some popular part-time jobs include working in retail stores, restaurants, or working as a tutor. You can also consider working as a freelance writer, graphic designer, or virtual assistant, depending on your skills and interests.
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If you work as a virtual assistant or graphic designer, Canva is the resource for you. You can create great designs for yourself and your clients with great stock images and templates. Check Canva out here.

2.  Sell Your Old Items Online

Selling items online is another great way to raise money as a college student. You can sell items you no longer use, such as textbooks, clothing, or electronics. Online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to list your items for sale and connect with potential buyers.

Once you start making money, you need to make sure you can budget it properly. On my resource page, you can use one of my free budgeting sheets. No need to spend the money you’re saving to budget! Check out out the free budget sheets here!

3. Start a Small Business

Starting a small business can be a great way to earn money as a college student. You can consider starting a business related to your hobbies or interests, such as selling handmade crafts, offering pet-sitting services, or offering tutoring services.

Starting a business may require some initial investment, but it can be a lucrative way to raise money in the long run.

LinkedIn Learning is a great way to learn skills you can use to market yourself for an online business. There are lots of great skills you can learn that can help you make more money. Check LinkedIn Learning out here.

4. Participate in Paid Surveys
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Participating in paid surveys is another way to earn money as a college student. Many companies are willing to pay for your opinion on their products or services. You can find paid surveys online through websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research. Check out Survey Junkie here.

Reasons Why College Students Should Consider Saving

There are so many great reasons to save money. With the money saved, you can enjoy numerous benefits. Check out some of the things that saving money can help you with! 

1. Emergencies Happen

​Life is unpredictable and emergencies can happen at any time. Whether it's a medical emergency or unexpected car repairs, having an emergency fund can help alleviate stress and provide peace of mind.

​As a college student, having savings can help you deal with unforeseen circumstances without derailing your academic pursuits.

2. Building Good Financial Habits

College is a time of transition and learning good financial habits can have a significant impact on your future. Saving while in college can help develop responsible spending and financial management skills.

These habits can help you make informed decisions about your finances, establish financial stability, and achieve long-term financial goals.

If you're in college, you're still going to have to spend money to live. It's almost unavoidable. You may need school supplies or snacks.

​You don't need to spend all your money at your college, as it will be overpriced. And you don't need to go to any other expensive stores. Walmart is a great way to get great deals on everyday items you will definitely need. And you can order online here. 

3. Reduce Debt

For many college students, student loans are a fact of life. However, saving while in college can help reduce the amount of debt you incur. Saving can be challenging, especially when you're on a tight budget, but even small contributions can add up over time.

By reducing the amount of student loans you need to take out, you'll be setting yourself up for a better financial future.

​4. Opportunity for Investment

College is an excellent time to start investing. Whether it's in stocks, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles, the earlier you start, the better. Investing can help you grow your money and build long-term wealth. Saving while in college can provide the necessary capital to start investing and take advantage of the power of compounding.

This was the case for Djuly Fluerant, she used her savings from her on-campus job to write a memoir about her life. After brushing it off for a while, she gained the courage to publish her memoir. She shared with The Money Exchange Podcast that saving for her memoir enabled her get the support she needed from Destination Elevation Publishing.

5. Prepare for Post-College Life

​After graduation, many college students face a significant transition period. Whether it's finding a job, moving to a new city, or paying off student loans, having savings can help ease the transition. Savings can provide a financial cushion while you adjust to post-college life and help you achieve your goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, saving while in college can have numerous benefits, including building good financial habits, reducing debt, preparing for emergencies, investing, and preparing for post-college life. 

While it may be challenging to save on a tight budget, even small contributions can add up over time. By developing good financial habits and setting aside money regularly, college students can set themselves up for a better financial future.

Interested in listening in on a real-life story of a college student who made it possible for her to achieve her dreams with the help of saving, listen to Episode 116 of The Money Exchange Podcast here.