College students don’t have a ton of free time to work and earn, but they can find ways to save. You are likely already consumed with homework, school stress and plans about the future. But you can still find ways to scale your budget and maximize your income, however small it may be.
Find a Side Hustle
Start marketing your burgeoning skills online by doing an online paid internship or other remote job. Many of these positions are designed to be flexible for students while providing them with valuable experience to bolster their resumes. There are also many part-time jobs you could take that work on your schedule with zero obligation. Consider grocery and food delivery jobs, ridesharing or dog walking. All of these jobs are easy to get hired and often require little more than a minimum time commitment and valid ID.
Refinance Your Car
You may be paying for your own car and insurance, which is a great step toward financial independence. However, most college students got their car insurance or loan when they were newly licensed, which means their payments are likely much higher than they would be for an older adult. Consider refinancing your loan if you want to find ways to lower your monthly car payment. You’ll still owe the same amount to the seller, but you can free up some extra cash each month by extending the duration of the loan. The process is fast and simple with a list of credible lenders, and doesn’t have any negative effects. Your credit isn’t affected, and you aren’t obligated to take any of the offers you’re given. Just fill out the application, review your choices and see exactly how much you could save.
Start Brewing Your Own Coffee
Starbucks and coffee shops can cost you over $1,000 a year. Imagine all of that in a savings account. Even if you take it black, a small coffee still costs at least $3. Even buying one each weekday, you’re spending $60 or more each month. This could go toward school costs, books or early payment on your student loans. Making coffee can even become a hobby. There are so many different types of brews and styles of drinks to explore. You can become more mindful while you save money and learn to enjoy the art of coffee brewing.
Consider Cosmetology School for Haircuts
Beauty schools offer free or discounted rates to people who allow students to cut and style their hair. This sounds risky, right? But the students are supervised, and you don’t have to trust them with anything bigger than a shampoo and trim. Most of the students who are working on real clients are also reaching the end of their training, so consider it if you are looking for some hair care but don’t want to pay salon prices. Keep in mind that other beauty services may be discounted here, too. Mani-pedi combos could cost half of what they typically do.
Look for Free Events
Rather than spending time paying for drinks, food or other activities, look for free events on campus that you can hit up with your friends. They can introduce you to more people, spark a new interest and even come with free food and refreshments. There’s no way to lose.