Don’t sell things you are still attached to, or know that your parents are attached to. You might regret it later, and it most likely won’t be worth the money.
The bookstore will most likely off you store credit at a much higher percentage, but you would only be able to spend it at that bookstore. You should always take cash, unless you have a list of books you already need to buy, with a similar price tag. Powell’s Books, a bookstore headquartered in Portland, Oregon, allows you to mail your books from anywhere in the world for a PayPal deposit.
You can also ask your friends, family, and neighbors for theirs as well, to up your return. Ten US states and Guam collect bottle deposits. The 10 states are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.
Be sure to set an hourly rate ahead of time.
There are also apps like Wag! and Rover where you can accept dog walk requests and make a few dollars. You’ll need to be 18 years or older to use these apps, however.
If you don’t have the right lawn tools, ask if you can use theirs. This will also keep you from having to lug around a lawnmower or leaf blower everywhere. Ask your neighbors if they want someone to shovel snow for them if you live in a snowy place. Request a small per-session fee and set it up so you can go out early before school all winter.
Some people may be wary of your ability to clean, so let them know exactly what you will do and show that you know how to get the job done with pictures and recommendations.
Many college students have enough time between classes to fit a quick work shift in. Some high schools allow students to take a period off in their junior or senior year to fit an hour or two of work experience into their day.
You may be able to work multiple shifts throughout the day at the same on-campus job if your classes are in the middle of the day, for instance.
Be sure to consider whether your friend seems to have a good reputation at their workplace. If they are seen as a slacker, it may not help you to mention that you are their friend when you apply.
Check regularly to make sure you see new postings as soon as they are up.
Always look for jobs a little in advance of when you want to start. If you are on the hunt for a summer job, check the month before school ends and local employers will have lots of jobs with “seasonal” or “summer” in the name. Be sure to check the minimum requirements when looking for a job online. Many places will make it clear whether they are looking for students or not by requiring certain degrees.
You should make sure not to get an account that has a minimum balance amount or a monthly fee, as this can actually cause you to lose money. If you are in high school, you’ll probably need your parents’ permission to get a savings account, and even if you’re a college student, you might consider asking what banks they suggest.
You can also ask if your family already has savings cards at any grocery stores and then use your family’s membership number or phone number to get the discount.
