For many students, winter break was stress free, but not so much for their wallets.
The need to purchase expensive gifts for friends and family is only natural during the holiday season, even though it might be out of one’s financial limit. In case there are a few readers who are trying to earn some extra cash to boost their checking account, Student Money Management Services provided a few ways to do just that.
1. For those who have part time jobs, adjust your W-4.
“If you just claim yourself, see how it goes,” said Patricia Donnelly, program manager at SMMS. “Be careful and you can certainly talk to a tax reviser to see what’s good.”
2. Exploit your skills and resources. Donnelly said applying your hobbies and skills will enhance ways to make some extra cash.
“If you cut hair or do nails or car repair, that’s a good way to bring in extra income,” Donnelly said. “It’s good to have resources in college.”
3. Live simply. Remember, most of us are early 20 year old college students and we don’t need to buy items from brands like North Face or eat food at Olive Garden. Be realistic.
“Get into the habit of saying, ‘Do I absolutely really need this?’” Donnelly said. “You have to live like a student when you’re a student. It’s all about creating a mindset for yourself live more simply.”
4. Ask for an early inheritance. We all have those grandparents who love giving money to their grandchildren. They absolutely love it, no matter who you are.
“Gifts can sometimes benefit [grandparents] in the long run,” Donnelly said. “Even a couple of hundred dollars might help those who need money.”
5. Think about how you either earned or received your money. If you didn’t work hard for your money, you were at least given some of that money by someone who is close to you. Don’t buy things that will go to waste.
“There’s something that needs to be said when you spend your time and effort when you get that money,” Donnelly said. “You hold that more closely. If you can master your mind set and start to control that, you become so much more empowered and that’s going to affect many different areas of your life.”
