I’m basically the pro to go to if you’re looking for ways to make or save money. As a broke college student, I’m always looking for creative ways to get some more cash in my pocket. Here’s a few successful ways I’ve kept my bank account from going into the negatives:
1. Shop at BB’s
I won’t grocery shop anywhere else. I wait until my fridge is super sad looking then make a BB’s haul where everything is cheap, seriously cheap. I’m talking under $5 for a big tub of Talenti and L’Oreal hair products for about $2. BB’s is in Newburg, which is about a 15-minute drive from campus and it saves me unbelievable cash at checkout.
2. Donate plasma
I remember when I told my dad I was doing this he said to me, “Are you really that broke?” Yes. Unfortunately, the closest center to Shippensburrg is in Mechanicsburg which is a bit of a drive, however, look around for centers in your hometown when you go home for breaks. I’m from northeast PA, and there’s a center about 15 minutes from my house, so I’d go the maximum of twice a week and average around $70. My first two times I got $50 though and then the amount fluctuates per donation. This really helped me prepare for paying rent and buying textbooks.
3. Buy/sell clothes on Poshmark
Poshmark is a free app of ladies selling clothes they no longer wear from their closets all around the country. I’ve scored a Free People dress for $20 and American Eagle shorts for $10, and I’ve also sold a few garments. Selling is challenging though because the app is so huge, but it is possible to make money. You can either request a check be mailed to you or you can use the credit from your sales toward future purchases.
4. Shop at thrift stores
Almost my entire wardrobe is from the Goodwill. The ones in my hometown have really awesome brands like Express, New York & Co., Forever 21, Vera Wang and American Eagle and I pay next to nothing for them. The thrift stores around Shippensburg may not be as glamorous, but if you travel to any bigger city I guarantee you’ll find big ticket treasures. When the new Goodwill opened in Lemoyne I scored a brand new JBL Bluetooth speaker for $30, and its retail value is $100.
5. Download Job Spotter
This is a free app that sends you digital Amazon gift cards for taking pictures of “Help Wanted” signs. Per every submission, you get so many points based on whether it’s a handmade sign for a local mom and pop shop (the most valued) or a mass manufactured “Now Hiring” sign (still valuable, but worth less points.) You can keep building up points and redeem your gift card whenever you’re ready. This app was particularly helpful for me around Christmas time.
6. Hoard coins
If you don’t already do this, you need to start. I toss all my spare change into a jar and cash it in about once a year or when I desperately need money. I average about $60 on a small visit and over $100 if I can hold out the whole year. Beware of CoinStar though because that machine takes a large percentage of your money. Instead, I use a coin machine at my credit union which takes out a very small, unnoticeable fee.