This week I will be doing something a little bit different. The Topic: MONEY! I have a cousin that is off to college and I felt compelled to talk about the importance of money during your college career. Habits formed during this time also has an affect on the rest of your life, so now is a good time as any to start good habits! Besides, in college, doesn’t everyone need more of the green? I hope to show you how!

Now that we know how to save, handle our debt, and take breaks from all of the money mental stress we have to deal with – we should be good to go, right? Yeah. But there is one element missing. Money.

All those tools are worthless if we don’t know have any means of making. Money. And college? Its not exactly the most ideal place to earn a decent income. With studies, classes, social life, studying, reading, studying…you get my point. BUT! There are jobs. Here’s a few that’s ideal for college students:

1. Waiter/Waitress

Love to make people happy? Some say that the stomach is the best way to get people there. The restaurant business is great for college students because its flexible for students and you get to take home money every day from tips.

Advice: Weekend tips are best!
Pros: Flexible schedule, take CASH home, meet new people
Cons: BUSY, may lose some weekends (weekends get the best tips!), tiring

2. Retail Sales

Retail. Some people loathe working for retail. BUT its one of the best places to practice your selling skills. Since a lot of college kids start off with these jobs, you’ll get to meet new people.

Advice: Work at the mall. During the holiday rush (^_^)
Pros: Practice your customer service skills, meet new people
Cons: holiday work, free weekends may be lost due to weekend hours

3. Online Sales

So you don’t want to work “outside.” Next best thing: work from home! Sites like eBay and Craigslist enable people to make a considerable income working from home. Plus, its flexible for college because – you make the hours!

Advice: Get into something you will really enjoy. Or it just may end as…a job.
Pros: good money, work whenever you want, work for yourself
Cons: takes a while to see profits, can get time-consuming

4. On-Campus Jobs

This can’t be beat. Extremely flexible. Some places even let you study while you’re working.

Advice: This is a good time to start getting experience in the field you want to get into.
Pros: extremely flexible schedule, ON-CAMPUS
Cons: low-pay

5. Club Promoter

Are you the social type? Throwing parties for your fellow college mates is the best way to have fun and meet new people. And being known as the “party-king” ain’t that bad either.

Advice: Start your own Promotion Company!!! Its where the $$$ is!!!
Pros: social networking, huge profits (if successful), get paid to entertain people
Cons: lot of paperwork, keep tabs on staff, promoting

By no means is this list exhaustive. And if any of you out there have a suggestion that we didn’t touch upon, leave a comment and let us all know!

Thank you for taking part of our Money Basics Series. If there is anything you would like to add, links that we should check out, share it with us and let us all know!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Disclaimer: The subject and advice given above have been drawn from personal experience, and in no way shape or form should be considered professional. Sources are cited whenever possible and additional information can be accessed online. For more information about saving money, seek professional advice from a financial advisor.