Creative Savings Strategies for College #TakeSimpleSteps

Gratitude to COUNTRY Financial for sponsoring this discussion. All views expressed are personal.

When considering saving for college, several conventional methods likely cross your mind, such as:

• setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck
• establishing college savings accounts
• hosting garage sales
• organizing bake sales
  
  However, we’ve come up with some creative alternatives to help boost your college savings.

Found Money Jar
Have you ever checked your dryer and found a bill or some change? I used to pocket it and thank my lucky stars. Now, I put it into a jar labeled “found money.” The coins discovered while cleaning under the couch or those you spot in the parking lot? Grab them all! Even the $20 you found in a coat pocket from last season adds up.
Get your kids involved; their keen eyes can help spot these treasures! By the end of the year, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much your “found money” jar contains!

Recycling
Lately, we’ve seen a trend in our neighborhood where many neighbors leave out large bags of aluminum cans beside our “no sort” recycling bins. Those who know us well are often willing to donate their bags to our children. The kids clean and crush the cans, then take them to the recycling center for some extra cash.
You can broaden this initiative by discussing the importance of litter management and making our community cleaner. We enjoy exploring new areas, and after weekends, it’s amazing how many aluminum cans we can find along roadways, parks, and hiking trails. Just remember to bring an extra bag for other waste!

Art Sale!
Do you have a young artist in your home? My 11-year-old creates some captivating artwork! Consider framing their work and selling it through platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Include a brief “about the artist” note detailing why they are selling their creations. This involvement fosters a sense of responsibility toward their savings goals. I’ve noticed that when my children take part in these endeavors, they gain a deeper appreciation for the effort involved.

Planning ahead and starting to save early can significantly ease the burden of financing college education. With tuition continuing to climb, it’s wise to consider inflation and future financial scenarios! For more insights on funding your college savings, explore the educational funding options available from COUNTRY Financial. Stay connected with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for further financial tips.