Things You'll Need:
- Pen
- Paper
- Job
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Step 1
So college has probably crossed your mind several times, and in the midst of those thoughts were daydreams about dorm rooms, new classes, being away from your parents and college parties. Hopefully reality kicked in and you asked yourself, " How am I going pay to pay for all this?" Well lucky for you, there are ways for you to save cash for college.
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Step 2
Write down everything you spend. Step one is very important because if you start writing down where all your money is going to, you can figure out where you can cut back. People usually don't realize how much money they're spending by getting that $5 latte from Starbucks every morning or buying an overpriced snack out of a vending machine daily. So write down everything and you might surprise yourself.
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Step 3
Take a percentage of your check and save it. If you have an after-school job or even a summer job, start taking 20% of all your checks and putting that money in a savings account. You will be able to accumulate money and earn a little bit of interest on it. So when college comes around, you'll be able to dip into that account.
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Step 4
Cut down now. As a teenager, you probably think you need the best of everything. The name brand clothes, the perfect haircuts and the newest technology. In ten or even five years, it won't matter what you wore or how your hair looked. So I'm not saying grunge it up or start slumming it, but just cut back. Don't buy that extra expensive pair of jeans or the latest iPod--instead save that money for your college education.
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Step 5
Get a job. While you're in high school, it's important to have a job even if you only work weekends. Not only will you be able to earn more money to save, but you will have more experience for future jobs. When you're in college, it'll be easier to obtain a job if you have customer service, cashier or waitressing experience. With a job, you'll be able to follow step two which entails saving money from your check.
Comments
catherine123p said
on 7/26/2009 Buy a PREPAID PHONE!! I just bought a TracFone and its well worth it! I pay only for the minutes that I use, its super cheap, I can make long distance calls, and take pictures with my camera phone. Tell every college student you know!! I've saved so much money doing it.
acole said
on 6/2/2008 Excellent article for teens. Nice Job! I have an article on saving money. Check it out and rate it. Thanks!
BarryWaite said
on 3/6/2008 Good points! Since you are from Wisconsin, are you sad that Brett Favre retired? I am...I'm a big Packer fan. I was up your way for the NFC Championship game. Keep writing good tips!
AbbyNormal said
on 3/5/2008 EXCELLENT article!