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Collect Your Coins! Financial Advice in College

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Holy Cross chapter.

The broke college student has long been a stereotype of college students. Saving money and finding extra cash when possible is important for many. Here are some tricks I have found helpful when trying to save some extra money. 

Rainy Day Fund

When I was younger, I was gifted a plastic jar inscribed “Rainy Day Fund.” If you inserted a coin at the top of the jar, it would calculate how much your coins were worth. Keeping up with this updated “piggy bank” has become one of my favorite traditions. 

The coins added up quickly! Anytime it was a rainy day or a day with not nothing to do I would check the total dollar amount. If it were anywhere from $20 to $100, I would go to my nearest grocery store and cash in my coins for dollar bills. 

What may seem like such a worthless concept has added up for me over the years. As a college student, I feel it’s important to make every penny count. So, whether it’s through a piggy bank or a jar, my suggestion to you is to collect your coins. 

Take Advantage of Food on Campus 

Hot take: Kimball is not that bad. There’s always something to eat. Even if Kimball is not your cup of tea, other on-campus options can be worthwhile the next time you’re thinking about getting overpriced food delivered to campus. 

Transportation

If you do not have a car on campus, Uber prices can add up. Finding friends who are going to the same places as you can help curb transportation costs. 

Student Discounts 

The most random places offer student discounts! When online shopping, always be on the lookout for where you can get a discount whether it’s on clothes, a flight, or something else. 

Part-Time Jobs Around Campus 

To make some money back, part time jobs around campus can be a great way to make some extra money. Babysitting gigs are also great as a college student. 

Ann O'Malley

Holy Cross '26

Ann is a current sophomore at Holy Cross from Milton, Massachusetts. She enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and writing!