I don't know about you, but I can't name a single college student who's not budgeting themselves (or should be) throughout the school year. I'm constantly planning my future purchases and debating on whether I have enough extra money to get that cute tailgate shirt in the school store. It can be difficult to differentiate your needs and your wants.
At the beginning of the school year is in full swing, many of my friends and classmates, including myself, are on the job hunt. A little extra money at the end of the week helps tremendously. However, we can benefit from certain employment in more ways than a paycheck.
Two words: Employee Discount. This may seem like a given to some people, but if you can identify your personal needs and wants and apply that to a particular job, the employee discount helps more than you think. If you single out a category of items you purchase the most, either for fun or because they are necessities, you can then save money with the continuous benefits while still getting paid.
Here are some of the best employee discounts on the market:
1. Clothing Industry
If you find incredible joy in buying new clothes as I do, take a look at these companies that stand out in employee benefits.
American Apparel: Since American Apparel requires their employees to wear all American Apparel clothing during shifts, they offer a $200 stipend when starting the job and a continuous 50% off for all future purchases.
Lululemon: How many of you cringe when you see Lululemon's prices? I know I do. However, as a Lululemon "educator," full-time employees receive a whopping 60% off all purchases and part-time employees, under 25 hours a week, benefit from a 40% discount on all purchases.
Designer Shoe Warehouse: I am a strong believer that you literally can never have enough shoes. DSW's 30% off all purchases would be a blessing for my addiction.
2. Beauty Industry
The beauty industry is something that is constantly changing faster than most retail industries. There are constantly new releases from beauty companies which just means we need the funding to keep up the purchases!
Ulta: Ulta offers 25% off all retail product purchases and 50% off any of the salon services inside any Ulta.
Sephora: Known as the home of all luxury beauty products, Sephora offers 20% off all products and a special 40% off all Sephora brand products.
3. Technology Industry
Apple: For a store that's impossible to get a discount in, Apple's employee benefits include 25% off all personal purchases, 15% family discount up to three items, and $250 off an IPad and $500 off a Mac every three years.
4. Food Services
Food on the job? Yes please!
Starbucks: With one of the most impressive employee benefits in the country, Starbucks is known for their assistance in helping people set up 401k's and health insurance. During shifts, employee's get 3 free drinks and 1 free food item. They also get free Spotify Premium, discounted gym memberships and Starbuck's partner's discount emails.
5. Grocery Shopping
This school year, I am faced with the challenge of cooking for myself in my apartment. Not having a meal plan resorts to Wegmans trips every Sunday. Here is a lifesaver for your wallet!
Whole Foods: This health craze store offers 20% off all store purchases and if employees meet health standards such as blood pressure, BMI, Cholesterol, and absence of nicotine, the discount can be raised to 30%.
Happy shopping!!
