Let's be honest, if you're a college student or even in high school, then the money you have in the bank is not even close to that of a millionaire (unless your family is rich, in which case, you would be very lucky). In addition to obtaining an education at this time in your life, you are also probably involved in multiple clubs and activities; that makes it harder to have a job with a lot of hours that would make you money during the school year. This leads to one thing: your summer job being the most important job for you during this period of your life.
Whether you get an internship, a fast-food, a retail job or something else, you are most likely working as hard as possible to make as much money as possible in this short amount of time. With making all of this money, it is hard to not spend it on vacations, experiences and concerts to have an amazing summer. But, the money you make over the summer is essential to be saved for other things such as groceries, rent and other adventures and experiences that happen during the school year.
Here is what I've learned through my years of working while trying to still have fun and save.
First, you need to make more money per week than you spend. I recommend spending about a quarter of what you make per week over the summer and saving the other three-quarters. It sounds like a lot, but if your parents are supportive and you limit your adventures, then you will be successful.
Second, if you have the time, you need to work as much as possible, even if that means having more than one job. This is because if you really think about it, summer gives you the time and freedom to work as much as possible that the school year really doesn't. It is tiring, don't get me wrong, but when you see the paycheck, you'll thank me.
Third, save up all of your coins that you receive as change in a jar and bring it to a Coinstar or bank at the end of the summer. You'll be surprised with how much money you've just made off of dropping some change in a jar.
Last but not least, if you're working hard and not spending boatloads of money a week, then you're doing all you can do. Summer is only three months long so there is only so much you can do to prepare yourself for the expenses that are to come along with the school year. Happy saving!
