We all know that college is expensive...but it's also extremely busy. It can be difficult to find a job that works with your schedule. Having a busy class schedule can also limit the amount of time you're available to work.
If you're in a situation like this, there is hope! Having a regular job isn't the only way to earn money.
Here are some simple ways to earn extra money if you're a busy college student.
1. Ibotta
Heather DeSalvo
If you're like me, you hate spending money. However, there are some things we just need: toilet paper, food, toothpaste, etc. Ibotta, a free cash back app, makes spending money on things you regularly buy more rewarding.
It's free and easy to use. Search for participating stores, both in-person and online. Add offers on products that you need (it's kind of like a virtual shopping list), buy the items, and scan your receipt. If you find an online offer, you must visit the website and make the purchase through the Ibotta app.
You can cash out the money you've earned once you've reached $20. It has been only two months since I started using this app and I'm already at $10!
Some of my family members have earned more than $100 using Ibotta. You have nothing to lose with this app!
Click here to join Ibotta. If you use that link or type in the referral code "htdtncn" and redeem an offer, I will receive $5! You can do the same thing by referring your friends. It's a win-win situation.
2. Tutoring
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Many colleges offer free tutoring services, but many of these services are designed for short-term help.
The solution? If you excel in any subject, charge a flat rate for individualized, semester-long tutoring services. Social media is probably the easiest way to spread the word. Posting flyers around your campus is another efficient way to advertise your services.
There are also companies like Varsity Tutors that pay students like you to tutor people who need help in various subjects. The best part about this job is that you can choose your hours and mode of instruction (in-person or online). If you are good at tutoring, take a chance and apply.
3. Shopkick
Heather DeSalvo
Shopkick is a unique shopping rewards app. You can receive "kicks" (these are basically points) for simply opening the Shopkick app and walking into participating stores, scanning certain products as you shop, or purchasing certain items. You can get kicks for purchasing items both in-store and online.
Obviously, you get more points for actually purchasing the items, but you don't have to. You can go down the aisles of Target and scan items while running errands.
You can also get kicks for watching certain videos in the app. These are usually ads.
Rewards are in the form of gift cards. Some gift card options include Target, Walmart, Starbucks, American Eagle, and iTunes. For a Starbucks gift card, you need 1,250 kicks or more.
Although you won't be earning cash with this app, you will save money by using gift cards. Think about the money you won't be spending on Starbucks!
Join Shopkick by clicking here. If you use that link or type in the referral code "FUN863400" and scan or buy an item, I will receive 250 kicks! As with Ibotta, you can earn kicks by referring your friends.
4. Poshmark
Heather DeSalvo
Do you have clothes that you haven't worn in months and need to get rid of? Do you need some more space in your closet? Sell your clothes on Poshmark! It's as simple as downloading the Poshmark app, uploading a picture of the items you want to sell, and getting money for them!
I've never used Poshmark, but I know a lot of people who actively use it. You set the prices of the items you want to sell and post it to a marketplace. Think of Poshmark as a social shopping app.
5. Swagbucks
Heather DeSalvo
I've saved the best for last!
Swagbucks is a popular rewards website that matches you with surveys, videos, and games to earn Swagbucks, which are basically points. You can use Swagbucks for gift cards to various retailers. You can get Swagbucks for something as simple as signing up for the Domino's Pizza mailing list.
You can redeem your Swagbucks for something as small as a $3 Amazon gift card, but you can also save up your Swagbucks for larger gift card values. I've only been using Swagbucks for two weeks and I've already redeemed a $10 Starbucks gift card!
You can even download a "SwagButton" for Google Chrome so you never miss opportunities for Swagbucks. Simply downloading it will give you 50 Swagbucks!
Join Swagbucks by clicking here. I'll get 15 Swagbucks if you sign up with my link, and you'll get 150 Swagbucks. You guessed it: Just like the other apps, referrals help you earn money! There's also a Swagbucks app if you want to earn Swagbucks on the go.
