Creative Tips for Saving for College #TakeSimpleSteps

Thanks to COUNTRY Financial for funding this discussion. All views expressed are my own.

When considering ways to save for college, several common strategies often come to mind.

• automatic transfers from your paycheck
• designated college savings accounts
• yard sales
• bake sales
  
  We’ve come up with some unconventional ideas to help you gather funds for college.

Found Money Jar
Have you ever discovered cash in the dryer or pockets? In the past, I would tuck it away as a “gift” from my family. Now, I deposit it into a jar labeled “found money.” This includes coins uncovered while cleaning the sofa or those stray dollars discovered in last winter’s coat.
Encourage your children to participate; their keen eyesight can be quite helpful! At year’s end, you may be amazed by the total amount your “found money” jar holds!

Recycling
Lately, I’ve spotted a trend in our neighborhood: many residents leave large bags of aluminum cans near our recycling bins. Those who know us often donate them for our kids to collect. The children clean and crush the cans to take them to the recycling center for a little extra cash.
Moreover, it’s a great opportunity to teach about keeping our environment clean. On walks, we often find cans littering the ground—don’t forget to bring a separate bag for additional waste!

Art Sale!
Have a mini Picasso at home? My 11-year-old generates some striking artwork! Consider framing their creations for sale on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Include a short bio about the artist and the reason for the sale—this gives them a greater stake in the savings journey. When kids are invested, they tend to appreciate the effort behind achieving their goals.

Funding for college can be straightforward if you start planning and saving early. With tuition on the rise, think of the impact of inflation over the next decade! For more on ways to prepare financially for higher education, explore EDUCATIONAL FUNDING OPTIONS by COUNTRY Financial. Stay updated by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.