Students are graduating with cumbersome debts to start their lives off. Statistics say that the average debt for students is approximately 25 000 $ and growing (projectonstudentdebt.org/state_by_state-data.php) as it has been by 56% since 2005 (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/average-student-loan-debt_n_1680469.html). 

Do not despair! There are ways for you to make some extra cash to lessen the load and help with money for necessities and saving. Here are a some tips:

1. Evaluate your gifts and talents and Market them.

Do you have a talent or skill which you can share with others? Use your abilities to earn some income. This can be from offering music lessons in piano, guitar, dance, exercise or offering computer skills, tutorial services in group or individually. Your extra language can come in handy as you can teach another language to persons of all ages or start up a language-exchange or conversation course.

2. House-sitting and Animal Care

Many people who travel are not able to bring along their beloved pets with them to venture out and see the world. They want to ensure that those extended members of the family are not neglected at home all alone while they are aware. Animal care could entail walking dogs, making sure they are well-fed, cleaned, groomed and in some cases, even clothed.

3. Gift-Wrapping

Offer gift-wrapping services especially during the holidays during the year and birthdays, anniversaries, religious events etc.

4. Selling Art

Do you have an artistic skill? Make it profitable by selling your art at local exhibitions, online or by word of mouth. Feel free to venture beyond the confines of the canvass by selling beading, hand-made clothes, pillow cases, scarfs, bookmarks, jewelry and hair clips. You could even share your artistic talent with children and artistically-challenged adults by offering art classes.

5. Sell Your Items Online

Have clothes or other items that you do not need or want but need to get rid of? Sell online at sites like eBay.com. You could also buy and then resell.

6. Something Green is Cooking

If you have a knack for cooking and baking why not sell some of your delicious goods to your family or friends? When holiday dinners come around those you know may need an extra hand in preparing dishes. Or  why not sell your home-grown veggies and fruits? Stock up on your home-grown produce and sell your own locally grown foods as the season begins to take on a chill. 

7. Event-planning

You are young and still have lots of energy! You probably enjoy that weekend off to party with some friends or go to a relaxing lounge to decompress or have coffee and dinner at a restaurant. How about giving yourself the opportunity to plan events and parties?

8. CV & Cover Letters

Help make that CV stand out! You can offer interview tips and tricks related to posture, speech, use of language and poise as well as proofreading and editing CVs and cover letters.