Out-of-the

Special thanks to COUNTRY Financial for sponsoring this discussion. All views expressed are my own.

When considering ways to save for college, you might immediately think of the usual methods.

• Automating savings from your paycheck
• Setting up college savings funds
• Organizing garage sales
• Hosting bake sales



We’ve brainstormed a few unconventional ideas to help you add some extra funds for your college savings.

Found Money Jar
Have you ever discovered a bill or some loose change while checking your dryer? I used to stash it in my pocket and thank my family for the “tip.” Now, I deposit it into a jar labeled “found money.” Every coin retrieved from the couch cushions during a deep clean or the dollars found in last year’s coat pocket go in there.
Yes… pick it all up! Involve the kids; they have sharp eyes! You’ll be amazed at the amount accumulated in your “found money” jar by year’s end!

Recycling
Lately, we’ve noticed a trend in our neighborhood where neighbors leave out large bags of aluminum cans by the recycling bins. Those on friendly terms with us are happy to donate those bags to our kids. They rinse and crush the cans, which they then take to the recycling center for some pocket money.
Take this further by discussing litter and promoting a sense of responsibility to leave areas cleaner than you found them. While exploring new places, you’ll often come across litter, particularly aluminum cans. Remember to bring a separate bag for other types of waste, too!

Art Sale!
Do you have a young artist at home? My 11-year-old creates some stunning artwork! Consider framing those pieces and selling them online on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Include a brief “about the artist” section detailing why they are selling their work. This investment in the savings process encourages them to appreciate what it takes to reach their financial goals.

Funding college can be manageable if you start planning and saving early. With tuition fees on the rise, consider inflation over the next ten years! For more information on saving for college, explore COUNTRY Financial’s educational savings options. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for financial tips and updates.