10 Saving Tips for High School Students

High school life is the most exciting stage of education for everyone. Whenever I think about that stage in my life, I can't help but remember those unforgettable moments that shaped me for what I am now.

When I was a freshman, I braved the principal's office in order to learn typewriting. The bespectacled school head was skeptic about my ability. I reasoned out that I want to be a member of the school's publication, so, that skill was my key to enter the elite group in the school. He conceded and watched me like an eagle, eyeing my move as I started typing with only two forefingers, often protruding on the keys.

From there, I learned to use the best of my ability. Try everything from vocational skills to academic. My sisters tried calling me, "jack of all trades, master of none".

The most important of all, I tried to be thrifty. I don't spent my daily allowance because I'm saving for my projects and for buying songhits monthly and casette tapes that I've used during my radio days.

Saving is like a magic word that will give you comfort when a certain need arises.

It's not easy to save during high school. I was still thirsty to try new experiences, like having girlfriends, drinking liquor or even smoking. I admit I cannot stand vices but being friendly with girls was always part of boys' talk.

Anyway, from first year to fourth year,this set of personal method of saving thrived and even applied it even now.

1. Walk to save. I started walking for school for 20-30 minutes. The bell usually rang at 7:00 am. In the 80s, Php 20.00 or a dollar was enough for me to save for my projects and personal peeves. I bring a folded umbrella in case of rain. I did it with my other classmates. There were some local gangs who usually ask for some money. I always ran and walk on the other side of the street.
2. Learn special skills. I liked photography so much that I befriended the school's unofficial photographer. He trusted me for some personal errands. In exchange, he gave me discount whenever he took photos of me during school programs or contest. He even gave me pointers on photography. That was an added education for me. Because of him, I joined some local photography contests and won some of it. Even my old camera was just a manual type.
3. Accept doing projects. My other skill was drawing and painting. Most girls were not as keen like the boys in this department. Most of us the boys were commissioned to help them make such assignments as they gave corresponding payment for snacks. As a high school vocational student, I learned a lot about woodworking, metal craft, industrial electricity, electronics and automotive. Even our teachers hired as helpers when similar works were given to them. How I enjoyed building walls or even landscaping during weekends. It was also an added allowance for me.
4. Accept tutorials for kids. One of my teachers asked for my help to tutor her two kids during weekends. In exchange, she gave me payment for it. I tutored them for English subject (Reading, Constructing Sentences, etc.) and Math. I even did drawings and lettering for their projects.
5. Join school clubs. It's about responsibility. Being one of the high school leaders, we usually sponsored contests on poster-making, singing contest, quiz bee, sports and investigative/science projects. We encouraged the local businessmen to sponsor us, like softdrink companies, hardwares, merchandisers and all for our endeavor. During intramurals, every department, (from freshman,sophomore, junior to senior) have their own set of sponsors that minimized the costs of our uniforms, food and drinks and of course the trophies. Joining school clubs mean free snacks, too. Yes, folks, learning can be this fun!
6. Sell your projects. Since first year, we have the goal of selling our vocational projects and at the same time, earning grades from it, too. Our vocational teachers taught us that learning is a two-way process. Learn and sell. I was so happy selling my project on kiddy chair, hacksaw or even hammer.
7. Open a savings account. Career orientation often invited professionals for talks. Local bank accountants encouraged us to save for our future. They accepted a special saving scheme for high school teenagers. I opened one and continued until I finished high school. That way, I was able to finance my projects, without asking my parent's help all the time.
8. Open a seasonal business. Are you familiar with a lemonade stand in front of your home. It will be a good start. Sell candies or peanuts during weekends. Some fo my friends even s street foods My friends and I exhausted our savings and joined forces for an orange juice and sandwich stand during Penafrancia fiesta. We did it only once but a very memorable experience. We also earned profit more than we projected.
9. Apply for a summer job. Local stores or fast food centers employ high school students during vacation or summer. My job was at the ID section of the local university. I burnt some colored photos but learned a lot from it. LOL!!! And saved money for the next school year.
10. Be one of the cream of the crop. It will earn admiration both from your classmates and teachers if you aspire for honors. I did and even earned the highest honors in our batch as the Class Valedictorian. It brought me honors, for the school and for my parents, too. How I saved money from it? I even received gifts from the school, like full-time scholarships and of course, accolade. I'm a dreamer and made my wishes come true by working hard for it.

How about you? Did you save money during your high school years?

Please share it here. I'm ready to listen and learn from it, too.

The recent US recession and world inflation hit us badly.

In this side of the world, Asians, especially Filipinos find creative ways in order to save for the 'stormy days.'

With a lot of books to be read regarding Saving Money, Having a Thrifty Lifestyle, How to Make a Budget or Getting Out of Debt, any person can save for his/her future wisely.