With a stretch of two or three weeks of lazy days, your student can still do something to earn a little extra cash for college this winter break (though I’m sure they’d all prefer to hibernate the days away!). Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

1. Clean out the Closet.
Kill two birds with one stone: Have your student clean out his or her bedroom (or if you’re more adventurous, work on your garage or attic!) and sell the unwanted goods on eBay or Craig’s list. Put the earnings toward school costs, and enjoy your tidier home!

2. Housesit (or Yard-sit).
With so many people heading off to visit relatives, your student could earn some college money by offering to look after a neighbor’s home, yard, or pet. This type of work means some extra income without a big time commitment.

3. Work on Scholarships.
Winter break is the perfect time for students to work on applying for scholarships-they have time to dedicate to this activity without the distractions of homework and school clubs and programs. Plus, there are still many scholarships, both local and national, accepting applications for this year through the spring. Remember, for the best chance of winning, your student should focus on scholarships in their local or regional area, and scholarships that match his or her specific talents, characteristics, or interests. This may help him or her find scholarships that have less competition.

4. Temporary Work.
It might be hard to find a regular job for only a few weeks, but if your son or daughter is looking for some temporary work he or she can start with any major retailer. Stores that sell toys, clothes, video games, and other popular gift items often take on temporary help during the holidays to help them handle the crowds. That means your student can have some income over the break without having to commit long-term. Helping as a server for a catering service or friend or neighbor putting on a holiday party can also be a great way to pocket some extra cash.

5. Become an Entrepreneur.
If your son or daughter is artistically inclined-from knitting scarves to painting and anywhere in between-the holiday season is the perfect time to turn that hobby into a little income. Braver kids can showcase their creations in stores, boutiques, or other local businesses to see if they can sell at wholesale or on consignment. If your son or daughter is a little more reserved, he or she could try selling items online at a website like Etsy.com, which is devoted to selling handmade crafts.

BONUS IDEA!

Work for Mom and Dad.
If you own a business, you might want to consider hiring your kids to help out over the break. This can not only be a tax-efficient way to pay for college, but a great additional year-end tax deduction for your business! A few tasks you can hire your son or daughter to do include deep cleaning your office, helping with backlogged work or filing, or filling in for a receptionist who wants time off during the holidays.

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All the best,
Deborah Fox

Photo by LKay