Whether you’re saving money to help fund your education or you just want to get a morning coffee without depleting your bank account, getting in the habit of saving money now will pay off in the long run.

Here are some ways to start saving money, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your money once you earn it.

Put your talents to work

Whether you’re great at math, have the patience to teach a struggling student, know how to knit an adorable pair of mittens, or are a great piano player, I recommend you start trying to make some money by doing what you’re good at!

First of all, if you’re talented in a specific area, you’ll likely find this approach an easy way to make money. How great would it be to make some extra cash by doing something that comes naturally to you?

Second, if you do this, you might even get to be your own boss. Don’t like early mornings? Only want to work weekends? The choice is yours.

Finally, starting up your own on-the-side business can look good on your résumé. It can demonstrate skills such as the ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as prove you’re dedicated and have good communication and time management skills.

Ways you can use your talents to make money

• Tutor elementary or fellow high school students
• Sell crafted items, like mittens, blankets, or jewelry
• Teach music lessons
• Do yard work, like shovelling snow, raking leaves, or landscaping
• Walk dogs (yes, this is a talent; and honestly, what could be better than hanging out with a bunch of dogs?)

Declutter (and maybe make money at the same time)

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter! What’s great about this is that it’s probably something you should do anyway before heading off to university. Whether or not you’re moving away from home, it’s still nice to come back to a bedroom that is neat and tidy (and has room for all your new university swag!).

What is it that Marie Kondo says? "Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard the rest."

Before you discard your items, though, first try and make some cash off of them! Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace are great places to put your stuff up for sale. It doesn’t take much effort, and you’ll be surprised what other people are willing to pay for your old stuff!

Start bringing a lunch, for real

Want to keep more money in your bank account? Stop eating out! Something as simple as packing a lunch a couple of times a week can save you a lot of money.

Need more reasons to start bringing a lunch? It’s quite likely you’ll begin eating healthier. Not only this, but if you use reusable containers, you can cut back on a lot of unnecessary waste.

If you’re still not convinced and lunch is too much to ask for, why not just stop buying coffee? Make a coffee to-go at home in the morning instead of buying one. Even that small amount will add up over time and make a difference in your savings.

Challenge yourself

Maybe making and bringing a lunch is already challenging enough; but if not, and you’re looking for a bigger challenge, why not try one of these?

Use the 24-hour rule

If you think you want to buy something, like clothes or a new décor item, wait 24 hours. If 24 hours pass and you still want the item, then allow yourself to buy it. This method of taking a step back and reflecting on your purchases is a great way to ensure you’re buying something you want and not just something you thought you wanted.

Use the matching rule

Did you buy a coffee this morning? Do you really want a new pair of shoes? Buy these things if you feel you must, but match this "indulgence spending" with your savings! If you can afford to spend $4.68 on a fancy Starbucks drink or $80 on a new pair of shoes, then challenge yourself to put the same amount into your savings. This rule will inevitably make you think twice about what you’re spending your money on, and it will ensure that even when you are spending money, you’re also saving at the same time.

Calculate the cost of your purchases differently

If you’re working a part-time job, this challenge is for you. Let’s say you make $14/hour, and your new phone case costs $50. Stop and ask yourself, "Is this phone case really worth working over three and a half hours for?" If it is, great! But if not, don’t waste your money or your time.

Apply to scholarships

I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but here’s a reminder: apply for scholarships! Sure, applying can be a tedious process at times, but the payoff can be huge. Check out ScholarshipsCanada or Disability Awards and see if there’s anything you could apply for.

Being a student often doesn’t leave you with much free time, but if you can dedicate even just a small amount of your time to any of these, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the extra money you’re able to save.

Best of luck, and happy saving!