As a college student, I know what it feels like having a shortage of money nearly every day of the year. With that being said, finding easy ways to make extra cash is always helpful.

They say that the richest people in the world usually have multiple streams of income, whether it be multiple jobs, investing, or being able to train or teach different things in what you are specialized in at work; more streams of income means more money for you.

As a young person, college student, or someone who wants to make some extra cash, here are seven effective ways to start making more money fast:

1. Research Studies

If you would have told me to partake in a research study a year ago, I would have laughed it off and said no way. It’s a scary thought thinking you might be a lab rat for a brand new product that is coming out. However, after partaking in various research studies I have come to find out that is not the case. Often times places are doing research studies to help better understand how the human body might work, how they can better the human body, and how different things can affect the human body. With that being said, I have not had to participate in any dangerous research studies to earn a decent amount of money. Every study that I have found and participated in have been either exercises or food related. Which means I can make an extra $500 for either working out or eating a certain type of diet. Sounds like a heck of a deal to me! If interested, here are some websites to read more about them:

• http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=10356 (Grand Forks, ND)
• https://www.facebook.com/UNDEatingBehaviorsLab/?fref=nf (Grand Forks, ND)
• http://www.gonovum.com (Fargo, ND)
• http://www.algopharm.com/en (Fargo, ND)

2. Create Budgets

Whether it be daily, weekly, or monthly, I firmly believe that creating budgets helps you save as well as be more aware of how much you spend, where you spend it, and whether or not what you spending your money on is worthwhile. In order to do this, you should first track your spending for at least two weeks and up to a month (meaning, every single thing that you spend money on), and then create a reasonable budget after that (which means not setting a budget you are going to cheat).

Setting a budget might mean limiting your restaurant and fast food purchases, clothing purchases, or even alcoholic purchases. For example, if you order food or buy fast food 3 times a week along with buying one coffee each week you probably spend about $35 each week (on the cheap side of the spectrum). While that does not seem like a lot of money, over the course of a year that equals about $1,680. That’s a lot of extra spending money, investing money, or college loan payment money. It’s amazing how much we could save just by monitoring our spending. I have listed a few sites below that can help you start setting a budget:

• http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/secrets-to-creating-a-budget-1.aspx
• http://www.investopedia.com/university/budgeting/basics2.asp
• https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/manage/crea...

3. Start Investing

The word “investing” is a scary word for many; I know it was for me. While putting money into a stock or maybe even a retirement fund can seem scary, with a little bit of research or the help of certain apps, investing can be very reasonable and easy to do. I currently use Acorn, which simply just rounds every credit card swipe to an even dollar amount and then invests it into various stocks. Acorn helps you to invest stock. You choose how risky you want to be with your investment, and then acorn does the investing for you. I have found that I have not only made money with this app, but it also helps me to save money as it acts as a saving account. Since I cannot get the money deposited into my regular bank account immediately, I do not even bother touching that money. There are a variety of different apps that are available. Here is a link with more, if you are interested:

• http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/mut...

4. Take Your Job Seriously

Working in high school, college or anytime in your life is just a part of being human. While the job that you might be taking part in might not be a job you want to do for the rest of your life, it is still important to take seriously. You are getting paid to do what you are doing at your job, so do not spend time texting or using social media, show up on time, and act professionally. Try to do the best that you can do at work and be respectful and patient (even in times of stress). Learning to have patience and to respect those you work for and with will get you far in life, whether it means a promotion, raise, or more hours; taking your job seriously can essentially mean more money in the long run.

5. Sell Smart

Through the years there will be items one will have to sell. Whether it be clothes, electronic items, or vehicles. Don’t just settle by selling to the first and easiest option. Take the extra time to either sell your items on eBay, your cities swap and shop via Facebook, Craigslist, or UNDerground. The amount of money you can make by taking the time to post the items you wish to sell with pictures will really help you make a little extra cash in the long run. I used to sell a lot of my clothes at Plato’s Closet in which I would average about $2 - $3 for a top and $10 - $15 for bottoms. When I started selling via eBay I actually quadrupled what I could make and I have found it is almost just as easy. It just takes a little bit more selling time.

6. Buy Smart

Along with selling smart comes buying smart. With that being said, any purchases (TV’s, headphones, food, BluRays, Phones, etc.) make sure you look around at different places to find the best bang for your buck on that item. Did you know that you are able to price match with amazon at Walmart, Bestbuy, and Target? That means, even if you want something that day, but it is cheaper on Amazon, you can still get the Amazon price. As long as you can pull Amazon up on your phone, they will match the price you show! Last year, I bought a pair of Beats by Dre headphones which were $379.00 at Target; however, I was able to buy them for $219.00 by price matching them. Needless to say, price matching has become one of my new hobbies (sorry, Target employees).

Along with price matching, there are apps that can be used to help you save money while you shop. These apps act as coupons, rebates, or reward systems and I love them all! I currently use:

• Cartwheel – Is a coupon app that helps me save on a variety of items while I shop at Target.
• Shopkick – Gives you points for SIMPLY WALKING into a store, eventually helping you earn free gift cards at your favorite places.
• Ibotta – Is a rebate system that works through your phone and is easily transferred to your PayPal account.

With using these three apps, I have earned $67.00 since January. It may not seem like a lot, but $67.00 will fill my car with gas for over a month. For me, that is something to be excited about!

7. Grow Your Professional Development

As a college student, I did not realize how easy it is to start building professional development. There are so many workshops, websites, and books you can read to start building your resume and working towards your professional development. If you don’t know how to get started, start by asking those who are in your career field or future career field, ask what they do to better themselves, and how you can get involved. I actually got involved by observing what my mentor teachers do to grow their professional development and then go from there. Observe what certifications other people are getting and start working on your professional development as soon as possible. There are so many free opportunities just waiting to be taken advantage of! Not to mention, it will help make you more marketable and help earn you more money in the long run!