ValoreBooksBlog.com

Hello All, happy Monday! Starting in April, our founder and CEO Bobby Brannigan earned expert blogger status and is now a frequent contributer on FastCompany.com. You can check out all of Bobby’s articles here. Many of his posts discuss what it takes to launch and grow a successful business. We hope you check out his contributions so far, and let us know what you think!

Being a college student full time may leave you with less of an availability to work. Having less time for a job clearly limits your income potential for the time being so stretching a dollar is something you need to take into strong consideration. There are several ways you can manage your finances to be able to save money while in college.

The first thing you may consider is to take advantage of your campus. By using the campus computer lab to print reports and do research you do not have to waste any of your money on printer paper or ink. With the cost of a basic black ink cartridge being around twenty dollars, this can add up quickly if you do a lot of printing. Your tuition includes a facilities fee, take advantage.

The second thing you can do is take advantage of the school’s meal plan. You can get financial aid to cover your dining costs. Although some campuses do not offer fine dining quality food, the food is not too bad and the portions are a reasonable size. Taking advantage of the meal plan will keep you from over spending on delivery, dining out and potentially over eating.

Another great way to save money is by living with your family as long as the college is close to your home. By living with your family, you can avoid the meal plans and rooming costs because you will not need to eat or live on campus. Plus, a few more years of mom’s cooking isn’t the worst thing in the world.

If you plan on going on any road trips during the school year, consider car pooling. By hitching a ride with your fellow students, you can save endless amounts of money while still getting to where you want to go.

The smartest thing you can do with your refund from financial aid is put it into a savings account or apply it to your student loans to pay them down. You get a great tax credit for paying on loans during the school year and it is less you have to pay when you graduate.

Oh, and buy and sell your textbooks at ValoreBooks.com. You can save up to 90%, people!

How else do you save money in college?

With the competitive nature of the job market today, students are expected to graduate not only with a degree and good grades, but also with relevant work experience. Steady employment throughout college, even if it’s part-time, looks good to future employers because it shows that you are reliable, motivated and have mastered the art of time management.  Below is the first of a five part series that explores the 25  best jobs for college students.  The jobs found on this list will build both your character and your resume, while helping you pay for tuition too.

25. Computer lab tech assistant: If you are a fan of getting paid to do your homework and study, this could be a great gig for you throughout college. Computer lab techs on college campuses help students’ trouble shoot basic tech issues, ensure equipment is being used properly by lab users, and are responsible for opening and closing the lab. In between helping people print last minute assignments and repeatedly yelling “no food or drinks in the lab,” you should have plenty of time to tackle more important tasks, like your homework.

24. Golf Caddy/Starter: A caddy not only carries a player’s bag, but they also offer advice and moral support. A starter directs the flow of play and ensures that golfers progress through their rounds in a timely and appropriate manner. This is a great job for golf enthusiasts and is also a great networking opportunity for college students since many local business people golf both on the weekends and during business hours. Besides having a chance to meet and talk to people in the business community, discounts or free golf rounds are usually offered.

23. Resident Advisor: Calling all future administrators and counselors; this is the job you should want to have. While these gigs are competitive and hard to come by, skills you will gain as an RA are highly transferable. A resident advisor lives where he/she works. RA’s are responsible for building a positive community, assisting residents with personal and academic issues, upholding university policy and serving as a liaison between the school and the students. A common perk of the job is free or reduced living costs as well as an hourly rate.

22. Writer/Blogger: With the trend moving towards virtual workplaces, and the importance of web content for digital marketing purposes, you may be able to find work as a freelance writer or blogger for a company or industry blog. Many companies pay per blog post, and if your work is good, you can find continuous work with the company. If you are interested in a specific area, why not start your own blog? The blog also serves as a live resume for future employers. Essentially, a blog is a peak into how you write, think, and what is important to you as an individual and a professional.

21. Promotional Spokesperson: Promotional spokespeople are well paid and have the opportunity to work during sporting events, concerts and festivals. Promotional companies usually look for “go-getter” types who aren’t afraid to talk to people about a certain brand, product or event that they are trying to sell. If this describes you, this is a great opportunity to improve your communication, marketing and customer service skills, all while earning a great pay and having fun.

Do you agree with the jobs on this list? Let us know what you think is the best way to make money in college by leaving a comment below. All comments received by 11:59 pm PST on April 30th will be entered for a chance to win an iPod Nano. The winner will be announced and notified by May 7th, 2010.

It’s that time of year again, folks. Time for the much anticipated tournament where 64 of the best college basketball teams across the nation are narrowed to one. Whether your school’s team is in the running or not, the excitement surrounding March Madness is undeniable.

This year, ValoreBooks.com has partnered with Deuce Brand Watches to host a Facebook exclusive contest. Between now and March 19th, become a fan of ValoreBooks.com on Facebook and leave a comment with your prediction to the question “Who will be the last team standing in the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Bracket?” Anyone who predicts the winner correctly by 11:59 PM on March 19th will win a free Deuce Brand watch in their school’s colors!

Good luck! Leave your prediction now!

Please note that psychics are ineligible to enter. Once your prediction is made it cannot be changed; first prediction counts as entry. Only one prediction per entrant. Entry must be made by 11:59 PM March 19th, 2010 to be eligible. Winning contestants will be contacted to provide their mailing address for prize redemption.

Are you itching to go to Bonnaroo June 10-13th in Manchester, TN? Is your bank account holding you back? Don’t fret; we’ve got your back! Enter our online prize promotion to win tickets to Bonnaroo 2010, and sell your textbooks back to ValoreBooks.com to earn extra cash and for an extra chance to win! The contest runs from 12:00 AM on Monday, March 8th, 2010 through 11:59 PM on May 4th, 2010.

Tickets to Bonnaroo are not the only way you will be rewarded by ValoreBooks.com. We all know how expensive textbooks can be, yet not everyone takes full advantage of the opportunity to be able to sell textbooks to earn some extra cash. ValoreBooks.com has some of the highest sell back prices offered anywhere as well as instant price quotes and free shipping. In order to get the best prices when you sell textbooks at ValoreBooks.com it is important to do so as early as possible. If you sell textbooks as soon as you can, you will be rewarded with higher sell back prices for those books that you no longer need.

With additional cash you’ll make selling your old textbooks, you can get off the couch at mom and dad’s and enjoy the fun stuff this summer like music festivals and road trips with your friends. Oh, the possibilities.