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Money Monday
By Imagine Scholarships
Sherri Ross
May 05, 2025
☀️ Money Monday – Summer Kickoff Edition - 100 ways to make money this summer!
“Hot Days, Cool Money Moves”
The countdown is on — just a few weeks until the school year wraps up and summer kicks in. Whether you're dreaming of beach days, road trips, or just sleeping in, one thing’s for sure: Summer is better when your money’s in check.
This week, we’re flipping the script. No lectures — just real, simple ways to make and save money so your summer can be stress-free and full of YES.
Because summer isn’t just a break — it’s an opportunity. Let’s make this your smartest (and richest) summer yet. 💸🌞
I’ve been thinking about you and what you really want and need during this time of year.
If you’re like every other student I know (both college and high school) what you need is to increase your revenue, decrease expenses and save money.
In light of that, I’ve created 100 Creative Summer Money-Making Ideas For You.
While all of these are all great options to consider. Want to know a secret?
The best way to make money this summer is by applying for scholarships!!! There are over $10 Billion Dollars in scholarships waiting for you in your Imagine Scholarships account. Sign up here for free or the premium version.
The list above, will you help you make money this summer. The next part, decreasing expenses, will be up to you. Here are 5 Simple Money Saving Tips.
Here are 5 more tips for you:
💰 5 Simple Money-Saving Tips for Summer:
Pack your snacks – Gas station snacks are convenience store thieves. Keep granola bars, waters, and gum in your bag.
Library love – Before you drop $15 on a book or movie, hit up your local library. They’ve got it all (and A/C too).
Use cashback apps – Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can help you earn while you spend.
DIY your fun – Picnics, game nights, and backyard movie nights are cheaper (and way more memorable) than overpriced outings.
Delete the delivery app – You know the one. Summer = time to practice cooking, not tipping $8 to someone for bringing you fries.
🎓 For College Students:
This is your summer to level up. The goal isn’t just side hustles—it’s stacking opportunities. Apply for internships, scholarships, or even start your own mini business.
💡 Pro Tip: Offer dorm move-out cleaning services in May and storage help in August. It’s cash that literally gets left behind.
🔗 Bonus Challenge: Apply for 3 scholarships this week using Imagine. Yes, this week. You can knock them out in less time than a Netflix episode.
🎒 For High School Students:
You’ve got time, talent, and energy. That’s a triple threat. You can start making money without needing a 9-to-5 job.
💡 Try this: Pick 2-3 ideas from the 100 list and try them for a week each. See what sticks. You might even surprise yourself.
✍️ Bonus: Keep a notebook of what works and what doesn’t. You’re not just making money—you’re building your first resume.
👨👩👧 For Parents:
Summer can feel like a spending trap, but it can also be a season of smart habits. Give your kids (and yourself) challenges like:
Who can save the most by August 1?
Who can make the most with a side gig?
Who can create a fun memory without spending a dime?
💡 Model talking about money in positive, creative ways. Not stress-based. Empowering ones.
👩🏫 For Educators:
As your students head into summer, this is the perfect time to send them off with financial tools—not just vacation vibes. Share this week’s Money Monday and challenge them to:
Track their summer income and expenses
Set one savings goal
Apply for at least 3 scholarships
🧠 Idea: Host a “Money Moves” bulletin board in your classroom with ideas from the 100 list!
🏆 Scholarship of the Week
The 35th Annual A Voice for Animals Contest is supported by a partnership between the Animal Welfare Institute and the Humane Education Network. Participants must currently be enrolled in middle or high school, or be home-schooled, and less than 19 years of age on March 1, 2025 (the date the contest opened for entries). No exceptions! The contest is open to all otherwise eligible students worldwide regardless of nationality, citizenship, or country of residence.
You are strongly advised to read all the rules and advice for participants!
For 2025, there is a special topic category, "Protecting Marine Life from Human Impact", which may be applied across all eligible age groups and submission types. This option is in addition to the standard categories: Companion Animals, Farm Animals, Wildlife on Land, Wildlife in the Oceans.
➡️ Apply here or on Imagine Scholarships
🔥 Quote of the Week:
"Do something today that your future self will thank you for." – Unknown
🎯 Challenge of the Week:
Pick one way to make money and one way to save money this week. Write them down. Do them. Tell someone.
🌞 Closing Thoughts:
Summer isn’t just a break — it’s your chance to reset, refocus, and get ahead. Whether you're flipping burgers, flipping furniture, or flipping through scholarships on Imagine, every effort you make now adds up.
So dream big, work smart, save something, and spend wisely. Remember: money doesn’t grow on trees — but with the right mindset, it can grow in your hands.
You’ve got this.
See you next week with more tools to help you thrive — in school, in life, and in your wallet. 💸
Feel free to forward this email to share with a student, parent, or educator who could benefit.
See you next week!
Sherri and the Imagine Scholarships Team 💰✨
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