The Masterpiece Mom

Home » Misc » How to get money fast as a child

How to get money fast as a child


11 Ways to Make Money as a Kid for Any Age

You’re our first priority.


Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.

Jobs for kids include babysitting, selling clothes online and tutoring.

By

Lauren Schwahn 

Lauren Schwahn
Lead Writer | Personal finance, debt

Lauren Schwahn is a writer at NerdWallet who covers debt, budgeting and money-saving strategies. She contributes to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press. Her work has also been featured by USA Today, MarketWatch and more. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is based in San Francisco.

 

Edited by Courtney Neidel  

Courtney Neidel
Assigning Editor | Personal finance, budgeting, shopping

Courtney Neidel is an assigning editor for the core personal finance team at NerdWallet. She joined NerdWallet in 2014 and spent six years writing about shopping, budgeting and money-saving strategies before being promoted to editor. Courtney has been interviewed as a retail authority by "Good Morning America," Cheddar and CBSN. Her prior experience includes freelance writing for California newspapers.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Job opportunities for children are limited, but not impossible to find. Sure, the minimum working age in the United States is 14, and some states may have a higher minimum employment age. However, there are certain exceptions, plus other ways besides traditional employment to make a few quick bucks.

Need some ideas? Here are nine simple ways for kids to make money online and offline.

How to make money as a kid

Ways to earn money as a kid of almost any age

Ways to earn money as a teen

Tips for making money as a kid

Ways to earn money as a kid of almost any age

1. Do chores and odd jobs around the house or neighborhood

Kids who are old enough to help out with household responsibilities and yardwork can cash in on their chores. For example, families can assign a dollar value to tasks like washing the dishes, vacuuming, folding laundry or pulling weeds.

Another option: Ask friends and neighbors about opportunities to babysit, wash dogs and more.

2. Sell your stuff in person or online

Getting rid of unwanted clothes, books, toys, furniture and more can be a quick way to make money. Kids can organize a garage or yard sale, or sell items through apps and websites. The marketplace OfferUp is available to children 16 and older, with parental supervision.

Crafty kids can also sell their art, jewelry, T-shirts and other creations online. Children ages 13 to 17 may use a parent or legal guardian’s account (with their permission) to sell on Etsy. Parents and guardians can operate accounts on behalf of children under 13.

3. Sell lemonade

Don’t have any items to sell? Set up a good old-fashioned lemonade stand (most states require a permit, so check local laws first).

4. Teach others a skill

Spread the word about hobbies and talents you have that others may want to learn. For example, you can host a coding class or give music, cooking or art lessons.

Ways to earn money as a teen

5. Find local gigs through Nextdoor

Use social networking groups to find work in your community, if allowed. Teens 13 years of age and older can offer services such as babysitting, dog walking or mowing lawns through the Nextdoor app.

6. Freelance

Freelancing can help teenagers make money online and build their portfolios. It provides flexible hours, the potential to set your own rates and a market for just about any skill you can think of. Potential jobs include writing blog posts, designing logos, editing a podcast or creating a website.

Most freelancing marketplaces restrict eligibility to people 18 years old and over, but you’ll find some sites with younger age limits. Fiverr, for example, is open to users 13 and older. If existing websites and apps are too limiting, ask a parent to help you set up your own freelancing business. Learn about more business ideas for teens with an entrepreneurial mindset.

7. Become a tutor

If you excel in one or more school subjects, help fellow students by offering your services as a tutor. Asking classmates or siblings to hire you is a good strategy to start. You can also post flyers in places like schools, libraries and coffee shops — just make sure to get approval first.

8. Take surveys

Taking online surveys usually doesn’t require skills or experience, which can be a good fit for kids with ample free time. Some sites, including Swagbucks and MyPoints, are open to teens as young as 13. Here’s how they work: Users earn cash, gift cards or other rewards for answering questions and sharing opinions on different topics.

However, this work has drawbacks: It can be mind-numbing, pays little and often requires survey takers to share their demographics or other personal information. Kids and parents should consider these things before proceeding.

9. Monetize your social media accounts

Making money with social media takes time and dedication. Still, plenty of kids have earned recognition — and dollars — from dancing, reviewing toys, giving tutorials and creating other content on popular platforms. TikTok, YouTube and Instagram allow children 13 and up to use their services.

10. Get paid to stream on Twitch

Enjoy playing or talking about video games? There’s an audience for that on Twitch. Kids who are at least 13 years old and have parental or guardian supervision can set up livestreams on the gaming platform and earn money through donations, affiliate marketing, sponsorships and other methods. Learn more about what it takes to make money on Twitch.

11. Search for regular jobs for kids

Child labor laws make a few employment exceptions for children under 14. Kids of any age can work for their parent’s business, for example, or take up certain agricultural and entertainment-industry work. Paper routes may be nearly extinct, but those are permitted too.

Of course, teenagers who meet the standard minimum age requirement have vastly more opportunities available to them. Grocery store, retail and restaurant industry jobs are popular options.

Check out online job boards and inquire about open positions at businesses near you.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Take control of your finances - track your credit score, cash flow, and net worth all in one place. Sign up for free

Tips for making money as a kid

Earning money at an early age can foster responsibility, work ethic and a better understanding of how finances work. But it’s important for families to set priorities and ground rules.

Talk to parents, teachers, counselors and other trusted adults. They can offer guidance, supervision (when needed) and even connections to paying gigs in some cases. Check out online resources too. For example, you can learn more about young workers’ rights and job opportunities on the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Always check terms and conditions before using any online platform to make sure you meet the minimum age and other requirements, and watch out for scams.

About the author: Lauren Schwahn covers consumer credit and debt at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured by USA Today and The Associated Press. Read more

POPULAR ON NERDWALLET

15 Ways to Make Money as a Kid

Saving

8 Min Read | Jun 15, 2022

By Rachel Cruze

By Rachel Cruze

If you think kids have to wait until they turn 16 to get their first job and start earning money, think again! It’s never too soon to start having money conversations with your kids. And one of the best ways to make these teachings real is to help your children find ways to make money by themselves.

But I’m not talking about giving them an allowance. Nope! We don’t do allowances or hand out crisp dollar bills just for being cute. Our kids work on commission. They’re young, but they can still find ways to earn money by pitching in with responsibilities around the house and the neighborhood. And if they choose not to help, they won’t get paid. It’s as simple as that!

If your kids are looking for odd jobs and projects to do to make money, I want to encourage you to support them. Earning cash on their own is a big step—and one of the first steps on the path to managing money well. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 15 ways to make money as a kid that you can read through together.

How to Make Money From Home as a Kid

All right, I’m so excited to look at ways your kids can earn money. No matter their age or what grade they’re in, there are tons of opportunities for your kids to start bringing home some bacon. Here are 15 ways kids can start making money by themselves:

1. Babysit or be a nanny.

Check out babysitting certification courses through your local hospital or community center. There are also vetted websites like UrbanSitter that can help teens find flexible, well-paid work with trusted families.

2. Help with chores and odd jobs at home.

Housework never ends, am I right? But with a little planning, you can set your kids up for success with a chore schedule that fits their age and abilities. From feeding the dog to helping fold laundry, the options are endless.

Need an extra boost in your budget? Find more money each month with our 14-Day Money Finder!

Odd jobs like cleaning gutters, painting walls, and putting up Christmas lights are just a few of the ways your kids can help with basic home projects. Now, I’m not suggesting your kids tackle more advanced plumbing or electric jobs, but basic home projects they can do safely are all good options to make some extra money and learn handy life skills.

3. Do yard work in the neighborhood.

Pulling weeds, cleaning up after pets, planting gardens, raking leaves—no matter what season it is, there’s yard work to do. And, man, yards are a lot of work. A lot of people would rather pay someone else to do the work for them, so don’t forget to ask the neighbors if they need help too. If you live in a colder place, shoveling snowy driveways and sidewalks in the winter can be helpful to your elderly neighbors and a good way for your kid to make a few bucks.

4. Tutor other kids.

Whether your child is a math whiz or the next great American novelist, there are always other students who could use some help with math, English and other subjects. Why not develop their teaching skills while making some money?

5. Wash and vacuum cars.

If you live in a family-friendly neighborhood, I guarantee plenty of cars on your block have more than a few stray Cheerios hiding under the seats. This could be an easy side job for your kid to work into their routine. And good news! Vacuums are super portable now, and you can put together an affordable car wash starter kit with some dollar store buckets, sponges and soap.

6. Walk dogs or pet sit.

Is your child an animal lover? Dog walking and pet sitting (with supervision, if needed) have tons of benefits, like making money, getting free cuddles, spending time in fresh air and sunshine—all without the commitment of permanent pet ownership. It’s a win-win!

7. Host a garage sale.

If you’ve been meaning to clean out some clutter in your house (ugh—not how I want spend a Saturday), get your kiddos to help. They’ll have fun making a few bucks digging out old holiday decorations and long-forgotten toys that can be sold to other families who have a use for them. And on the plus side, you’ll have some extra space in your house!

8. Have a bake sale.

Who doesn’t love a homemade cupcake? Throwing a bake sale is a great way to make three things: delicious baked goods, money and memories with your kids. What are you waiting for? Find some fun recipes online and get to baking.

9. Sell arts and crafts.

If you get creative, there’s plenty of arts and crafts your kids can make for cheap and sell. Think homemade Christmas ornaments, personalized key chains, decorative picture frames, customized placemats, handmade potholders, decorative flowerpots . . . the list goes on. To get started, take a walk through your local craft store for ideas.

10. Teach music lessons or perform at events.

If your child has a talent for music, why not encourage them to share their gift with others? They can teach lessons to other students after school or perform at local events with community groups.  

11. Share creative talents on online freelance sites.

Online marketplace and freelance sites like Fiverr, Etsy and UpWork are awesome platforms for older teens to start building a client base for creative work. If your child is a talented illustrator, writer, photographer, audio tech or has any other marketable professional skills, there’s nothing stopping them from working on paid projects. (Also consider helping local businesses with social media and contributing to neighborhood magazines. )

12. Sell homemade jewelry.

All right, your kids can have tons of fun creating unique, handmade accessories, like earrings, friendship bracelets and custom necklaces. Craft stores sell jewelry making tools and pretty beads and charms. Let your kids express their inner artist and entrepreneur by selling jewelry to friends, family and neighbors!

13. Resell furniture and clothes.

As your children outgrow their clothes and bedroom furniture, help them resell these items. You can list gently worn clothes on apps like Mercari, Poshmark and thredUP, or even take them to a local consignment store for cash.

For larger items like furniture, try Facebook Marketplace, where you and your teen can vet buyers and agree on a public place to meet for the sale. (It should go without saying: If you’re using online selling, be sure to supervise for safety reasons.)

14. Get a part-time job.

If they’re old enough, teenagers can find part-time jobs that work around their school schedule. Look for weekend or evening shifts and seasonal schedules during summer break. Check out local libraries, movie theaters, the YMCA, frozen yogurt shops and other retail and service industry jobs for a steady paycheck.

15. Recycle cans and bottles.

I know, recycling cans for cash sounds super old-school. But hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Do a quick Google search to see if your city offers paid recycling. Bonus: The more recycling you bring in, the cleaner the planet will be. Every little bit counts!

What to Teach Kids About Making Money

As you and your kids are brainstorming ways to make money, I want to talk a little bit about the importance of contentment. While you’re teaching them about earning money, it’s important to explain that money doesn’t buy happiness. And keeping up with the Joneses (even if the Joneses are their friends at school) isn’t the path to peace.

As you teach them about the value of hard work, helping others, and being paid for a job well done, you’ll naturally start explaining what your kids can do with that money. This includes giving, spending and saving. Ultimately, peace comes from managing money well—even as a young person. And this understanding can help set them up for healthy money tendencies early on.

You guys, it is so important to talk about money as a family, and it all starts with how you handle money in your own home. As I like to say, more is caught than taught. Having direct conversations and setting a good example will help kids be good stewards of their money as teens and adults. And the good news is, they can get started on this journey today.

Ready to Get Started? Take the Next Step in Teen Entrepreneurship

Looking for more ideas on how kids can make money? Check out the Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox. This small-business guide walks teens through eight easy, practical steps for starting their own business using our entrepreneurial plan. Plus, this toolbox includes business ideas, activities and authentic, real-life stories from teenagers and successful entrepreneurs. What are you waiting for? Help your kids start making and taking control of their money today!

About the author

Rachel Cruze

Rachel Cruze is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, financial expert, and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. Rachel writes and speaks on personal finances, budgeting, investing and money trends. As a co-host of The Ramsey Show, America’s second-largest talk radio show, Rachel reaches 18 million weekly listeners with her personal finance advice. She has appeared on Good Morning America and Fox News and has been featured in publications such as Time, Real Simple and Women’s Health magazines. Through her shows, books, syndicated columns and speaking events, Rachel shares fun, practical ways to take control of your money and create a life you love. Learn More.

Thanks for sharing the gift of hope with a friend or family member!

Sharing this article could lead to the life change that someone needs to change their family tree for the better!

90,000 how and where you can make money to a teenager: how to start earning a teenager from scratch at 13-15 years old

<< Lead>

¾

mit

¾,0009 Mikhail Ermolaev,

Financial analyst at Foxix

‍

At what age can one start working

According to the laws of the Russian Federation, a citizen has the right to work from the age of 16. So, if they tell you that you are still very young and do not want to conclude an employment contract with you, do not believe it. From the age of 16 you have every right to be formalized!

‍

‍

You can work earlier - from the age of 14, but then you will need written consent from one of the parents and guardianship authorities. In some cases, the child must also have completed general education (5th to 9th grade).

‍

If you really want to, you can work even earlier. This can be done if, for example, your parents have their own business. Helping out with this kind of work is the perfect side job.

‍ ‍

Polina, 13 years old

‍ “I am a cynologist. This is our family business: my mother also takes care of dogs. We train them for search, obedience and dance with dogs. Since I am not yet 14, all legal matters are handled by my mother, and they only give me my percentage.”

‍

‍

‍

What documents are needed for official employment
  • Written permission from one of the parents.
  • Certificate from the school for employment during school hours.
  • Written consent from the municipal guardianship authority.
  • Medical certificate of the established form. The medical examination is paid by the employer.
  • SNILS.
  • Employment book.

‍

Almost all documents can be issued at the MFC - Multifunctional Center, except for a medical certificate. It is issued separately, in the direction of the employer. Detailed instructions can always be found on the State Services website.

-

How long is the working day? The duration of work shifts, if you continue to study, is from two and a half to four hours a day, depending on age. In the summer, when there is no study, you can work from four to seven hours a day, the shift depends on age.

‍

‍

How to choose an employer and where you can earn money quickly for a teenager

You should choose a job based on your personal qualities, interests and inclinations. Perhaps the first summer job will become a brick in the foundation of your future career.

‍

Sonya, 17 years old

‍ “I do video making and SMM. Since childhood, I was interested in creating something beautiful, so I chose for myself such an area in which I have the freedom of creativity and a large field for the realization of desires. I took a short course on SMM and decided to practice the skills that I got there and see if this is exactly the direction in which I want to continue working.”

‍

‍

A job can grow out of your hobby. For example, you are interested in science fiction books. You can try to get a job in a bookstore or a comic book store. If you enjoy interacting with people, being a shop assistant or waiter won't be a problem.

‍

Lisa, 16

‍ “I work as a barista in a coffee shop. When I chose a job, I relied on what I like. My dad loves coffee very much, he constantly brews it in the morning in a Turk, this is a whole ritual. Therefore, working in a coffee shop is a real pleasure for me. In the future, I want to become a clinical psychologist or psychotherapist, and I immediately understood that it is impossible to find a job in this area at this stage, so for now I have chosen a simpler and more versatile part-time job.”

‍

Working as a waiter, barista, or courier will most likely not be related to your future career. But such work is good because, firstly, it is always paid, and secondly, working in such places, you can gain skills and experience that will be useful later in any business: responsibility, punctuality, teamwork experience, work experience with clients.

‍

Where to find the right job

Job search sites and job posting sites usually have the ability to search for jobs available to applicants aged 14 and over. There are also groups on social networks that post various vacancies. You can follow the pages of those companies in which you would like to get a job: sometimes vacancies are posted right there, without the mediation of aggregator sites. Another option is through recommendations and acquaintances.

‍

<>

‍

Liza, 17 years old

‍

‍ “I work as a tutor. The first family I began to help was recommended to me by my parents. We live in a large house with several sections, and my stepmother has access to the group of all parents at home. When the school year began, they began to discuss tutoring and look for people who could help with the children and their homework.”

-

-

How not to get hired by a dishonest employer

Before you get a job, you should check your employer. There are websites where you can look up the risk of bankruptcy or other risks by TIN or company name. The presence of court cases is easily checked on the website kad.arbitr.ru. It is also worth just entering the name of the company in a search engine and making sure that there is no negative information about it - it is usually immediately visible when searching.

-

How to apply for a vacancy

The resume should be concise, informative and fit on one A4 page. If you already have some work experience, you need to indicate it, revealing what skills and competencies you managed to upgrade at your previous job. If there is no experience, write down what skills you have that may be useful in future work. Don't forget to add a photo and your contact information: phone, email, or a convenient messenger.

‍

Interview

At the interview you will be asked to tell about yourself, and they will also find out why you want to work in this particular company and in this particular position. They may ask if you have worked somewhere before. Do not be embarrassed: if you did not work, tell the truth.

‍

You will also be expected to ask questions. If you don’t want to ask anything specific, then find out the details about your duties, specify the schedule, duration of shifts, salary. So you will understand whether you want to go to this company at all, because both parties actually go through the interview.

‍

It is also worth immediately clarifying about the employment contract: without signing the contract, you can easily fall into a scam and be left without money.

‍

How to understand how much your work is worth

It is useful to know what wages the labor market offers. For example, when looking for a position as a waiter, you can look at 5-10 vacancies in different restaurants and cafes in order to understand how much employers are willing to pay on average for such work.

-

Sometimes employers ask about the expected salary. If this does not happen, it is absolutely normal to ask about the amount and frequency of payments.

‍

In order to more consciously approach the issue of earnings, savings and spending, it is important to delve into the basics of financial literacy. To do this, Foxford methodologists have developed a free course and a quiz game “Spent! How Parents Respond to Your Spending” . In the game, you will have to make independent decisions, such as about deposits, investments and expensive purchases, and not fall for popular financial fraud schemes. At the end of the game, you will get access to a free mini-course on financial literacy. In four short episodes, the guys will learn how to protect themselves from the tricks of scammers, accumulate and increase their savings and earn their first money. You can play the game and access the free financial literacy course here.

‍

What to remember

1. You can officially work from the age of 14 with written consent from your parents or guardians, and from 16 and without it.

‍

2. All documents for official employment can be issued through the MFC, except for a medical certificate, followed by a medical examination in the direction of the employer.

‍

3. The length of work shifts for teenagers depends on age and availability of studies during the period of work.

‍

4. The easiest way to find a job is through job aggregator sites or through groups on social networks.

-

5. When applying for a job, always look at the terms of the contract, specify the work schedule and your duties, so that later there are no misunderstandings with the employer.

How to make money for a schoolboy at 11: ways

When a child has the opportunity to earn money on his own, he develops a sense of responsibility and independence. In the future, this will affect his family life: respect for family values, work and work.

Unfortunately, at the age of 11, a teenager does not have the opportunity to find a job. By law and with parental consent, children are only allowed to work from the age of 14. If your child is burning with an irresistible desire to work, then you can implement other ideas of possible earnings.

Rules and Restrictions

As a parent, you should know what your child's job should be:

  1. To start with your child's post-school work, it's a good idea to pick one that's both intellectually and physically feasible, because in no case should he experience discomfort, self-doubt, stress.
  2. At the age of 11, students can be involved for no more than two hours a day. This is due to emotional and mental restructuring: any business that is performed for a long time, monotonously, can cause a breakdown.
  3. Availability of rest - at least 2 days a week.
  4. Don't risk your child's education and health. It is in connection with this reason that children should not work during the educational process. It is very difficult, it is better to earn extra money during the holidays, namely the summer ones, because they are the longest.
  5. It's not bad if children have a job that often changes the course of actions, because when a person constantly changes his occupation (action performed), he rests.
  6. At this age, the game moment is no less important. If your child is losing excitement, then you should not force him to finish the job. It is even useful to suggest that children give up their "career" or take a vacation.

How can an 11-year-old schoolboy earn money on his own? They can both come up with something of their own and share the experience of their peers.

Read also: How to make money for a schoolboy at the age of 10

Earnings outside the city

0003

  • farm assistance. For example, help in caring for horses: feed them, clean them and clean up after them. There is also an option to help vegetable growers: knit vegetables in bunches, sort through, and so on;
  • help lonely people, pensioners in the country: in the garden you can weed, plant and harvest. For girls, the option of cleaning the house is suitable, and for boys, cutting off dried branches. Help your child, ask the neighbors if they need such helpers. In this case, employers should set the price for work;
  • Eleven-year-old girls at the dacha are able to help plant flowers and vegetables, harvest and conserve crops. Girls, in addition, can earn extra money as a nanny.

Earning money in the city

After leaving school, during the summer, not all schoolchildren have the opportunity to go to the countryside, but it doesn’t matter, because it’s really possible to earn money in the city during the holidays:

  1. Your children can walk their neighbor’s small and non-aggressive pets breeds.
  2. Monitor the neighbor's apartment while the owners left: dust, water the flowers, feed the animals. ..
  3. You can also sell old or handmade items: souvenirs, accessories, postcards, jewelry, and more.

How an eleven year old can make money online

It's far from new to make money online. This is a very safe income for a student, because it limits, for example, such risks as work-related injuries. You will be calm, because your child is at home.

There are several ways to earn money online: