What can a 13 year old do to make money
Short answer
A 13 year old can make money by offering local services like babysitting, pet care, lawn work, or selling handmade crafts. These activities are safe, flexible, and teach valuable skills. By starting small and using clear steps—from choosing a job to managing earnings—teens can earn cash, build responsibility, and prepare for future financial independence.
What can a 13 year old do to make money in simple terms?
Making money at 13 means doing small jobs or projects where you exchange your time and effort for cash. Since formal employment options are limited by law at this age, focus on informal jobs that family, neighbors, or community members need. Common examples include babysitting younger kids, walking or pet sitting for neighbors, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or selling crafts you make, like friendship bracelets or baked treats. These jobs don’t usually require special equipment or certifications but do require reliability and good communication. For example, if you enjoy baking, you might offer cookies or cupcakes for sale at family gatherings or to friends, charging about $1 per cookie. If you’re good with animals, walking dogs before or after school can be a great way to earn money while staying active.
How does a 13 year old actually make money?
To start making money, first identify your skills and what people around you need help with. For example, suppose you like pets and decide to offer dog-walking services. Begin by creating a simple flyer that says: “Reliable Dog Walker – Safe, Friendly, and Affordable! Call [Your Name] at [Phone Number]” Ask your parents to help you distribute flyers in your neighborhood or post them on community bulletin boards. Set a clear price, such as $10 for a 30-minute walk. If you walk two dogs twice a week, that’s $40 each week. Over a month, it adds up to $160, which you can save or spend on something you want. Keep a notebook or use a simple spreadsheet to track who you worked for, when, and how much you earned. This habit helps you manage your money and builds good work discipline. Some teens also offer tech help, like teaching older adults how to use smartphones, charging $15 for a half-hour session. Whatever you choose, be clear about your availability and stick to your commitments.
Why does making money at 13 matter to teens?
Earning money early helps you learn to manage your time and money, which builds important life skills. When you work for money, you understand the value of effort and become more responsible with spending. For instance, if you save $20 a month from dog-walking, you might budget to spend $10 on snacks and save $10 for a new video game or school supplies. This teaches goal-setting and delayed gratification. It also feels good to contribute to your family or community. Making money at 13 shows you can be dependable and mature, which will help when you apply for jobs as a teen or young adult. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore what you like doing and what you’re good at, which can shape your future career interests.
What are terms related to making money at 13 that people often mix up?
Understanding how different money-making terms work helps you choose the right approach.
- Job vs. Gig: A job often means steady work with regular hours, like a summer camp counselor. A gig is a short-term or one-time task, like washing a neighbor’s car. At 13, gigs are more common.
- Allowance vs. Earned Money: An allowance is money parents give regularly, usually without work. Earned money comes from jobs or selling goods. Having both can teach budgeting and saving.
- Freelancing: This means offering specialized services on your own, like writing, graphic design, or coding. Many freelance platforms require you to be older, but some teens start freelancing with parental guidance.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting your own small business, like a lemonade stand or a craft shop, means creating and selling your own products or services. You manage everything from pricing to marketing.
Knowing these terms helps you communicate clearly with parents, customers, or friends and understand what kind of work fits your age and skills.
What legal or safety considerations should a 13 year old keep in mind?
Child labor laws in the U.S. generally restrict formal employment under 14 years old, with some exceptions for jobs like babysitting, newspapers, or family businesses. This means most 13 year olds can’t work in stores or restaurants. However, informal work like pet sitting or yard work is usually allowed. Always check your state’s specific rules online or ask a local labor office. Safety is a top priority: never meet strangers alone for jobs, always tell a trusted adult where you are, and carry a phone. For online work or freelancing, parents should help you set up accounts and monitor activity to avoid scams or privacy risks. If you ever feel unsafe or pressured, talk to a parent, teacher, or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support. Remember, your safety comes first with any money-making activity.
What practical steps can a 13 year old take to start making money?
Here is a step-by-step guide to get started:
- List your skills and interests: Write down things you like doing and are good at, such as pet care, crafts, or tutoring.
- Survey your community: Ask neighbors or family if they need help with tasks like lawn mowing, snow shoveling, or babysitting.
- Set prices: Research what others charge. For example, lawn mowing might be $15 per hour. Don’t undersell yourself but stay fair.
- Create simple advertising: Make flyers with your name, contact info, and services. Ask a parent to help post them locally or share on community social media groups.
- Get permission and support: Always talk to your parents or guardians before starting. They can help with safety, money management, and transportation.
- Keep a schedule: Plan your working hours around school, homework, and rest to avoid burnout.
- Track your work and money: Use a notebook or app to record who you worked for, dates, hours, and payments.
- Deliver quality: Be on time, polite, and do your best work. Happy customers might recommend you to others, growing your business.
Following these steps helps you build a strong foundation for making money safely and responsibly.
What can a 13 year old do next after starting to make money?
After earning your first dollars, learning to manage money wisely is essential. Open a savings account with your parent or guardian’s help to keep your money safe and possibly earn a little interest. Set short- and long-term goals, such as saving for a bike or a class trip. You might divide your money into three parts: saving, spending, and sharing (donating). This helps you develop good habits early. You can also learn about budgeting by making a simple chart to plan how much you want to save versus spend. As you grow, explore more advanced options like learning about taxes, investing basics, or starting freelancing under supervision. Building good money habits now will help you manage finances confidently as a young adult.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 13 year old work a formal job?
Most formal jobs require workers to be at least 14 or older with work permits, depending on your state. However, informal jobs like babysitting, pet care, or yard work are usually allowed for 13 year olds with parental permission and safety precautions.
How can a 13 year old start freelancing?
Freelancing at 13 is possible for certain skills like writing or graphic design but usually requires a parent’s help to set up accounts or find jobs. Many freelancing platforms require users to be older, so parents should supervise and ensure safety.
What are some easy side hustles for a 13 year old?
Easy side hustles include pet sitting, lawn care, tutoring younger kids, selling crafts, or helping with technology setup. Choose jobs that suit your skills, fit your schedule, and are safe for your age.
How should a 13 year old handle money earned?
It’s smart to save a portion of your earnings, spend a reasonable amount, and consider donating a small share. Opening a savings account with a parent can help keep money secure and teach saving habits.
Are there any risks for 13 year olds making money?
Risks include unsafe work environments, scams, or breaking labor laws. Always involve your parents, avoid sharing personal information online without permission, and only accept jobs where you feel safe.
Can making money at 13 help with future finances?
Yes, starting to earn money early teaches budgeting, responsibility, and goal-setting skills. These habits build a strong foundation for managing personal finances throughout life.