5 Easy Ways To Make Money As A Kid
Years ago, the only way a kid to make money is by doing a paper route and babysitting. These days there are several ways to make money as a kid! Modern technology means that everybody has unlimited opportunities to earn money. Does this include kids as well? Yes, it certainly does!
If you are a kid or parent reading this article, think about how you can use it when you make extra money. It could be added to a college fund, used to pay for your first car, or buy the latest game console!
Below are five different ways to make money as a kid to help you fund any of your goals. And, as a parent, you can match their earnings, similar to a company 401k! This little money making opportunity can get you started thinking about investing too!
Are Kids Allowed To Work?
There are labor laws that apply to work if you are under 18 years old. You will need to check the labor laws to see if you are old enough, what work you will be doing, and any other relevant factors.
However, many of these rules don’t apply if you are working as a freelancer. Simply have a look before starting any work to make sure you are compliant.
You will also need to think about how you will get paid. Under-18’s can’t open a PayPal account, and many jobs pay via PayPal. To get around this, ask a parent or guardian if they will let you use their account.
Check all available payment options before starting any work to make sure you can get paid. You don’t want to waste your time working only to find out you can’t get paid and nothing to put in a savings account!
5 Ways To Make Money As A Kid
These methods listed are all legit ways to make money as a kid. You will be pleased to know they cost nothing to start. If you have a computer and an internet connection, you are good to go!
1. Reward Sites
A fun way to earn some money is by joining some reward sites. You can make money online by giving you awesome rewards in exchange for your time. You simply need to complete some easy online tasks to get your rewards.
The tasks vary depending on the site. The most common tasks are answering online surveys, playing fun games, watching entertaining videos, and completing sign-up offers.
Like I said, making money online is easy!
Some sites will give you points for each task you complete, which you can redeem for your rewards. Other sites let you accumulate a cash value for each job, which you can redeem for money when you reach the minimum withdrawal amount.
Whichever method they use, it means you are earning money!
Payment methods also vary for each site. Some will let you withdraw cash, usually to a PayPal account. Others will let you claim your rewards as a gift card, a check, or even free steam codes!
Three of the top rewards sites out there are Swagbucks, Mistplay, and Survey Junkie. Don’t limit yourself to just one. Give them all a go and make even more money!
2. Inventor
Did you know that in 1905 an 11-year-old invented the first ice lolly? Or that television wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the inventions of a 15-year-old?
Fantastic stuff, right!
Being young doesn’t mean you don’t have fantastic ideas that could change the world. Lots of inventions over the years were thought of by young people.
A great business idea doesn’t have to be for a physical product. Instead, it could be for an app, a service, or anything else that could solve a problem. Or maybe it’s just something that you can use for fun!
If you submit your ideas, the worst that can happen is you get told “No.” However, if your idea is a good one, maybe one day you will see it sitting proudly on the supermarket shelves!
To learn about companies that pay for invention ideas, check them out here: 59 companies that pay for ideas. Find out where to sell your ideas. Do it now and help change the world!
3. YouTuber
YouTube is a phenomenon that has allowed many people to become stars. Not only can it make you famous, but you can also earn extra money!
There are lots of kids who create a YouTube channel and make YouTube videos that have amazing content. Videos featuring toy unboxings, playing video games, and playing with toys are all hugely popular.
Your channel can be about whatever you like. As long as it’s fun, engaging, and you can get people subscribing to watch more, you should be able to earn some cash.
Most YouTubers aren’t going to make millions or go on to have their own Disney show like Ryan Kaji. However, you can earn a decent amount, plus it is a lot of fun as well!
Please note if you are under 13, you can’t start a YouTube channel. A parent or guardian will need to manage an account for you. Make sure to check with them first!
4. Running Errands
A more traditional way for a kid to make money is by running errands.
At home, you could offer to do more chores, gardening, or walking the dog. Ask the family if anyone needs a babysitter. Does anyone need a pet sitter when they are going on vacation? BOOM! You are a pet care services company.
Older kids could ask neighbors for any jobs they may need doing around the home, such as aerate people’s yards, water plants, power wash homes, mow lawns, and even install gutter guards. With a help of an adult, you could build a metal raised garden bed.
You could offer to help with other errands like going to the store or posting any mail. Also, you can fulfill local businesses’ needs allowing them to focus on their business and a lot less time on the road.
Just start asking. You can do lots of things have a thriving errand business to start earning money!
Make sure to keep your parents or guardians always informed of where you will be.
5. Sell Your Stuff
Another great way to make money fast is by selling your unwanted stuff. You can make money selling toys, books, clothes, video games, and much more. You just need to make sure everything is still in good condition.
As you get older, it’s worth going through everything and getting rid of anything you’ve outgrown, which means you can start making money when you sell used items! Some items may go for a couple of quarters while some can sell for a couple of dollars.
Making extra money is easy thanks to sites like Decluttr. Decluttr makes it so easy to sell your old property. You get a valuation, ship it for free, and get paid!
Another way of selling your stuff is to have a yard sale or organize a garage sale. You can get rid of old beds, couches, chairs, etc. Additionally, the whole family can take part and also make some extra cash!
Let everyone know, such as friends, family, and neighbors know you’re holding a yard sale. You can also let people know via social media and advertise the yard sale on local Facebook groups or other social media platforms.
However, be sure to get a parent’s permission before creating any social media accounts.
What Should You Do With The Money
Now that you know some ways to make money as a kid, don’t forget to use it to treat yourself for your hard work!
You could buy new clothes, a video game, go out with friends, or spend some of it on something fun. The trick is to spend money wisely while also saving and investing some.
If you build good habits now, you will find it easier to manage your money when you’re an adult and even improve your project management skills.
Starting to save money as soon as you can is a great habit to get into. Every week add up how much you’ve earned and put some of it into your savings.
You could even decide to do a set percentage every week. One suggestion is to put 20% of whatever you earn into your savings.
Adulthood may feel a long way off right now, but once you get there, any savings you have will make a difference in your life. Savings could be used for medical school, a down payment on a house, or to travel the world!
It’s also worth considering investing some of your money. Learning how investing works is an excellent education to get when you are a kid and don’t have much to lose.
Check out the family plans on Acorns to get a head start from as little as $5 a month. The program will need to be opened by an adult, but they can add you begin learning the art of investing. Even investing just a few dollars a month is a great start and a fun way to learn more.
Next Steps To Make Money As A Kid
OK, now you know easy ways to make money as a kid; you just need to get started! So, no matter what your side hustle may be, whether you have a lemonade stand, lawn mowing, or washing cars, don’t ever doubt yourself and your earning potential.
None of these methods listed will cost you anything other than your time, but they will allow you to have some extra money.
You can spend, save, and invest your money. Remember to have some fun with it all and to discuss your plans with your parents or guardian to make sure it doesn’t impact your studies.
