💰 How To Make Money At 13

Hey there, future entrepreneur! Are you tired of waiting for allowance or constantly asking your parents for cash? Imagine being able to buy that new game, save up for a dream gadget, or even contribute to a family vacation, all with money you earned yourself. This guide isn’t just about making a few bucks; it’s about unlocking your potential, learning valuable life skills, and building a foundation for financial independence that will benefit you for years to come.

Quick Overview

In this guide, you’ll discover practical ways to identify your skills, find opportunities, earn your own money, and most importantly, learn how to manage it wisely. You’ll gain confidence, independence, and a head start on your financial journey.

• Time needed: 2-4 hours to read and plan, then ongoing effort to earn and manage.
• Difficulty: Beginner (requires initiative and commitment).
• What you’ll need: A notebook, a pen, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Discover Your “Why” and Set Your Goals

Before you even think about what job to do, ask yourself: Why do I want to make money? Is it for a specific item, to save for the future, or just to have more independence? Knowing your “why” will keep you motivated when things get tough or when you’d rather be playing video games.

Next, set clear, achievable goals. Instead of “I want to make money,” try “I want to earn $100 in the next month to buy a new skateboard.” Break big goals into smaller ones. If you want $100, that’s $25 a week. How many hours would you need to work to earn that?

Pro tip: Write down your goals and put them somewhere you’ll see them every day. This reinforces your commitment and reminds you of what you’re working towards.

Step 2: Identify Your Skills and Interests

What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? The best way to make money at 13 is often by turning something you already love or are skilled at into a service. Think about:

• Chores/Household help: Are you good at organizing, cleaning, gardening, or walking dogs?
• Academic skills: Are you great at math, reading, or a particular subject? Could you tutor younger kids?
• Creative talents: Do you love drawing, making crafts, playing an instrument, or taking photos?
• Tech savvy: Can you help adults with basic computer tasks, setting up devices, or social media?
• Sports/Outdoors: Are you good at a sport and could offer coaching to younger kids, or help with yard work?

Don’t underestimate your abilities! Even simple things like being reliable and friendly are valuable skills.

Pro tip: Ask your parents, older siblings, or even trusted teachers what they think your strengths are. Sometimes others see potential in us that we don’t immediately recognize.

Step 3: Brainstorm Money-Making Opportunities (The “Job Ideas” List)

Once you know your skills, match them to potential jobs. Here are some ideas suitable for a 13-year-old, keeping safety and age-appropriateness in mind:

• Pet Care: Dog walking, pet sitting (for neighbors/family friends).
• Yard Work: Mowing lawns (if safe and with parental permission), weeding, raking leaves, watering plants.
• Babysitting: For younger siblings (if parents pay), or for trusted family friends (with parental supervision/approval).
• Tutoring: Helping younger kids with homework or specific subjects.
• Household Chores: Offering to do specific chores for neighbors (e.g., washing cars, cleaning garages, organizing closets) that aren’t typically part of your family responsibilities.
• Technology Help: Teaching older adults how to use their smartphone, tablet, or basic computer programs.
• Creative Services: Making handmade cards, friendship bracelets, or small crafts to sell online (with parental help) or at local craft fairs.
• Errands: Running small errands for elderly neighbors (e.g., picking up mail, going to a local store).

Important: Always discuss any job ideas with your parents first. They can help you assess safety, legal aspects, and ensure you’re making good choices.

Step 4: Create Your “Service Offer” and “Marketing Plan”

You’ve identified your skills and potential jobs. Now, how will people know you’re available? Think of yourself as a mini-business. Your “service offer” is what you’re providing and how much you charge.

1. Define Your Service: Be specific. Instead of “I do yard work,” say “I offer lawn mowing, weeding, and raking services for small to medium-sized yards.”
2. Set Your Prices: This can be tricky. Research what others charge in your area for similar services. You can charge by the hour (e.g., $10-$15/hour) or by the job (e.g., $20 to mow a specific lawn). Start a little lower to attract initial customers, then you can raise them as you gain experience and a good reputation.
3. Your “Marketing Plan”:
   • Talk to people: Start with family, friends, and neighbors. Word-of-mouth is powerful!
   • Create simple flyers: With your name, services, contact information (your parent’s phone number), and maybe a friendly slogan. Post them on community bulletin boards (with permission) or deliver them to neighbors.
   • Online (with parental help): Your parents might be willing to post on local neighborhood social media groups or apps like Nextdoor, mentioning your services.

Pro tip: Offer a “first-time customer discount” or a “referral bonus” (e.g., if someone recommends you and they hire you, the referrer gets a small discount on their next service). This encourages new business.

Step 5: Deliver Excellent Service and Build Your Reputation

Getting a customer is only the first step; keeping them is how you build a steady income. Always strive to do your best work. Here’s how:

• Be Punctual: Show up on time (or even a few minutes early) for appointments.
• Be Prepared: Have the right tools (e.g., gloves for gardening, leash for dog walking, books for tutoring).
• Be Polite and Respectful: Always use good manners, listen to instructions, and be friendly.
• Do a Great Job: Go the extra mile. If you’re walking a dog, make sure it gets enough exercise. If you’re weeding, pull out every weed you see.
• Communicate: If you’re running late, let the customer know. If you have a question, ask!
• Follow Up: After the job, ask if everything was satisfactory. A quick “Thanks for the opportunity!” goes a long way.

A good reputation means repeat customers and referrals, which are the best kind of advertising.

Pro tip: Ask for testimonials! If a customer is really happy, ask if they’d be willing to write a short review or let you use their name as a reference. This adds credibility to your services.

Step 6: Manage Your Earnings: Budget, Save, Invest

This is where “money-smart” comes in! Earning money is exciting, but managing it is crucial for building wealth. Introduce yourself to the 50/30/20 rule (or a similar breakdown):

• 50% Saving: This is for your goals – the skateboard, the new game, or a bigger future purchase. This money should go into a separate savings account (your parents can help you set one up).
• 30% Spending: This is your “fun money” – for small treats, snacks, or things you want right now.
• 20% Investing/Giving: This is where you learn about wealth building.
  • Investing: Even a small amount can grow over time. Your parents might help you open a custodial investment account (like a Roth IRA for minors) or teach you about simple investments like index funds. The earlier you start, the more powerful “compounding” becomes (money earning money!).
  • Giving: Set aside a portion to donate to a charity or cause you care about. Giving back is a rewarding part of financial success.

Budgeting Hack: Use a simple notebook or a spreadsheet (like Google Sheets) to track your income and expenses. This helps you see where your money is going and if you’re on track with your goals.

Pro tip: “Pay yourself first.” As soon as you get paid, immediately put your savings and investment portions aside. Treat saving as a non-negotiable bill you owe yourself.

Step 7: Learn and Grow

The journey doesn’t stop once you’ve earned some money. Keep learning about personal finance, expand your skills, and look for new opportunities.

• Read Books: Ask your parents for recommendations on age-appropriate books about money, business, or entrepreneurship.
• Watch Educational Videos: There are many great YouTube channels that explain financial concepts in an easy-to-understand way.
• Talk to Adults: Ask your parents, grandparents, or other trusted adults about their financial experiences. How did they earn money when they were young? What financial advice do they have?
• Expand Your Services: Once you’re confident with one service, consider adding another. If you’re a great dog walker, maybe you can also offer pet grooming.
• Network: The more people who know you’re reliable and offer great service, the more opportunities will come your way.

Every job, every dollar earned, and every budgeting decision is a learning experience that will make you more capable and financially smart in the long run.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to fail. Not every idea will be a success, and that’s okay. Learn from your experiences, adjust your approach, and keep trying. Persistence is key to any successful endeavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underpricing Your Services:

   Why it’s problematic: You might think lower prices will attract more customers, but it can devalue your time and effort. If you charge too little, you’ll have to work many more hours to reach your goals, and clients might perceive your service as low quality.

   Correct approach: Research fair prices in your area. Consider the value you provide and the effort involved. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. You can always offer introductory discounts, but your base price should be reasonable.

2. Not Being Reliable or Professional:

   Why it’s problematic: Showing up late, not completing tasks, or having a poor attitude will quickly lead to losing customers and getting a bad reputation. Word spreads fast, especially in local communities.

   Correct approach: Treat every job, no matter how small, as if it’s your most important one. Be punctual, communicate clearly, be polite, and always do your best work. Your reputation is your most valuable asset.

3. Spending All Your Earnings Immediately:

   Why it’s problematic: It’s tempting to spend your hard-earned money right away, but if you don’t save or budget, you’ll miss out on reaching bigger goals and building financial security. You’ll be stuck in a cycle of earning and spending without making progress.

   Correct approach: Implement a saving strategy from day one. Use the 50/30/20 rule (or similar) and “pay yourself first.” Put money into savings and investment accounts before you touch your spending money. This builds discipline and helps you achieve both short-term and long-term financial goals.

4. Ignoring Safety and Parental Approval:

   Why it’s problematic: Your safety is paramount. Going to strangers’ homes, working with dangerous tools without supervision, or engaging in activities beyond your age can put you at risk. Also, working without your parents’ knowledge or consent can lead to misunderstandings and loss of trust.

   Correct approach: Always involve your parents in your money-making plans. Discuss potential jobs, safety precautions, and client interactions. They can help you vet opportunities, drive you to jobs if needed, and ensure you’re working in a safe and appropriate environment. Never go to a stranger’s home alone.

Troubleshooting

1. “I can’t find any customers!”

   Quick solution: Re-evaluate your marketing. Are you reaching enough people? Have you asked family, friends, and neighbors directly? Try expanding your reach with flyers in more places (with permission) or asking your parents to post on local online groups. Consider offering a “trial” or a heavily discounted first service to get your foot in the door and showcase your skills.

2. “My parents aren’t on board with my ideas.”

   Quick solution: Don’t give up! Your parents likely have your best interests at heart. Ask them why they’re hesitant. Is it safety? Time commitment? Concerns about school? Listen to their concerns and try to address them. Propose a small, low-risk trial project first. Show them you’ve thought about safety (e.g., “I’ll only walk dogs for Mrs. Smith down the street, and you can come with me the first few times”). Demonstrate your commitment to schoolwork. Patience and clear communication are key.

3. “I feel overwhelmed or discouraged.”

   Quick solution: It’s normal to feel this way sometimes! Take a break. Revisit your “why” (Step 1) and your goals. Break down your tasks into even smaller, more manageable steps. Don’t try to do everything at once. Remember that every small step forward is progress. Talk to your parents or a trusted adult about how you’re feeling. They can offer encouragement and help you get back on track.

Key Takeaways

• Your “Why” Powers Your Drive: Clear goals keep you motivated.
• Leverage Your Strengths: Turn your skills and interests into services people will pay for.
• Start Small, Think Big: Begin with simple, local opportunities and expand as you gain experience.
• Reputation is Everything: Deliver excellent service, be reliable, and always be polite.
• Manage Your Money Wisely: Budget, save, and consider investing a portion of your earnings.
• Safety First: Always involve your parents in your plans and prioritize your well-being.
• Learn Continuously: The more you learn about money and business, the more successful you’ll be.
• Persistence Pays Off: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; learn from them and keep going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it legal for a 13-year-old to work?
A: Generally, formal employment (like working at a store or restaurant) has age restrictions, often 14 or 16, and requires work permits. However, “informal” jobs like babysitting, dog walking, yard work for neighbors, or tutoring are usually allowed and don’t fall under strict child labor laws, as long as they are occasional, don’t interfere with school, and are safe. Always check with your parents and local regulations.

Q: How much should I charge for my services?
A: It depends on the service, your location, and your experience. A good starting point is to research what others in your area charge for similar tasks. You can ask your parents or older friends what they think is fair. Don’t undervalue your time, but also be competitive. Starting with $10-$15 per hour for general tasks is a common range, but skilled services like tutoring might command more.

Q: What if I don’t have any special skills?
A: Everyone has skills! Being reliable, friendly, organized, or good with animals are all valuable. Start with basic services like yard work, pet care, or helping with simple chores. As you gain experience, you’ll discover new strengths and can expand your offerings. The most important skill is often the willingness to learn and work hard.

Q: How do I convince my parents to let me make money?
A: Approach them with a well-thought-out plan. Show them you’ve considered safety, how it won’t interfere with school, and what your goals are. Emphasize the life skills you’ll learn (responsibility, money management). Suggest starting small with jobs for people they know well. Offer to share your earnings with them or contribute to household expenses if that helps. Showing maturity and planning goes a long way.

What’s Next?

You’ve got the knowledge, now it’s time to take action! Grab that notebook and pen. Go back to Step 1 and start mapping out your journey. Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea; just pick one service and start small. Talk to your parents today about your aspirations. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be on your way to earning your own money, learning invaluable financial lessons, and building a foundation for a financially smart future. Your future self will thank you!