How to Earn Money at 13

Participate in paid surveys. You can earn money or gift cards by joining survey websites like swagbucks.com. Other platforms such as Pinecone Research, SurveySpot, and Toluna also pay participants for completing surveys. Many sites award points for each survey, which can be exchanged for cash once you accumulate enough.

• Join multiple survey platforms (at least five). You’ll receive emails when selected for surveys, so check your inbox daily.
• Survey sites select participants based on age, gender, and ethnicity, so joining more platforms increases your chances of being chosen.
• Before signing up, verify the legitimacy of the survey site. Review their privacy policy to ensure they don’t sell your information to third parties.
• Some survey sites may compensate you with products instead of cash, while others use a raffle system. If you prefer cash payments, stick to platforms that pay respondents directly.

Earn money using your skills. You can make money by offering online services (such as designing logos in Photoshop, sending emails for someone, or creating videos). Think about what you enjoy doing and showcase your talents on a website!

Create handmade crafts. If you’re skilled at making crafts, open a shop on Etsy to sell your creations online. You can make jewelry, greeting cards, bags, and similar items. Be sure to price your products based on material costs and the time you invest. Make sure to earn a profit!

Sell items you no longer need. You can sell products on Amazon or eBay. These could be items you or your parents no longer use, such as old books. You might earn a decent amount by selling vintage items through these platforms. Often, you can find unique vintage pieces at thrift stores or from families clearing out their homes. Ask your parents if they can help you hunt for vintage treasures on a free Saturday.

Take on small tasks. Ask your parents if they’ll reward you for doing chores like washing dishes, vacuuming, or cleaning. You could even negotiate a weekly rate for household tasks. Think about what chores your parents dislike the most and offer to do them weekly for a reasonable reward.

• If you already have daily or weekly responsibilities, volunteer to take on additional tasks to help your parents, explaining that you want to start saving money. You could find monthly tasks like mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or washing the car.
• Beyond regular chores, you can take on one-time tasks that might take a few days, such as organizing the garage or attic, cleaning gutters, or planting a flower bed. Ask your parents for a reward for these efforts.
• You can also request an increase in your allowance for taking on extra chores or tasks weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. For example, volunteer to mow the lawn every weekend or bi-weekly to earn more spending money.

Help neighbors with small tasks. Ask if your neighbors need assistance with chores like mowing the lawn, raking leaves, washing cars, cleaning houses, or walking dogs. You can go door-to-door or distribute flyers in the neighborhood listing the services you offer.

• Be cautious with strangers. It’s best to approach neighbors you or your parents know. If going door-to-door, ask a parent to accompany you for safety. If you ever feel uncomfortable working for a neighbor for any reason, leave immediately and inform your parents.

Look for agricultural work. If you’re under 14, one of the few “real” jobs available is farm work. If you live in a rural or suburban area, you might find farms needing part-time help.

Deliver newspapers. Many places allow children under 14 to deliver newspapers. Call or visit local newspaper offices to ask if they need delivery helpers.

• If they don’t need help right now, check back occasionally to show your seriousness. You can also ask if they keep applications on file for future openings.

Work for your family’s business. Most places require children to be at least 14 for part-time work, except when working for a family-owned business. If your parents own a business, ask if they’ll let you handle small tasks. Working a few hours daily or on weekends will give you valuable experience for future jobs when you’re older.

Launch a small business. Seek help from your parents. Collaborate with family and friends, create products to sell, and consult your parents on how to start a business.

Tutor younger children. Are you a math whiz? Teach kids multiplication tables or other subjects you excel in.

Offer babysitting services. Beyond occasional babysitting, consider starting a babysitting business. Team up with friends who also want to earn money, distribute flyers around the neighborhood, cafes, and community centers, and ask your parents to spread the word at their workplaces.

• Before starting, consider getting CPR certification for you and your team. This will make parents feel more confident in hiring you.
• Once you’ve babysat for a client, ask them to refer you to others or recommend you to their friends.
• Create a website. Use free platforms like wix.com or weebly.com to design a professional site. Include testimonials from past clients, details about your services, and your rates.

Walk dogs or pet sit. Many families need someone to care for their pets while they’re at work or on vacation. If babysitting isn’t your thing, consider pet sitting. Advertise your services with flyers and go door-to-door in your neighborhood.

Start a mobile car wash service. If you have a sibling who can drive, team up with them to travel around the neighborhood and offer car washing services, sharing a percentage of the earnings. If you prefer to keep all the profits or don’t have access to a car, use a wagon to transport your cleaning supplies.

• Expand your business by offering car care services. In addition to washing cars, you can provide waxing or interior vacuuming. While this requires additional tools like an industrial vacuum and car wax, you can charge more for these premium services. Customers who pay for a basic wash are often willing to spend extra for a deeper clean.
• Encourage customers to schedule regular washes every two weeks or monthly. Build rapport with them and deliver thorough service to increase the chances of repeat business and referrals.

Set up a refreshment stand. While a lemonade stand might seem old-fashioned, choosing the right time and location can help you earn a decent amount of pocket money. This classic method is still effective, especially if you sell cookies or other snacks alongside drinks. Set up your stand on hot days in parks or busy areas with lots of foot traffic.

Ask for cash instead of gifts. If your birthday is coming up, let your family know you’re saving money and would prefer cash over presents.

Open a bank account. Ask your parents to help you open a bank account. You’ll earn interest on your savings, and having a savings account (instead of a traditional piggy bank) can help curb impulsive spending. Many major banks allow teenagers, and even younger children, to open accounts—check online for options.

• If you’re worried about spending your savings, set a monthly withdrawal limit. Avoid using a credit card, as it can tempt you to spend rather than save.

Plan for the long term. It’s never too early to start financial planning! Whether you’re saving for a new computer or a special Christmas gift, determine how much you need to save and over what period. Set monthly goals to ensure you have enough money when the time comes.

• Avoid asking for too much money, as people might think you’re taking advantage of them.
• Be cautious when working for neighbors. Always get your parents’ permission first.
• Don’t overcommit yourself to earning money. Remember to leave time for studying and homework.
• Always consult your parents before taking on any job.
• Charge reasonable rates for babysitting to encourage repeat business. This approach can help you earn more in the long run.
• Create a weekly financial plan to track your savings goals and spend wisely.
• Don’t push yourself too hard. You’re still young, so there’s no need to rush. Also, prioritize safety when choosing where to work!

• Be cautious around strangers. You never know their intentions or what they might do.
• Avoid pressuring your parents or relatives for money. This can annoy them and make them less willing to help.
• Don’t take on too many tasks. You also need time to rest!
• Don’t let work interfere with your studies. Overworking can leave you with no time for homework. Remember, doing well in school is key to landing high-paying jobs in the future!