HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A KID OR TEEN
TL: DR
Hey future millionaires (and the adults cheering them on)! Whether you’re 7 or 17, we all know money doesn’t grow on trees (unfortunately). But here’s the good news: there are tons of ways to make money as a kid no matter where you are—at home, online, or even right in your neighborhood.
Gone are the days when making money as a kid was all about lemonade stands and lawn mowing. Not that there’s anything wrong with the classics (we still think those work)—but let’s be real, we’re living in a world where kids and teens are going viral on TikTok, teens are running Instagram pages for businesses, and 12-year-olds are dabbling in photography gigs. The modern hustle is here, and it’s time for you to get in on it.
Let’s talk about modern ways to make money as a kid—whether you’re at home, online, or just about anywhere—and how to make those dollars work for you long after they hit your pocket
So, grab your notepad (or your notes app), and get ready to jot down some cool ideas .
How To Make Money As A Kid Anywhere: Hustle Where You Are
You don’t need a fancy office or big budget to start making money. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity. For example:
The Classic Lemonade Stand: It’s the OG kid business for a reason. Add a twist—like flavored lemonades or a “buy one, gift one” option—and you’ll have the neighbors lining up.
Babysitting or Pet Sitting: Are you the kid that parents and neighbors trust? Offer your services for babysitting or looking after their furry friends. Bonus: Playing with puppies can technically be considered “work.”
Yard or House Help: Rake leaves, mow lawns, shovel snow, or even help with simple house chores. It’s like a workout that pays!
Making Money at Home: Your Living Room Is a Goldmine
Your home can be your headquarters for money-making. Here’s how:
Bake Sale Boss: If you’ve got a knack for cookies, cupcakes, or brownies, start a mini baking business. Package them with cute designs, and you’ll be the go-to for birthdays and school events.
Art & Crafts Pro: Are you into drawing, jewelry-making, or crafting? Turn your creations into cash by selling them to family, friends, or even at local markets.
Organizing Wizard: Love cleaning up (or at least organizing)? Offer to organize closets, bookshelves, or even messy garages for family members.
Making Money Online: Turn Screen Time into Dollar Signs
If you love being online (and who doesn’t?), there are ways to turn your digital time into earnings.
YouTube Star or TikTok Creator: We've all seen those influencers with millions of views for playing with Legos or the latest tech. That could also be you! Got a funny streak, a skill to teach, or cool ideas to share? Start a channel. Just remember to keep it safe and fun (and check with your parents first).
Virtual Tutoring: Are you great at math, science, or art? If you ace math, science, or even video game tricks, you can teach younger kids (or your peers) online. Parents are always looking for tutors who “speak kid.” Teach younger kids through platforms like Outschool or Zoom.
Gaming Guru: If you’re a gamer, look into streaming your gameplay on Twitch or YouTube. Just keep in mind that it takes consistency and creativity to grow an audience.
Sell Digital Creations: Design custom wallpapers, create digital stickers, or sell templates for school projects. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to pay for your creativity.
Photography for Fun and Profit : Love snapping pics? Put your phone or camera to good use by offering your services for family events, pet portraits, or even social media content. People are always looking for fresh perspectives (and who knows lighting better than someone who’s mastered selfies?).
Social Media Guru : Yes, you can get paid to scroll through Instagram or TikTok. Many small businesses need help managing their accounts, creating content, or staying on top of trends. If you know your way around hashtags and captions, you’re already ahead of the game.
Freelance Superstar : Are you great at writing, graphic design, or coding? Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork let you showcase your skills to paying clients. Sure, you’ll need a parent to help with the setup, but after that, you’re ready to roll.
Stock Market Rookie : Trading stocks might sound intimidating, but it’s a great way to grow your money with parental help. There are apps that allow kids to learn the basics of investing with oversight. Think of it as planting a money tree that grows over time.
Learn Financial Literacy : Did you know KidVestors pays students to learn about money, investing, and entrepreneurship? Not only will you learn a valuable skill but you could also get paid along the way. Try it out!
So, Now What?
Once you've nailed your idea, now you'll want to formalize your business. We shared a few tips here to get started. And now that you’ve got the money-making part down, let’s talk about what happens next. Here’s where KidVestors comes in to make you not just a money-maker but a money manager and grower.
At KidVestors, we believe that earning money is just the beginning. What’s the point of making cash if you don’t know how to keep it or grow it? We'll show you. how to sharpen your financial literacy, investing skills, and entrepreneurship savvy.
Learn to Start a Business: From brainstorming ideas to managing customers, KidVestors teaches kids and teens how to run a business like a pro. Think of it as turning your idea into a mini empire.
Master Money Management: Sure, making money is fun. But knowing where it goes (and how to save or invest it) is the real game-changer. We teach you how to budget, save for big goals, and avoid splurging all your hard-earned cash on candy.
Grow What You Earn: Ever heard of “letting your money work for you”? KidVestors shows you how to invest your earnings in stocks, ETFs, or even your future education. Imagine turning $10 into $100 just by being smart with your money.
Why Wait? Start Your Money Journey Today
The beauty of making money as a kid today is that the possibilities are endless. It’s about setting yourself up for a future where money isn’t just something you earn but a tool you use to live the life you want. Whether you’re turning your artistic talents into profit, mastering social media, or learning to invest, there’s a modern hustle for everyone.
And with KidVestors, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help you dream big, start small, and grow smart.
So, grab your camera, open your laptop, or pitch your first big idea. Your first dollar is just the beginning—so what’s your next move? Let’s make it happen!
Your future self (and bank account) will thank you.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR KIDS AND TEENS
FREE LIVE CLASS FOR PARENTS
Enroll your student in our financial literacy course and app here.
If your school or group is looking for a finance curriculum to teach your students about how to manage money, start here to learn more on how to bring KidVestors to your classrooms!
Parents, teach your kids money and make money conversations normal in your household by visiting here.
Comments