How Can I Make Money at 13? Find Jobs & Earn Cash

Earning money at a young age provides valuable experience and fosters independence. For a 13-year-old, managing their own money introduces important life skills, laying a foundation for future financial literacy and career development.

Appropriate Earning Activities

Thirteen-year-olds can find suitable earning activities through community services or creating goods. These activities typically require minimal equipment and offer flexible schedules. Popular options include pet care, such as dog walking or pet sitting for neighbors.

Yard work, encompassing tasks like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or weeding gardens, is a common way to earn money. Babysitting younger children is also an option, requiring responsibility and the ability to entertain and supervise.

Tutoring younger students in subjects like reading or basic math leverages academic strengths, involving helping with homework or foundational skills. Creating and selling handmade crafts, such as jewelry, greeting cards, or baked goods, offers entrepreneurial experience.

Washing cars for neighbors or family friends offers a straightforward service. Organizing and decluttering spaces, like garages or playrooms, for busy families can also be a valuable service.

Understanding Legal and Safety Considerations

Understanding the legal framework surrounding child labor is important. Federal law, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), sets rules regarding the types of jobs and hours minors can work. While the FLSA does not generally regulate the employment of children under 14 in non-agricultural jobs, it does permit them to work for their parents or engage in certain activities not considered “employment,” such as delivering newspapers or performing in entertainment.

Many states have their own labor laws, often more restrictive than federal guidelines, requiring parental consent for minors to work. These laws commonly place restrictions on the number of hours a 13-year-old can work, especially during school days or late evenings. Prohibited occupations for minors typically include hazardous jobs or those involving dangerous machinery.

Parental involvement is important when a 13-year-old begins to earn money, as parents provide supervision and help navigate legal requirements. They can help ensure the work environment is safe and appropriate. Before starting any job, discuss responsibilities, expectations, and potential risks with a parent or guardian to make informed decisions.

Safety practices are important for young earners, particularly when working independently. Always inform parents about the location and duration of any work activity. Work in well-lit, familiar environments and avoid isolated situations, especially when interacting with new people. For online tasks, parental supervision protects personal information and avoids scams.

Finding and Starting Work

Identifying work opportunities for a 13-year-old often begins by leveraging personal connections. Family, friends, and trusted neighbors are excellent sources for initial jobs like pet care, yard work, or babysitting. Directly asking them for assistance can lead to first earning experiences. These networks offer trust and familiarity, reassuring both the young earner and client.

Creating simple promotional materials can help spread the word about available services. A basic flyer or a neatly written note detailing the services offered, contact information (with parental permission), and perhaps a reasonable rate can be effective. These can be distributed to neighbors or posted on community bulletin boards, provided local regulations allow. For digital tasks or craft sales, creating an online profile or social media presence under parental supervision can expand reach.

When approaching potential clients, clear and polite communication is important. Explaining the services you offer, your availability, and your proposed rates demonstrates professionalism. Practicing what to say beforehand can help build confidence for these interactions. This initial conversation is also an opportunity to confirm expectations regarding the scope of work and the desired outcome.

Before beginning any work, it is important to discuss payment terms openly. Clarifying how and when payment will be made, whether hourly or per job, prevents misunderstandings later. Confirming responsibilities and the specific tasks to be completed ensures both parties are aligned. A mutual understanding of these details helps establish a positive working relationship and ensures a fair exchange for services rendered.

Handling Your Income

Once money is earned, understanding how to manage it is an important step in developing financial literacy. A basic budgeting approach involves distinguishing between “needs” and “wants” to guide spending decisions. Needs are essential expenses, while wants are items or experiences that are desired but not necessary. This distinction helps in prioritizing how money is used.

Saving a portion of earnings is a foundational financial habit that can help achieve future goals. Setting specific financial goals, such as saving for a particular item or experience, provides motivation for consistent saving. Even small, regular contributions can accumulate significantly over time. This practice helps in understanding the power of delayed gratification and long-term planning.

Tracking earnings and expenses provides a clear picture of where money is coming from and where it is going. A simple notebook or a basic spreadsheet can be used to record income received and money spent. This record-keeping helps in seeing spending patterns and identifying areas where adjustments can be made. It also serves as a valuable tool for accountability.

For saving larger amounts, a custodial savings account, such as an UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) account, can be opened with parental assistance. These accounts are managed by an adult for the minor’s benefit and offer a secure place for savings to grow. While most 13-year-olds will not earn enough to trigger significant tax obligations, self-employment income exceeding certain thresholds, typically a few hundred dollars annually, may require a tax filing for the minor. Parents can assist in determining any tax filing requirements and understanding potential self-employment taxes, which support Social Security and Medicare.