How to Start Making Money as a 13-Year-Old

Starting to earn money at 13 can be an exciting step toward independence and a deeper understanding of personal finance. This period offers an opportunity to learn about the value of work, responsible spending, and saving. It also provides practical experience in managing responsibilities and interacting with others. Earning money at this age helps gain valuable life skills.

Identifying Potential Income Streams

Many avenues exist for a 13-year-old to earn money, often centered around services needed within their community or leveraging personal skills. These opportunities typically involve informal arrangements with neighbors, family friends, or local residents, allowing for flexibility and generally falling outside formal employment restrictions.

One common option is providing childcare, often called babysitting. This involves supervising younger children, engaging them in activities, and ensuring their safety. Hourly rates for babysitting typically range from $14 to $25 per hour, varying by location, number of children, and experience.

Another popular choice involves pet care services, such as dog walking or pet sitting. Many pet owners require assistance with their animals, especially when at work or traveling. Dog walking can involve regular strolls, while pet sitting might include feeding, playing with, and looking after pets at the owner’s home. A 30-minute pet sitting visit might range from $25 to $35, with overnight stays potentially costing between $40 and $75.

Yard work and general outdoor maintenance also present consistent earning opportunities, particularly during seasonal changes. This can include mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or basic gardening tasks like weeding. Pay for yard work can be hourly, often between $10 to $25 per hour, or a flat rate per job, such as $25 for mowing a large lawn. The specific rate often depends on the task’s complexity and the area’s size.

Beyond these common services, opportunities can extend to household chores like house cleaning, which might involve vacuuming, dusting, or washing dishes. Some families may pay an hourly rate, potentially ranging from $10 to $20 per hour, or a set amount per task. Tutoring younger children in subjects like math or reading can also be a way to earn money, capitalizing on academic strengths. Creative ventures, such as making and selling crafts or baked goods, offer another path to income, allowing for entrepreneurial skill development.

Understanding Age-Specific Guidelines

Earning money at 13 years old involves understanding certain guidelines, primarily concerning permitted work types and potential tax implications.

Federal child labor laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), generally set a minimum age of 14 for most non-agricultural employment. However, these laws often exempt informal work typically performed by younger individuals. Work like casual babysitting, delivering newspapers, or performing minor chores around private homes are usually not subject to the strict federal labor regulations that apply to formal businesses. This means a 13-year-old can often engage in these activities without needing to adhere to specific hour limitations or occupational restrictions.

Parental consent and supervision are important for a 13-year-old earning money. Parents or guardians should approve any work undertaken, ensuring it is safe, does not interfere with school, and aligns with family values. Parental involvement provides guidance and protection.

Regarding taxes, a 13-year-old’s earnings may trigger a filing requirement. For the 2024 tax year, a dependent must file a federal income tax return if their earned income exceeds $14,600. If a 13-year-old earns income from self-employment activities, such as babysitting or yard work, a filing requirement is triggered if their net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more. If a child has significant unearned income, a tax return may also be required, and “kiddie tax” rules could apply if unearned income exceeds $2,600. In cases where a filing is required, a parent or guardian may need to sign the tax return on the minor’s behalf.

Steps to Secure Opportunities

Successfully securing opportunities to earn money involves a structured approach, beginning with open communication and planning with parents or guardians. Discussing potential jobs, setting realistic expectations, and establishing boundaries regarding work hours and safety are important initial steps. Parental support is often necessary for identifying appropriate opportunities and for transportation.

Identifying potential clients often starts within one’s immediate network. Neighbors, family friends, and relatives are typically the first and safest contacts for informal jobs like babysitting, pet care, or yard work. Word-of-mouth referrals from these trusted individuals can quickly expand a client base. Building a reputation for reliability and quality work among this initial group helps attract more opportunities.

Effectively communicating the services offered and setting appropriate rates are subsequent steps. A simple flyer or a clear verbal pitch describing tasks and availability can be useful. Researching typical rates for similar services in the local area helps in setting competitive yet fair prices.

Demonstrating reliability, responsibility, and a positive attitude is important for retaining clients and fostering repeat business. Arriving on time, completing tasks thoroughly, and maintaining respectful communication with clients contribute to a professional image. Following through on commitments can lead to positive reviews and continued demand for services. These practices help establish a strong work ethic and build trust within the community.

Managing Your Finances

After earning money, understanding how to manage it responsibly is a valuable skill for a 13-year-old. This involves learning basic financial literacy concepts that can shape future habits. A fundamental aspect is setting financial goals, whether saving for a specific item, an experience, or contributing to future education expenses.

Budgeting is another foundational principle, involving distinguishing between wants and needs and allocating funds accordingly. This practice helps in making informed spending decisions and prioritizing financial objectives. A simple budgeting approach might involve dividing earnings into categories, such as a portion for saving, a portion for spending, and a small amount for charitable giving.

Saving a portion of all earnings fosters financial security. Even small, consistent contributions can accumulate significantly over time. For a 13-year-old, this might involve depositing money into a youth savings account. These accounts typically require a parent or guardian as a joint owner or custodian, providing an opportunity for supervised financial learning.

Many financial institutions offer youth savings accounts, sometimes including debit card access for those aged 13 and older with parental oversight. While the money in a youth account belongs to the child, the parent often manages it until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21, depending on state law. This arrangement provides a safe environment for learning about banking, tracking transactions, and understanding the benefits of saving.