Creative Cash Opportunities for Teens

By Teresa Ambord

When teenagers need money, the choices don't have to be limited to babysitting, lawn mowing, or fast food jobs. With a little creativity, you can put your talents and/or ingenuity to work to find a non-traditional path to earning cash. Here are just a few:

Do You Love Animals?

Be a dog walker for busy people.
Or a pet sitter for people who travel. People cherish their animals and need caring, reliable people to be there to not just feed and water, but also to spend time with their pets.

Many veterinarian offices have bulletin boards where you can post an ad. Do a good job and your reputation will get around. The same is doubly true if you do a poor job.

Do You Like to Shop?

Be an errand runner. Busy people can sometimes use a trusted person to do a little shopping, drop off dry cleaning, visit the post office, return library books.

To find these jobs, ask your parents or adult friends if they know someone who could use you. Put an ad on your church bulletin board.

Are You Sharp on the Computer?

Be a tutor. Many people are afraid of computers, especially older people. You can teach them to use the Internet and open the world of email to them.
Teach programs. Common programs like Excel and Word are a mystery to some people, even small business owners. You might even pick up some regular data entry work.
Create websites. Many small businesses want a web presence, but can't afford to pay for a web developer. If you can do a nice job, your service will be invaluable, and it could lead to a regular web maintenance job.

Use your computer skills to market yourself with nice-looking business cards. Also, postcard stock can be used to create inexpensive mailers. Libraries, colleges, and even senior centers often have bulletin boards and are patronized by the kind of people you want to reach. Or run a small ad in a free paper.

Are You Talented in the Kitchen?

Bake for the holidays. Busy people may want to serve delicious homemade desserts but don't have the time and can't afford pricey bakeries.

Talk to your parents to see if they know someone who could use your help. Your work will sell itself once people have tried it.

Are You Good With Kids?

Help at birthday parties: Learn to make balloon animals, and then market yourself as a helper for children's parties. If you're willing to help set up and/or clean up, you become even more marketable. You can charge by the hour or set a flat fee. Be sure to include the price of the balloons.

Talk to people you know who have younger children and tell them what you are planning to do. If they don't need your help, they might know someone who does. Again, word of mouth will spread fast. Churches are a great place to reach many families. Or, Bowling alleys: They do a lot of kid parties that require set-up and clean up, as well as help during the party.

Check with the managers of local bowling alleys and explain how you can help them.

Before You Begin Marketing Yourself...

Be sure you can deliver on your promises.
Always maintain a professional appearance. That doesn't have to mean a three-piece suit. But arrive well groomed and dressed appropriately, including wearing clean shoes, no sandals.
Never, never, never be late. Plan ahead so that you are reliable every time.