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Asked
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how to earn money as a 13 year old girl?
I’m currently in 8th grade and need a way to earn money
4 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kloie! I love that you're thinking about ways to earn money at 13. While many formal jobs like working in stores or fast food chains are off-limits until you're 14, there are still plenty of creative ways to start earning.
One idea is babysitting—it's a great way to make money and gain responsibility. If you're not ready to babysit alone, you could start by offering help to neighbors or family friends, like entertaining kids while their parents get things done. If you’re not into kids, maybe try pet sitting or dog walking. People often need someone to care for their pets when they’re busy or traveling, and it’s a fun way to get outside and active.
Another great option is doing yard work for neighbors—mowing lawns, raking leaves, or watering plants are all tasks that people often need help with. You could also start a small baking business, especially if you enjoy baking. Cookies, cupcakes, or homemade treats could be sold to neighbors, family, or at local events.
If you enjoy being creative, you could even try selling crafts or artwork you make. You’d be surprised how much people appreciate a homemade gift or decoration. Offering to help neighbors with small errands, like grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning, can also be a way to earn some pocket money.
Starting small and reaching out to family, friends, or neighbors is a perfect way to get started. They’ll trust you, and you can build your reputation from there. As you grow older, you can expand to other opportunities like tutoring or even starting a small online business.
A few other mentors have shared great advice too, but I'd recommend focusing on opportunities that not only make money but also teach you valuable skills. Whether it's learning responsibility through babysitting, improving time management with errands, or getting creative with crafts—these experiences will help you long-term.
Just keep an open mind, be responsible, and think outside the box!
You could consider starting a small car washing business for neighbors and family. A lot of people would appreciate someone offering to wash their cars for a reasonable price. You can make it fun by offering packages like basic washes, waxing, or interior cleaning. All you need are some basic supplies like soap, sponges, and towels. It’s a great way to get outdoors, work on a skill, and make some money! If you want to expand your efforts, you could also try digital tasks like offering to help people with basic tech support. For example, you could assist them with setting up their phones or help with organizing files on their computers, as long as you’re confident with technology. It could turn into a steady service. Mentor Sandra Jensen Fritsche also suggested ways to earn money, like pet-sitting or babysitting, which are solid ideas too. But exploring these extra ideas could give you even more flexibility and creativity!
Another option to consider is starting a mobile phone cleaning service. Many people need their phones cleaned regularly, especially the screens and cases, and it's a task that can easily be done with some basic supplies. You could offer to clean phones for friends, family, or neighbors for a small fee. It’s simple, in-demand, and gives you an opportunity to offer a helpful service while making some extra cash!
If you're looking for something that could be fun and creative, how about starting a customized greeting card business? You could create unique birthday, holiday, or thank-you cards for people. If you enjoy drawing, painting, or designing, this is a perfect way to combine creativity with earning money. You could sell your cards to friends, family, or even at local shops or online platforms like Etsy once you're older. Your mom might even be able to help you set up a small station at home, where you can make and package the cards, creating a little business together! Plus, it’s a great way to build up both your artistic and entrepreneurial skills.
One idea is babysitting—it's a great way to make money and gain responsibility. If you're not ready to babysit alone, you could start by offering help to neighbors or family friends, like entertaining kids while their parents get things done. If you’re not into kids, maybe try pet sitting or dog walking. People often need someone to care for their pets when they’re busy or traveling, and it’s a fun way to get outside and active.
Another great option is doing yard work for neighbors—mowing lawns, raking leaves, or watering plants are all tasks that people often need help with. You could also start a small baking business, especially if you enjoy baking. Cookies, cupcakes, or homemade treats could be sold to neighbors, family, or at local events.
If you enjoy being creative, you could even try selling crafts or artwork you make. You’d be surprised how much people appreciate a homemade gift or decoration. Offering to help neighbors with small errands, like grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning, can also be a way to earn some pocket money.
Starting small and reaching out to family, friends, or neighbors is a perfect way to get started. They’ll trust you, and you can build your reputation from there. As you grow older, you can expand to other opportunities like tutoring or even starting a small online business.
A few other mentors have shared great advice too, but I'd recommend focusing on opportunities that not only make money but also teach you valuable skills. Whether it's learning responsibility through babysitting, improving time management with errands, or getting creative with crafts—these experiences will help you long-term.
Just keep an open mind, be responsible, and think outside the box!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Unfortunately Kloie in Texas employers can not hire 13 years old, primarily you'll need to find jobs through family and neighbors, such as babysitting, pet sitting, yard work, or running errands, as most companies do not hire individuals under 14 due to labor laws; meaning there isn't a specific "company" that commonly hires 13-year-olds, but rather opportunities within your local community. Some potential options for you to earn money would include:
• BABYSITTING: Watching younger children while their parents are out.
• PET SITTING: Caring for pets like feeding, walking, and playing.
• YARD WORK: Mowing lawns, weeding, raking leaves.
• TUTORING: Helping younger students with their studies.
TOP 5 JOBS AT AGE 14
Texas minimum legal age to work is generally 14 years old. That said, anyone under 18 must have a work permit, called a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. Your school typically issues these permits, and you will need your parents' permission to work.
1️⃣ FAST-FOOD — Fast-food attendants work in the fast-food environment to prepare and serve food or beverages to customers. They may work behind the counter taking orders from customers in the store or at the drive-thru. They may also clean parts of the lobby and bathroom areas, including the tables, floors, doors and windows.
2️⃣ GROCERY ASSOCIATES — Grocery associates work behind a cash register to scan customers' items, bag their products, take payments and return change. They may also stock shelves, take inventory and assist customers in finding products.
3️⃣ KENNEL ASSISTANT — Kennel assistants work in animal shelters and veterinary clinics to tend to dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Their duties include feeding, bathing, medicating, grooming and cleaning. They may also be tasked with helping at the check-in counter.
4️⃣ MOVIE THEATRE WORKER — If I could do my teens over again, I’d definitely work at a movie theatre. I don’t know, there’s just something about being at the movies that’s cool. Not to mention you probably get perks like discounted movies, popcorn, and snacks.
5️⃣ GROCERY BAGGER — While bagging groceries might not seem like the most exciting job, there are many grocery companies who offer tuition reimbursement for both part-time and full-time employees. This type of job, like retail, can lead to a career opportunity later on. For students who want to go into business and management, this is an excellent option in terms of first jobs for 14-year-olds.
CONCLUSION
When applying for your first job, it's important to prepare a resume to show employers the skills, training or education you have for the role. By emphasizing your relevant qualifications, you can convey why you're a good candidate for the job. Knowing how to prepare a resume and what information to include can help you advance in the hiring process and get your first job.
• BABYSITTING: Watching younger children while their parents are out.
• PET SITTING: Caring for pets like feeding, walking, and playing.
• YARD WORK: Mowing lawns, weeding, raking leaves.
• TUTORING: Helping younger students with their studies.
TOP 5 JOBS AT AGE 14
Texas minimum legal age to work is generally 14 years old. That said, anyone under 18 must have a work permit, called a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. Your school typically issues these permits, and you will need your parents' permission to work.
1️⃣ FAST-FOOD — Fast-food attendants work in the fast-food environment to prepare and serve food or beverages to customers. They may work behind the counter taking orders from customers in the store or at the drive-thru. They may also clean parts of the lobby and bathroom areas, including the tables, floors, doors and windows.
2️⃣ GROCERY ASSOCIATES — Grocery associates work behind a cash register to scan customers' items, bag their products, take payments and return change. They may also stock shelves, take inventory and assist customers in finding products.
3️⃣ KENNEL ASSISTANT — Kennel assistants work in animal shelters and veterinary clinics to tend to dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Their duties include feeding, bathing, medicating, grooming and cleaning. They may also be tasked with helping at the check-in counter.
4️⃣ MOVIE THEATRE WORKER — If I could do my teens over again, I’d definitely work at a movie theatre. I don’t know, there’s just something about being at the movies that’s cool. Not to mention you probably get perks like discounted movies, popcorn, and snacks.
5️⃣ GROCERY BAGGER — While bagging groceries might not seem like the most exciting job, there are many grocery companies who offer tuition reimbursement for both part-time and full-time employees. This type of job, like retail, can lead to a career opportunity later on. For students who want to go into business and management, this is an excellent option in terms of first jobs for 14-year-olds.
CONCLUSION
When applying for your first job, it's important to prepare a resume to show employers the skills, training or education you have for the role. By emphasizing your relevant qualifications, you can convey why you're a good candidate for the job. Knowing how to prepare a resume and what information to include can help you advance in the hiring process and get your first job.
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're exploring ways to earn money at your age!
The choices you have really depend on where you live. When I was growing up in the countryside, I could house-sit, horse-sit, and pet-sit for neighbors. Babysitting might also be a great option for you.
The choices you have really depend on where you live. When I was growing up in the countryside, I could house-sit, horse-sit, and pet-sit for neighbors. Babysitting might also be a great option for you.

Caroline Tomey
Senior Associate, Digital Transformation Consulting
15
Answers
Asheville, North Carolina
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
I think it's pretty awesome of you to want to work towards something! There are so many options depending on what you you enjoy doing...
1. Babysitting - if you like kids, offer to babysit for a family, friends or neighbors. Even if you aren't ready to babysit alone just yet, you can help a parent through out their day to start off.
2. Dog Walking - many people would love to have someone walk their dog during the workday or vacation
3. Yard Work / Chores - mowing lawns, pulling weeds, and raking leaves are all great options to offer your neighbors
4. Baking Sale - if you like to bake, you can sell homemade cookies, cupcakes, or other treats in your neighborhood
My advice would be to start small and ask family, friends, or neighbors if they could use your help with anything. Do any of these sound interesting to you?
1. Babysitting - if you like kids, offer to babysit for a family, friends or neighbors. Even if you aren't ready to babysit alone just yet, you can help a parent through out their day to start off.
2. Dog Walking - many people would love to have someone walk their dog during the workday or vacation
3. Yard Work / Chores - mowing lawns, pulling weeds, and raking leaves are all great options to offer your neighbors
4. Baking Sale - if you like to bake, you can sell homemade cookies, cupcakes, or other treats in your neighborhood
My advice would be to start small and ask family, friends, or neighbors if they could use your help with anything. Do any of these sound interesting to you?
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