6 answers
Ellie
Student
Tribes Hill, NY
1
Question
Asked
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How can I a 14 year old with a dream to travel when I'm older and not work the rest of my life start making money now?
I don't have any cash right now and can't spend anything on marketing so I need to make money so I can travel and live my life when I grow up.
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6 answers
Sebrena Chen
Photographer
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sebrena’s Answer
Hi Ellie! It’s great that you’re already thinking about your future and how you can start working toward your dream of traveling and having more freedom. Even though you’re only 14 and can’t spend money on marketing right now, there are still ways you can start making money and building good habits for the future. First, think about things you can do in your own community. Babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn mowing, shoveling snow, or helping neighbors with chores are all classic ways teens can earn money without needing to advertise. Sometimes just letting family, friends, or neighbors know you’re available is enough to get started. If you’re creative, you could try selling crafts, art, or baked goods to people you know, or even offer to help others with things like tutoring younger students. As you get older, you might be able to find part-time jobs at local businesses, especially during the summer. Also, try to learn about saving and budgeting early on. Even small amounts of money can add up over time if you’re smart about saving. You might want to set up a savings account with your parents’ help so you can start putting money aside for your travel goals. While you can’t do everything right now, the skills and work ethic you build at this time will help you a lot when you’re older. Keep learning, look for chances to help people, and don’t be afraid to try new things. You’re already ahead of the game just by thinking about your future!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
trent
Zandy Yeukai Marekera
Head of Supervisors/ Operations Lead
5
Answers
Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province
Updated
Zandy Yeukai’s Answer
Hi Ellie 😄
Firstly, I love that you’re thinking about your future this early. That already puts you ahead. Here’s the truth … At 14, your biggest money maker right now is skills, not cash.
Start with things that cost $0. 1 Learn a skill online (free on YouTube) such as Video editing, Graphic design on Canva, Writing, Coding and Social media content.
2 Make small money locally through babysitting, dog walking, yard work, tutoring younger kids and selling snacks at school (if allowed)
3 Save EVERYTHING, even $5 matters.Build the habit now.
4 Open a savings account with a parent.
Start learning how money works.
5 Focus on school. Good grades = scholarships = free travel opportunities later.
Please don’t rush to “never work again.” Instead, aim for work you enjoy and that gives you freedom (remote jobs, business, digital skills).
You don’t need money to start. You need discipline, learning, and patience. Start small. Start now. Stay consistent.
Your 25-year-old self will thank you.
Firstly, I love that you’re thinking about your future this early. That already puts you ahead. Here’s the truth … At 14, your biggest money maker right now is skills, not cash.
Start with things that cost $0. 1 Learn a skill online (free on YouTube) such as Video editing, Graphic design on Canva, Writing, Coding and Social media content.
2 Make small money locally through babysitting, dog walking, yard work, tutoring younger kids and selling snacks at school (if allowed)
3 Save EVERYTHING, even $5 matters.Build the habit now.
4 Open a savings account with a parent.
Start learning how money works.
5 Focus on school. Good grades = scholarships = free travel opportunities later.
Please don’t rush to “never work again.” Instead, aim for work you enjoy and that gives you freedom (remote jobs, business, digital skills).
You don’t need money to start. You need discipline, learning, and patience. Start small. Start now. Stay consistent.
Your 25-year-old self will thank you.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2450
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you like travelling.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Have you thought about having careers related to travelling? E.g. Travel Agents, Tour Guide, Work on a cruise ship, Pilot, Flight Attendant, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to puruse
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Have you thought about having careers related to travelling? E.g. Travel Agents, Tour Guide, Work on a cruise ship, Pilot, Flight Attendant, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to puruse
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Leo Munyonho
1
Answer
Updated
Leo’s Answer
You are on the path to making your travel dreams a reality 😊. At 14, you are already thinking about your future - that's amazing. Every small step you take now builds momentum for the adventures you will have later. You have got creativity, energy, and drive. Use them to carve your path.
Start making money now with little to no upfront cost:
- Create online content about something you love
- Offer freelance services like pet-sitting or tutoring
- Sell stuff online or create digital products
- Do odd jobs for neighbors
Focus on building skills and experience. Don't worry about comparisons; focus on progress. You've got this! 💪
Start making money now with little to no upfront cost:
- Create online content about something you love
- Offer freelance services like pet-sitting or tutoring
- Sell stuff online or create digital products
- Do odd jobs for neighbors
Focus on building skills and experience. Don't worry about comparisons; focus on progress. You've got this! 💪
Dii S.
2
Answers
Updated
Dii’s Answer
Hey Ellie!
Hope you are doing well!
Honestly, that's the goal I have too - Travel around the world and not work a penny.
But let's be honest, who else is gonna give us the penny?
Older is the age where you will have to buy even that small candy with your own money simply because there wont be anyone else to pay.
So its hard to break it to you, but reality is that you gotta work atleast for 5 years before you can go 'no work' for life.
The concept of passive income does exist - where you could just sit in the beach sipping a cocktail knowing 100 bucks is getting sent to your account every few hours - you still have to work first before you can rest. You need knowledge and time to get money.
The other advisors have given you wonderful ways to start earning money now. Most of them being actually fun to do.
And as a 14 year old, the biggest advantage you have is Time.
Time to learn more, to experience and test more. Because the time you have now belongs to you alone.
You realizing this now will be such a relief to the 'older' you when she looks back.
So here's the first step you can do - for something future proof.
Find what you love doing. You absolutely have to love doing it!
Could be a hobby or something you picked up as a habit. Pick something you can be consistent in and not be bored of.
That's what you will focus - consistency. And trust me, it will work.
Next, you research in google or ask ai "I like --- and I'm 14 years old. Teach me the skills that I need so when I turn -- years old, I can make -- amount --- (time period)"
Here, you're asking it to give you a plan with a clear end goal and the base activity - the one you like.
(Prompting itself is a skill that sells!)
The goal is to learn a 'High Income Skill' that people wants to buy and you can do well.
Lastly, follow through!
Even if the daily plan doesn't work, stick to the end goals. Consistency is a discipline you build with time, and what matters is not giving up no matter the excuse.
You could do the small and odd jobs now to make the small money, but what you learn stays longer than what you earn.
You want to continue earning, right? So prioritize building your skills.
Build the habit of reading. And as much as I like reading the sci-fi genres, what helps your future and makes your goal happen is in the self help section. Research well before buying that book - always the updated version. And take your time to complete it.
Its not how fast you finish the book and put it aside that matters, but what you understood from it.
I know you feel rushed with how fast everyone is moving - but there is a lot happening behind the social media screen. You don't have to rush, instead work to prepare like your going to get send off to the battlefield in a few years (cuz it kinda is)!
The best of the knights spent more years honing their strengths before their swords. ;)
Hope you are doing well!
Honestly, that's the goal I have too - Travel around the world and not work a penny.
But let's be honest, who else is gonna give us the penny?
Older is the age where you will have to buy even that small candy with your own money simply because there wont be anyone else to pay.
So its hard to break it to you, but reality is that you gotta work atleast for 5 years before you can go 'no work' for life.
The concept of passive income does exist - where you could just sit in the beach sipping a cocktail knowing 100 bucks is getting sent to your account every few hours - you still have to work first before you can rest. You need knowledge and time to get money.
The other advisors have given you wonderful ways to start earning money now. Most of them being actually fun to do.
And as a 14 year old, the biggest advantage you have is Time.
Time to learn more, to experience and test more. Because the time you have now belongs to you alone.
You realizing this now will be such a relief to the 'older' you when she looks back.
So here's the first step you can do - for something future proof.
Find what you love doing. You absolutely have to love doing it!
Could be a hobby or something you picked up as a habit. Pick something you can be consistent in and not be bored of.
That's what you will focus - consistency. And trust me, it will work.
Next, you research in google or ask ai "I like --- and I'm 14 years old. Teach me the skills that I need so when I turn -- years old, I can make -- amount --- (time period)"
Here, you're asking it to give you a plan with a clear end goal and the base activity - the one you like.
(Prompting itself is a skill that sells!)
The goal is to learn a 'High Income Skill' that people wants to buy and you can do well.
Lastly, follow through!
Even if the daily plan doesn't work, stick to the end goals. Consistency is a discipline you build with time, and what matters is not giving up no matter the excuse.
You could do the small and odd jobs now to make the small money, but what you learn stays longer than what you earn.
You want to continue earning, right? So prioritize building your skills.
Build the habit of reading. And as much as I like reading the sci-fi genres, what helps your future and makes your goal happen is in the self help section. Research well before buying that book - always the updated version. And take your time to complete it.
Its not how fast you finish the book and put it aside that matters, but what you understood from it.
I know you feel rushed with how fast everyone is moving - but there is a lot happening behind the social media screen. You don't have to rush, instead work to prepare like your going to get send off to the battlefield in a few years (cuz it kinda is)!
The best of the knights spent more years honing their strengths before their swords. ;)
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
157
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
It's great that you're already thinking about your future and dreaming of traveling one day. Starting at 14 is awesome because it gives you time to develop good habits and skills. Right now, the focus isn't on making a lot of money quickly, but on learning how to earn and save bit by bit without needing any money upfront.
You can begin by offering simple services using what you already have. Think about babysitting, dog walking, helping neighbors with yard work, tutoring younger kids, or assisting older folks with technology. These jobs don't need any startup money, just let people around you know you're available. Word of mouth is powerful, especially if a parent can help spread the word safely in local groups or among family friends. When you start earning, try to save some of it so you can gradually work towards bigger goals.
It's also a good idea to start learning skills now that could earn you money later. Skills like video editing, graphic design, writing, or managing social media can all be learned online for free. Over time, these skills can lead to flexible work you can do from anywhere, which is great for traveling as an adult. Focus on learning and improving step by step, and you'll be giving your future self more freedom and choices.
You can begin by offering simple services using what you already have. Think about babysitting, dog walking, helping neighbors with yard work, tutoring younger kids, or assisting older folks with technology. These jobs don't need any startup money, just let people around you know you're available. Word of mouth is powerful, especially if a parent can help spread the word safely in local groups or among family friends. When you start earning, try to save some of it so you can gradually work towards bigger goals.
It's also a good idea to start learning skills now that could earn you money later. Skills like video editing, graphic design, writing, or managing social media can all be learned online for free. Over time, these skills can lead to flexible work you can do from anywhere, which is great for traveling as an adult. Focus on learning and improving step by step, and you'll be giving your future self more freedom and choices.