6 answers
Kyrie
Student
Roseburg, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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How do I go about trying to get my first job?
I am a 14 year old with plans of getting emancipated whenever possible. I am trying to get my first job, what should I do and what should i know? What is the smartest way to save for the important things? How do I build a credit score? What is a credit score and why is it important?
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6 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's commendable that you're thinking about your financial independence at such a young age. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate getting your first job, saving wisely, and understanding credit:
**1. Getting Your First Job:**
- **Age Restrictions:** Be aware of your local laws regarding the minimum working age. In many places, you may need to wait until you're 16 to get a formal job.
- **Start with Informal Work:** In the meantime, consider informal gigs like babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, or odd jobs for neighbors and family friends. These can help you gain work experience.
- **Volunteer:** Volunteering can also provide valuable skills and networking opportunities.
**2. Saving Wisely:**
- **Set Financial Goals:** Determine what you're saving for, whether it's education, a car, or something else. Having clear goals will motivate you to save.
- **Create a Budget:** Track your income and expenses. Allocate a portion of your earnings to savings.
- **Open a Savings Account:** Consider opening a savings account at a local bank or credit union. It's a safe place to store your money and earn interest.
- **Avoid Impulse Spending:** Think carefully before making purchases. Differentiate between wants and needs.
**3. Building Credit:**
- **Understanding Credit Scores:** A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It's used by lenders to assess the risk of lending to you. Higher scores indicate lower risk.
- **Establishing Credit:** To build credit, you typically need a credit card or a loan. Since you're under 18, you might need a parent or guardian to co-sign on a card for you.
- **Use Credit Responsibly:** If you get a credit card, make small, manageable purchases, and pay the bill in full and on time each month. This demonstrates responsible credit usage.
- **Credit Score Factors:** Your credit score is influenced by factors like payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent inquiries.
- **Credit Reports:** Regularly review your credit reports to ensure accuracy and detect any potential issues.
- **Credit Building Tips:** Patience is key. Building good credit takes time. Avoid carrying high balances, make payments on time, and don't open too many credit accounts at once.
**4. Importance of Credit:**
- **Financial Opportunities:** A good credit score opens doors to favorable financial opportunities, including lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.
- **Employment and Housing:** Some employers and landlords may check your credit as part of their evaluation process.
- **Responsible Financial Management:** Managing credit responsibly reflects your ability to handle financial obligations, which is important for your financial future.
Remember, financial literacy is a valuable skill. Continue educating yourself about money management, savings, and credit. Seek guidance from trusted adults, and as you move toward emancipation, consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure you're making the best choices for your future financial well-being. Your proactive approach to financial independence is admirable, and it will serve you well in the long run.
**1. Getting Your First Job:**
- **Age Restrictions:** Be aware of your local laws regarding the minimum working age. In many places, you may need to wait until you're 16 to get a formal job.
- **Start with Informal Work:** In the meantime, consider informal gigs like babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, or odd jobs for neighbors and family friends. These can help you gain work experience.
- **Volunteer:** Volunteering can also provide valuable skills and networking opportunities.
**2. Saving Wisely:**
- **Set Financial Goals:** Determine what you're saving for, whether it's education, a car, or something else. Having clear goals will motivate you to save.
- **Create a Budget:** Track your income and expenses. Allocate a portion of your earnings to savings.
- **Open a Savings Account:** Consider opening a savings account at a local bank or credit union. It's a safe place to store your money and earn interest.
- **Avoid Impulse Spending:** Think carefully before making purchases. Differentiate between wants and needs.
**3. Building Credit:**
- **Understanding Credit Scores:** A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It's used by lenders to assess the risk of lending to you. Higher scores indicate lower risk.
- **Establishing Credit:** To build credit, you typically need a credit card or a loan. Since you're under 18, you might need a parent or guardian to co-sign on a card for you.
- **Use Credit Responsibly:** If you get a credit card, make small, manageable purchases, and pay the bill in full and on time each month. This demonstrates responsible credit usage.
- **Credit Score Factors:** Your credit score is influenced by factors like payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent inquiries.
- **Credit Reports:** Regularly review your credit reports to ensure accuracy and detect any potential issues.
- **Credit Building Tips:** Patience is key. Building good credit takes time. Avoid carrying high balances, make payments on time, and don't open too many credit accounts at once.
**4. Importance of Credit:**
- **Financial Opportunities:** A good credit score opens doors to favorable financial opportunities, including lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.
- **Employment and Housing:** Some employers and landlords may check your credit as part of their evaluation process.
- **Responsible Financial Management:** Managing credit responsibly reflects your ability to handle financial obligations, which is important for your financial future.
Remember, financial literacy is a valuable skill. Continue educating yourself about money management, savings, and credit. Seek guidance from trusted adults, and as you move toward emancipation, consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure you're making the best choices for your future financial well-being. Your proactive approach to financial independence is admirable, and it will serve you well in the long run.
Sylvia Kim
Strategic Planning and relationship management
2
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
At the age of 14, finding an "official" job can be a bit challenging as most jobs require you to be at least 16. However, your high school can provide resources for trustworthy stores that might be hiring. Always remember to prioritize your studies and education, as this is your best route to long-term success. It's crucial to have a clear vision of what you want to do now and in the future. I suggest creating a five-year plan, which will guide you in identifying and pursuing opportunities effectively, and will help build your resume.
In the immediate term, the focus should be on learning the ropes of work and becoming an effective employee or team member. Seek out stores or organizations that are willing to guide you and treat you fairly. In return, show them your reliability, dependability, and commitment. Each job or opportunity should build on the experience and skills gained from the previous one. Here's wishing you the best of luck!
In the immediate term, the focus should be on learning the ropes of work and becoming an effective employee or team member. Seek out stores or organizations that are willing to guide you and treat you fairly. In return, show them your reliability, dependability, and commitment. Each job or opportunity should build on the experience and skills gained from the previous one. Here's wishing you the best of luck!
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
276
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good for you in planning ahead! Looks like you received some good responses here. I would just add to also consider volunteer opportunities which can be done at a one-time event or perhaps once monthly. That will give you additional experience and a chance to talk about how you have contributed to society and gained new skills. You can find volunteer needs online.
With every good wish.
With every good wish.
Jacob Mina
31
Answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Easiest thing would probably be to ask around for friends and family members that need odd jobs done, no application is needed and will most likely be pretty flexible.
For “real” jobs, I would say use the keyword “entry level” in your job searching and applying to as many as you can and don’t get too discouraged if out of 15 applications only like 2 get back to you ever. Keep applying and eventually, something will pop up.
I am not the best at saving my money so all I can say is get a savings account and put in more often than you take out with it. Credit score I believe is useful for getting higher credit balance on credit cards and also getting loans for houses I believe? Can’t be too sure.
Main takeaway is to be persistent with all of this, and eventually you will see results. Good luck
For “real” jobs, I would say use the keyword “entry level” in your job searching and applying to as many as you can and don’t get too discouraged if out of 15 applications only like 2 get back to you ever. Keep applying and eventually, something will pop up.
I am not the best at saving my money so all I can say is get a savings account and put in more often than you take out with it. Credit score I believe is useful for getting higher credit balance on credit cards and also getting loans for houses I believe? Can’t be too sure.
Main takeaway is to be persistent with all of this, and eventually you will see results. Good luck
Katherine Mullins
Laser Technician
14
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Kyrie,
I would start off with the “odd jobs” for now but when you get emancipated, open a bank account. That way you can see how much money you’re putting in and saving. Additionally, I would start out as part time at a Walmart or Publix because they have way to work schedules.
Then, see if you can afford a bike or a car. That way when you make payments, it builds your credit score. A credit score is a number that insurance companies, realtors, and auto companies use to “determine” if giving you the policy, house, or a car is worth it for them. It’s a value that shows how well you can keep up with bills and when you pay things off.
Also, don’t give up on yourself. Maybe you can have a business of your own. I know it’s hard to see that at a young age and with not a lot of money, but think big. If you go that route, look at licenses that you need and how much they cost. Figure out your audience and what kind of business you want to have. There’s a saying from my industry in cosmetology and esthetics, “You gave me beauty from ashes.” Another quote from my career in lasers, “Be the light of your path.” I think you can do a lot more than you know. I know it’s a tough situation, but let this be a new beginning and a new life for you. You got this, Kyrie!
I would start off with the “odd jobs” for now but when you get emancipated, open a bank account. That way you can see how much money you’re putting in and saving. Additionally, I would start out as part time at a Walmart or Publix because they have way to work schedules.
Then, see if you can afford a bike or a car. That way when you make payments, it builds your credit score. A credit score is a number that insurance companies, realtors, and auto companies use to “determine” if giving you the policy, house, or a car is worth it for them. It’s a value that shows how well you can keep up with bills and when you pay things off.
Also, don’t give up on yourself. Maybe you can have a business of your own. I know it’s hard to see that at a young age and with not a lot of money, but think big. If you go that route, look at licenses that you need and how much they cost. Figure out your audience and what kind of business you want to have. There’s a saying from my industry in cosmetology and esthetics, “You gave me beauty from ashes.” Another quote from my career in lasers, “Be the light of your path.” I think you can do a lot more than you know. I know it’s a tough situation, but let this be a new beginning and a new life for you. You got this, Kyrie!
This actually really helps thankyou!! It means a lot to me :)
Kyrie
Dhimant Korant
IT Product Manager
50
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Discover the field that truly captivates your interest, where you envision yourself building a career.
Make an effort to network with professionals in your local area who are already thriving in that field.
Dedicate some time to understand the job you're interested in, researching the specific skills and qualifications it demands. If you find that you already possess the necessary skills, don't hesitate to apply. If there are areas you need to improve on, take the initiative to acquire those skills. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream job.
Make an effort to network with professionals in your local area who are already thriving in that field.
Dedicate some time to understand the job you're interested in, researching the specific skills and qualifications it demands. If you find that you already possess the necessary skills, don't hesitate to apply. If there are areas you need to improve on, take the initiative to acquire those skills. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream job.