10 Ways Kids Can Make Money

At Wealthy Kids Academy we know teaching children about financial responsibility is crucial. It not only instills valuable life skills but also helps them develop a strong work ethic from an early age. As parents, we want our children to learn the importance of money management and independence. We also want to start investing for them at a young age so their money has time to grow. In this week’s newsletter, we will explore ten creative ways for your kids to make money. These income ideas can empower your children to become financially savvy and self-reliant individuals.

1. Start a Small Business

Does your kiddo have a talent for crafting? Do they love to knit or draw or create unique decorations? Maybe you’re the coolest parent on the planet and have allowed them to explore the world of pottery and they’re actually good at it! Do they take cool photos of things? For example, my boys love photographing bugs! These talents can be turned into cold hard cash! If your kiddo enjoys creating with their hands, they may be able to sell their work in an Etsy store or on a Shopify website. There are some steps that have to be taken to get these sites set up but it is definitely a wonderful place for your kid to show off their talents. They could also attend some local events like Farmer’s Markets and community fairs to sell their goods. If you aren’t sure where to start with Etsy or Shopify, don’t worry! A quick YouTube search will fill you in!

2. Create an Online Presence

This one almost makes me cringe but it's the world we live in folks! Our digital world is centered around being online and being on social media. It's the future whether we like it or not so CAUTIOUSLY maybe let them create online! I don’t love the idea of my kids being on a YouTube channel all of the time but they do love to film their adventures sometimes. They enjoy showing the camera the marble runs they build, the games they play, and even some of the creations they build with Legos. As long as I am present for the filming of the video and turn off the comments when they post it, I usually feel ok with it going online. If you have an older kid, they could also explore making a “faceless” channel that gives inspirational quotes, bible verses, or even product review videos of goods they already use. If your child can build up a large enough audience on a social media platform like YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, or even on Amazon, they can get paid for the content they create.

3. Create and Sell Merch

Print on Demand is an awesome way to create and sell goods. If your kid likes to design things like stickers, t-shirts, coffee mugs, or phone cases, this one may be for them! Your kiddo can create cool designs and logos and actually upload them to a site like Printify or Printful. They put their designs on merchandise that is offered on the site like hats, bags, phone cases, keychains, blankets, etc and then they create a store from that. When someone orders one of their creations, the order is sent to a print service. That print service will actually make the product, box it, and ship it to their customer. This one is fairly simple and involves no inventory that your kid has to keep on hand.

4. Organize a Garage Sale

A garage sale presents an opportunity for your kiddos to declutter their rooms while making some extra cash. You can guide them in sorting their belongings and pricing them accordingly. They can even set up some displays and advertise the event within your neighborhood. This activity not only promotes tidiness but also teaches them about negotiation skills and the value of their possessions.

5. Pet or House Sitting

Are your neighbors traveling this summer? They could hire your kiddo to water the lawn, water the house plants and check in on the animals. Kids can spend time with pets that were left at home. They can feed and walk them and clean litter boxes. They can also bring in all those Amazon packages that get delivered while the homeowners are away. This is a great way for kids to earn cash without having to leave the neighborhood!

6. Dog Walking
 
This little side hustle can be quite lucrative! If you live in a neighborhood with some folks that have pets, your kid could do very well with this money maker! A couple of hours after school of dog walking could be just the job for your kid! There are even apps that connect pet owners with dog walkers!

7. Offer Tutoring

Is your kiddo a math wiz? Are they exceptional writers or passionate about science? They may be able to sell those talents! Some of your kid’s peers may be in need of some extra one on one time in a subject that is particularly challenging for them. If your student can help them, they may be able to get paid for doing so. Or, they could possibly do online tutoring as well!

8. Neighborly deeds 

Can your teenager use a weed eater or a lawn mower? Could they pull weeds or lay pine straw? Would they wash cars or pressure-wash driveways? How about painting address numbers on property entrances? All of these services are great to offer to your neighbors and family members. Homeowners have a need for these services to be completed. Your kid could lighten the neighbor’s to do list and make some cash doing it.

9. Modeling

Do you own a business that you purchase marketing material for? Why not let your kiddo model for your brochures or online ads instead? The amount you pay them is tax deductible for your business and they can earn up to $13,000 per year tax-free! You could also reach out to your other entrepreneur friends and see if they have a need for some cute faces!! Don’t forget, if you have to create online content for your business, you can pay your kiddo to be the cameraman!

10. Additional household chores

In my humble opinion, kids should have regular house chores that they are responsible for. These could include cleaning their bedrooms, cleaning bathrooms, doing dishes, and taking out the trash. However, if they are willing to do additional work around the house, reward them for it! Washing cars, mowing the lawn, working in the garden, dusting baseboards, and washing the dog, all may qualify!

Whatever your kid likes to do, encourage them to think of ways to monetize their skills. Being able to do that, is a skill in itself. Let them figure it out now while they are young and have no bills. All of that money earned can be invested and it can start creating more money and wealth for your little one. This creates freedom for their future. The opportunities await! Help your kids find them!!