Before You Begin
You may be able to use these ideas to help you save for your future or purchase something special. Or…you may need fundraising ideas (for a charity, your school or your team).
- Always make sure that a parent or other responsible adult knows where you are and who you are with.
- Be prepared. Make sure you have all of the supplies you may need to do the job.
- Be experienced. Practice before you begin or have enough experience to do the job well.
- Clean up after yourself when done.
Pet Walking
Some pet owners are too busy to give their dogs regular exercise. A pet walking service can be helpful to them, their pets, and your savings account.
Pet Sitting
Some pet owners do not like to board their pets in cages at the vet or pet centers.
You can either go to their home or provide a foster home service where you bring the pet to your home to care for while the pet owners are away.
Either way, make sure you know every detail possible about the pets in your care – as well as their owners. For example, get the owners’ cell number, exact time they are returning, their Veterinarian’s name/phone number, what kind of food their pets eat, and any other information they will share.
If you act as a foster home, this is a decision to be made by your parents first.
Yard Care
Raking leaves, sweeping walkways, weeding, and/or helping pick up debris – these are all great ways to make extra money.
Vacation Services
When neighbors go away, you can offer to water outdoor plants, pick up mail, check for any package deliveries, check doors and other tasks that are important to individuals & families while they are out of town.
Tutoring Children
Are you very good in a particular subject or two? Consider offering tutoring services to other children after school or on weekends…or during the summer.
Mother’s Helper
Mothers who have more than one small child often need help while they are trying to do chores around the house. This may include playing games with or reading to toddlers while Mom cleans the house or fixes dinner. Extra help can be a big PLUS to busy Moms.
Tech Help
If you are very knowledgeable about setting up different computer functions, programming cell phones, showing someone how to use an iPod, etc., you may have found a way to make money! You’d be surprised at how many people – especially people over the age of 55 – would welcome a little tech support.
Always check with your parents before you offer any money-making service. Do your own research to see if you are charging a reasonable amount for your service. You need to make a profit but you don’t want to be so expensive that no one wants to use your service. Be courteous and dependable at all times. Lastly, be organized about your service. Keep a calendar, keep a record of your earnings and keep the contact information of your customers handy.
