LIFE

Yesterday we talked about getting money by getting an allowance. Another way to get money? Work for it.

The ways you can work for money is limited only by your imagination. Do you take out the trash, feed the animals, cut the lawn? Maybe it's time to work more, or turn one of your chores into a business by doing the same thing for trusted neighbors. Here's a few tips to get you started…

Start small. Think of extra jobs you could do around the house. How about painting that peeling garden shed, pulling up weeds or cleaning the windows? There are probably lots of jobs your parents would give you a few bucks to do.

Ask around. Ask friends and neighbors if they have any jobs you could do. Yard care, dog walking and babysitting are classics, but think outside the box—you can also organize, paint or sweep your way to $100. In fact, working to reach your short-term goal of saving $100 might be faster than saving up your allowance (if you are lucky enough to get one). Plus, it gives you valuable skills that will help you get work when you reach the age required in your state to become legally employed (more on that later).

TRY THIS: One easy way to get the word out to friends and family you're 'available for hire' is to set up a website. Nothing fancy— just a simple, one-page website. Check out wix.com, where kids can choose a template, describe their service offering, get parents' approval and bam....in less than 30 minutes, you can let everyone know you're ready to make some moolah. (Make sure you get parents' approval first!

Follow our Financial Literacy Month series to get financially fit in just 30 days.

James McKenna and Jeannine Glista  are the co-creators of Biz Kid$, a national financial education initiative based on the award-winning public TV series. They also are the authors of the seriously smart new book How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000 (out this month from Workman Publishing, $13), which outlines in detail every step you need to take to make your million. 

by GL | 4/8/2016