Hi there! I’m Zara Maddison, and I’m 12 years old. I started a website called Assetsforkids. It helps young people like you learn about making and saving money.
You might wonder why a kid my age cares about money. Well, kids entrepreneurship is super fun and rewarding. It’s not just about doing boring chores for your parents.
I love finding creative ways to earn extra dollars during holidays and special times. These seasonal earning ideas are perfect because they fit around our school schedules. Plus, people always need extra help during busy seasons!
Building children financial literacy doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Through my own journey, I’ve learned that young entrepreneurs can develop amazing life skills while having a blast. If I can start my own business at 12, you can definitely find ways to grow your piggy bank too!
Why I Started Thinking About Money at Age 12
I started thinking about money when I was 12. Most kids my age played video games or hung out with friends. But I wondered how people made money and why some families had more.
It all started with simple chores at home. My parents paid me a few dollars for washing dishes or cleaning my room. These small tasks made me think about bigger kids business ideas that could earn me real money.
My first business was a lemonade stand that summer. I set up shop on our busy street corner and made $15 in one afternoon. That moment changed everything for me. I learned that making money could be fun and educational.
What really bothered me was that schools don’t teach children money skills. Most of my friends had no idea how to save or earn money. This gap inspired me to create Assetsforkids, where I could share what I learned with other young entrepreneurs.
I made plenty of mistakes along the way. I once spent all my earnings on candy instead of saving. But these experiences taught me valuable lessons. Starting young gives us a huge advantage in building financial skills. If you’re curious about making money at age 13, you’re already ahead of most kids your age.
Spring Money-Making Ideas That Actually Work
When flowers start blooming, it’s time to earn money! Spring is great for finding seasonal jobs for kids that pay well. People are excited for warmer weather and want their homes to look nice again.
Spring is awesome for kids who want to make money. Everyone is cleaning and doing yard work. They need help, and you can offer it! Plus, you get to work outside in the nice weather instead of being stuck indoors.
Gardening and lawn care are big spring earning opportunities. You can make $10-$20 per hour helping neighbors with their gardens. Start by asking family friends if they need yard help.
Want to try something creative? Selling flower arrangements is great for Mother’s Day and spring parties. You can make $5-$15 per arrangement using flowers from your garden or the store.
Car washing is another awesome kids outdoor business idea. People want their cars clean after winter’s mess. Charge $10-$25 per car depending on size. All you need is soap, sponges, and a hose.
Don’t forget about spring-themed crafts! Make Easter decorations, painted flower pots, or garden markers. These sell well at craft fairs or to neighbors.
Before you start any business, talk to your parents first. They need to know what you’re doing and help keep you safe. Make simple flyers to advertise your services around the neighborhood.
Remember to price your services fairly. Don’t charge too much or too little. Ask other kids what they charge, or have your parents help you figure out good prices.
Summer: The Best Season for Kid Entrepreneurs
Summer is the best time for kids to make money. You have lots of free time and sunny days. This is perfect for summer business ideas.
A lemonade stand business is a great choice. It can make you $50 to $100 a day. Choose a busy spot or set up at events for more customers.
Here are my top picks for summer money-making:
- Lemonade Stand: $50-$100 per day with good location and tasty recipes
- Pet Sitting: $15-$30 per hour watching neighbors’ pets while they vacation
- Lawn Care: $20-$50 per job mowing grass and weeding gardens
- Craft Sales: $10-$40 per day selling homemade items at local markets
- Yard Sale Helper: $25-$75 organizing and running sales for busy families
Each idea teaches you something new. Pet-sitting teaches you responsibility. Craft sales boost your creativity and communication skills.
Remember to keep track of your money. Note down what you spend and your profits. Even save for taxes, because kids need to think about this too!
Stay safe in the summer heat. Drink lots of water, take breaks, and always tell your parents where you are. The best summer business ideas keep you safe while you work.
Summer is a great time to learn business skills. You’ll learn about pricing, handling money, and making customers happy. These skills will help you for a long time.
Fall Earning Opportunities Before School Gets Busy
When the leaves change colors, it’s time for fall business ideas. Autumn is great for making money because everyone is getting ready for winter and the holidays. Plus, these jobs fit well around our school schedule!
Raking leaves is an easy way to start earning. I charge $10-15 per hour, depending on the yard size. The secret is to do a great job so neighbors call you back next year. Make sure to bag the leaves and make the yard look perfect.
Selling pumpkins around Halloween is another great autumn money making chance. You can make $5-10 per pumpkin if you buy them wholesale or grow your own. Set up a stand in your front yard or ask neighbors if they want to order pumpkins from you.
Creating fall crafts is where you can really get creative. I love making painted pumpkins, leaf art, and Halloween decorations that sell for $5-20 each. This type of creative work can turn your hobbies into money-making that keep earning all season long.
Here are my favorite seasonal kids work ideas for fall:
- Raking and bagging leaves for neighbors
- Selling pumpkins and fall decorations
- Making Halloween crafts and decorations
- Helping with garden cleanup before winter
- Offering to help decorate for Halloween parties
The key is starting early in September before everyone else thinks of it. Fall jobs teach us about timing and planning ahead – important business skills we’ll use forever!
Winter Ways to Make Money Indoors
Cold weather doesn’t stop you from making money. Winter has great indoor business ideas for kids. It’s a time when others might give up, but you can keep earning.
Snow shoveling is a big winter job. People pay well for it. I charge $10-15 per driveway and always bring my own shovel. Safety comes first – I never work alone and always tell my parents where I’m going.
But winter isn’t just about outdoor work. The holidays bring holiday earning opportunities for smart kids:
- Making and selling hot chocolate at local events
- Creating winter crafts like snowflakes and ornaments
- Baking cookies and treats for neighbors
- Offering gift-wrapping services
- Making personalized holiday cards
Pet-sitting is big in winter because families travel. I charge $15 per day and always have repeat customers.
Planning ahead is key for winter money making. I start advertising in November. Learning different ways to earn money helps me make more money.
Winter businesses need creativity, but they can be very profitable. Plus, many can be done from home when it’s cold outside!
Kids Money Management Through Seasonal Earning Opportunities: My System
The secret to growing your money isn’t just earning it. It’s what you do with it afterward. I’ve made a money management for children system that works great for seasonal earnings. Let me share how I do it.
First, I split every dollar into three parts. Save gets 50%, spend gets 30%, and share gets 20%. This helps me grow my wealth while enjoying my work.
For saving, I use a special kids savings account at my local bank. They have accounts just for kids with no fees. You could also use a clear jar or piggy bank at home.
I track everything in a simple notebook. I write down what I earn, what I spend, and my profits. This kids savings system shows me which jobs make the most money.
My seasonal planning is simple. Summer earnings help buy holiday gifts. Fall money gets winter supplies ready. I always plan one season ahead. This financial planning for kids keeps me ready.
Setting goals makes everything more exciting. Right now, I’m saving for new business equipment and building my emergency fund. I treat my seasonal work like a real business.
The best part? Celebrating wins and learning from mistakes. When I hit a savings goal, I do a happy dance. When something doesn’t work, I figure out why and try again next season.
This system helped me start Assetsforkids and grow my money every year. It can work for you too, no matter which seasonal jobs you choose.
Smart Saving Strategies That Work for Kids
I used to spend every dollar I earned until I learned these simple saving tricks. They changed everything. Now, I enjoy watching my money grow instead of wondering where it all went.
The most important rule I follow is “pay yourself first.” This means putting money into savings before I spend anything else. Even if I only save one dollar from every five I earn, it adds up fast. This is one of the best kids savings strategies because it makes saving automatic.
I use different ways to save my money. My piggy bank works great for coins and small bills. But my favorite is a clear jar because I can see my money pile up. Watching it grow makes me want to add more. Many young money savers like me find that seeing progress keeps us motivated.
- Clear savings jars for different goals
- Kids’ savings accounts at real banks that pay interest
- Weekly saving challenges where I save a little more each week
- Automatic transfers that move money to savings without me thinking about it
I set both short-term goals like buying a new video game and long-term goals like saving for college. These children financial habits I’m building now will help me my whole life. The key is starting small and being consistent.
Building Your Money Skills for the Future
Every time I earn money, I learn something new. This is how kids start learning about money. Raking leaves or shoveling snow teaches us about helping others and being responsible.
Kids who learn about money early have a big advantage. We’re getting stronger in our “money muscles.” These skills will help us make good choices when we’re older.
Seasonal jobs teach us more than just making money. I’ve learned to manage my time, solve problems, and talk to customers. These skills help me in school and future jobs.
Kids today have great chances to build wealth. We can start small businesses, learn online, and teach others about money. Starting early is key to financial success.
Keep learning about money. Read books, ask questions, and try new ways to earn. The ideas I shared are just the start. With good habits and learning, we can reach our financial goals.
Try one seasonal earning idea this year. See how it changes your money views. Your future self will be grateful for starting early.
FAQ
How old do I need to be to start making money with seasonal opportunities?
You can start at 7 with simple jobs like lemonade stands. But, always ask your parents first. They can help you with the right tasks.
What’s the best season for kids to start their first business?
Summer is the best time for beginners. You have lots of time and chances to make money. People are also more open to supporting young entrepreneurs.
How much money can I realistically make from seasonal work?
Your earnings depend on your effort and local opportunities. A lemonade stand can make -50 a day. Lawn care and pet-sitting can earn -30 and -25 a day, respectively. Work consistently to make more money.
Do I need my parents’ permission to start a seasonal business?
Yes, you need your parents’ permission. They can offer advice and help with safety. They might also know people who can be your first customers.
What supplies do I need to get started with spring gardening services?
You’ll need gloves, a small shovel, watering containers, and flower seeds. Start simple. You can also borrow tools from neighbors.
How do I price my services fairly?
Research what others charge and price a bit lower. For example, if adults charge , you might charge -30. Remember to consider your time and supplies.
What should I do if it rains and I can’t do outdoor work?
Rainy days are great for indoor activities like crafts or baking. Having indoor options helps you keep earning, even when it’s wet outside.
How do I find customers for my seasonal business?
Start with neighbors and family friends. Make flyers and ask your parents to post on social media. You can also ask around your neighborhood. Word of mouth helps a lot!
Should I save all my earnings or can I spend some?
Use the Save, Spend, Share system. Save 50%, spend 30%, and give 20% to others. This way, you enjoy your earnings while saving for the future.
What’s the most important money lesson from seasonal work?
Making money can be fun and educational. You learn about customer service, responsibility, and problem-solving. These skills are useful for life, not just for making money as a kid.
How do I handle difficult customers or situations?
Always be polite and professional, even with grumpy customers. If it feels unsafe, tell your parents right away. Most people support young entrepreneurs who work hard.
Can I do seasonal work if I live in an apartment or don’t have a yard?
Yes! You can do crafts, baking, gift-wrapping, or pet-sitting. You can offer services in your building or nearby. Your location doesn’t limit your earning potential.
How do I keep track of my earnings and expenses?
Use a notebook to write down what you earn and spend. You can also use phone apps or spreadsheets. Tracking helps you see if your business is profitable.
What if my friends think it’s weird that I’m working to make money?
Some friends might not get it at first. But, when they see you enjoying your earnings and savings, they’ll be curious. You might even inspire them to start their own businesses!