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There are many ways to earn money if you are a teen and are not able to earn a real paycheck! Here is my foolproof top five:

1. Doing extra chores
This one does depend on how cooperative your parents are, but if you are polite in asking and explain why you want the spending money, they're likely to listen. It's an easy way to make 10 or 20 bucks (or more, if your parents are generous). You could give the whole bathroom a good scrubdown, or vacuum and mop the entire house. You could ask your mom which chores she hates doing the most, and pick those up for her. You could wash all the windows you can reach, or pull weeds in your backyard. Be imaginative! I once scrubbed the dirty floor and windows of our entrance-way and earned 50 bucks for doing such a good job that my mom was suprised.

2. Tutoring
Do you know a kid younger than you who seems to be struggling in school? Offer to help them with their homework and help them understand what's being taught in class. Be tactful and polite when asking their parents, and prove your worth by showing them a report card and explaining your proficiency in whatever subject(s) their child is struggling in. If they say no, don't be discouraged! There are always many children who need a little extra help, so keep asking around. Once you find one child to tutor, if his or her grades improve, you may get more parents who want your help. Just make sure to keep doing a good job.

3. Saving
I know, I know, saving money is not as fun as making it, but it really works. Whatever money you make, either through a job or just from presents on birthdays or holidays, make sure not to spend it all. You can spend half of it, but put the other half away in a safe place and pretend it doesn't exist, because that's how you'll make the 'big money.' You can also cut out one trip to the candy store a week, and save money that way.

This way, if you want to buy something big someday, all the times you saved a little money by not buying small treats will add up. You'll be able to buy something more expensive with all the money you've saved. Or, if you can't think of anything expensive to buy, then just keep saving! You'll thank yourself for it when you're older and do know what to buy.

4. Selling
Do you have a bunch of old CDs that you haven't listened to in years? Or maybe a lot of barbie dolls you never play with anymore, or some really old playstation games that are gathering dust. Why not collect everything together in one place, and ask your parents if you can have a mini-yard sale? Let them know you'll be responsible and set up everything yourself. They might give you other stuff to sell, like old clothes you wore when you were a kid, or old toys. Put up a table, and post signs around the neighborhood saying where and when the sale is. Arrange all your objects on the table, and think of appropriate prices- remember, don't make them too high! You can also sell something else at the sale to encourage other customers- perhaps the old classic, lemonade. Whatever you don't sell, donate to charity.

5. Getting Creative
Ask your parents and family for ways you could earn a little extra money, and keep thinking of ways yourself! Before you know it, you'll have enough spending money for anything you've wanted, through a little hard work and determination.

Learn more about this author, Rhea Wood.
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