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Get started with these money-making ideas
Making money as a teenager can be a fun, rewarding way to gain more freedom with your finances. Whether you want to top up your pocket money or find a part-time job to spend on bigger stuff, taking control of your money helps you build confidence and skills that will be useful later on.
The good news is, there are loads of ways to do it. If you're a people person, love getting creative or have a special talent, you’ll find something that fits around school or college. And while you’re earning, you’ll also pick up valuable skills like communication, problem-solving and customer service that’ll come in handy no matter what you choose to do in the future.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- 1. Get stuck into chores and odd jobs
- 2. Sell your stuff online
- 3. Get a part-time job
- 4. Have your say in online surveys and reviews
- 5. Find freelance work online
- 6. Become a content creator
- 7. Start a small business
- 8. Tutor younger students
- 9. Create a budget and save
- 10. Learn as you earn
1. Get stuck into chores and odd jobs
An easy way to start making money is by helping with chores and odd jobs. Ask your family members and neighbours if they need a hand with simple tasks like mowing lawns, babysitting, pet-sitting or even food shopping. These kinds of jobs are pretty flexible, so you can fit them around school or college, and pick hours that work for you.
Not only will you make a bit of extra cash, but helping with these tasks can also build a sense of responsibility, improve your time management and let you pick up the basics of good customer service. These skills can really come in handy down the line and if you’re reliable, you might get recommended to others, giving you more chances to earn.
2. Sell your stuff online
Got clothes you never wear, books you’ve finished and gadgets gathering dust? If the answer’s yes, why not turn the things you no longer need into extra cash? You can sell your unwanted items online through platforms like Vinted, Depop, eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Simply sort through your stuff, snap some photos and list them for sale. It’s a great way to declutter your space, give your things a new home and make a bit of money on the side.
3. Get a part-time job
Getting a part-time job is a great way to earn some money and build useful skills. Whether you’re serving customers in a coffee shop, stacking shelves at the supermarket or helping out at the local leisure centre, there are plenty of part-time gigs for teens. Besides earning cash, you’ll also gain valuable experience in customer service, time management, teamwork and handling money. And remember, these skills will look great on your CV when you go for other jobs in the future.
You can start your search for part-time work online or simply by handing out your CV when you’re out and about. In most places, you can work part-time from the age of 14 but in some areas it's 13, so make sure you check your local council’s rules. Full-time work is only allowed from age 16. Find out more on the gov.uk website.
4. Have your say in online surveys and reviews
Want to make a bit of extra cash without even leaving your room? There are loads of websites, like YouGov and Toluna, that pay you to complete online surveys. Some even let you review products in exchange for cash or freebies. While these tasks won’t make you rich, doing them in your spare time can help top up your pocket money.
To stay safe, stick to well-known and trusted sites, and avoid any that ask for payments or sensitive personal information upfront. Remember, these activities are great for earning a bit of pocket money but remember not to rely on them for a steady income.
5. Find freelance work online
Got a knack for writing, coding, design or something else? Sign up to sites like Fiverr and Upwork and turn your talents into freelance work. These platforms let you showcase your skills and connect with people looking for help on all kinds of projects. You could design logos, write blogs or articles, edit videos or even create simple websites. It’s a flexible way to earn some extra cash around school or college and fit it around your own schedule.
Freelancing is also a brilliant way to gain valuable experience, grow your portfolio and learn how to work with different clients. You’ll pick up handy skills like managing your time, setting rates and delivering great work. Just remember to start small and show what you can do, and, over time, it could grow into something more regular.
6. Become a content creator
Be it fashion, food or gaming, if you’re passionate about something and want to share it with the world, then why not think about becoming a content creator? You could start a YouTube channel, build your presence on TikTok or create an Instagram page based on what you love. By making and sharing content that feels real and authentic, you can connect with others who enjoy the same things.
You could also get skilled in areas like video editing or marketing, which could lead to more opportunities.
And as you grow your audience, there are lots of ways to earn:
- YouTube: You can make money through ads once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. You can also make money from sponsored content or promoting products
- TikTok: With TikTok’s Creator Fund, you get paid based on video views. To join, you’ll need at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days. Brands might also reach out for sponsored content
- Instagram: On Instagram, you can earn by doing sponsored posts, partnering with brands or promoting affiliate products. If you’re selling your own products, such as artwork or handmade jewellery, for example, you can set up an Instagram shop or link to your own online store.
You must be at least 13 years old to create an account on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. And staying safe online is really important. Always think before you post and don't share any personal information, like your full name, location or school. Limit screen time to avoid burnout and help protect your mental health. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to block or report them. You can find more online safety tips on Childline.
7. Start a small business
Want to be your own boss? Running a small business is a hands-on way to learn real-life skills like money management, marketing and customer service, as well as making money. And there’s nothing better than seeing people enjoy something that you’ve made or helped them with. Just start with what love and go from there.
Here are some ideas:
- Baking: If you love baking, sell your homemade treats like cupcakes, cookies, or brownies to friends, family, or at local events and markets. You could even take custom orders for birthdays and special occasions
- Fashion: Got an eye for style? Try designing your own t-shirts or tote bags, or even upcycling second-hand or vintage clothes. You can sell your homemade creations on Instagram, Depop, or set up a little shop on Etsy
- Arts and crafts: If you’re the creative kind, you could sell your artwork, handmade crafts and jewellery, or even candles online. Platforms like Etsy make it easy to share and sell your homemade creations to a wider audience
- Plant growing: Got green fingers? You could grow and sell small houseplants, succulents, or herbs online or at local events or markets
- Sport and fitness: If you’re into sports and fitness, you could offer beginner-friendly classes to your local community. You can create workout plans, film simple exercise routines or even host sessions in local parks or online
Ready to start your own business? Check out The King’s Trust to find more tips and support for young entrepreneurs.
8. Tutor younger students
If you’re an older teen who’s good at a particular subject or has a special skill like playing an instrument, tutoring younger students can be a great way to earn extra money.
Tutoring is flexible, rewarding and helps you dive deeper into your chosen subject while building valuable communication skills. To get started, pick a subject you enjoy and let your family, friends and teachers know. You could also make simple flyers to share around your school, college or local area.
Next, set up a profile on UK tutoring sites like Tutorful or Superprof to find more students. Start with a competitive rate based on what others are charging and tweak it as you gain experience. It’s a good idea to prepare simple lesson plans to keep things engaging and on-track. You could even think about offering online sessions using Zoom or Google Meet to reach even more students
9. Create a budget and save
No matter how you earn money, once you start making some, it's a good idea to create a simple budget to keep track of your cash. Start by using a budgeting app or simply writing down how much money you’re making, what you’re spending it on and, most importantly, how much you can afford to save each month. An easy way to do this is by following the 50-30-20 rule. Try to put 50% of your money towards needs, 30% for your wants, and 20% towards savings or debt.
Even if your savings are small, it's a good idea to get into the habit of putting aside a bit of money each month. Stick at it, and soon you’ll have a fund to spend on bigger things or emergencies in the future.
10. Learn as you earn
It’s never too early to start planning for your future. Building valuable skills now can lead to bigger opportunities down the road, and there are plenty of ways to grow and develop your skills:
- Sign up to courses: Whether you’re interested in coding, public speaking, mental health awareness, pattern cutting, or social media marketing, there are plenty of in-person and online courses to help you level up. You'll have to pay for some, but you can also find free ones like Google’s digital skills courses or local community classes
- Volunteer or intern: Get hands-on experience by volunteering with charities or find internships with businesses where you can pick up practical know-hoe like graphic design, content creation, marketing, customer service or even basic bookkeeping. You’ll not only discover new skills and interests but you’ll also be prepared for other opportunities in the future
- Get interested about investing: Learning about investing might sound daunting, or even a bit boring, but starting with the basics is a great first step. Check out resources on savings accounts, Junior ISAs or beginner-friendly stocks. When you’re old enough, you can even try investing a little to get comfortable with growing your money
Common questions about making money as a teenager
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Yes, it’s certainly possible. First, think about your passions or what you enjoy. If you’re into photography, you could offer photo sessions or sell prints. Love baking? Take orders for special events. Are you great at drawing or designing? Create and sell custom artwork or digital products. The key is to identify a market for your hobby and promote yourself on social media or platforms like Etsy where you can reach a larger audience.
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When setting your prices, start by researching what others charge for similar services. You can look online or ask people in your local area. If you’re new, you might start at a slightly lower rate to attract customers, but remember to adjust your rates as your skills and reputation grow. It’s also important to consider how much time and effort each job takes, and make sure you’re not underselling your work.
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The best way to save your money is by setting up a savings account or a Junior ISA (Individual Savings Account) at a bank or building society. These accounts often offer better interest rates than standard accounts, helping your money grow over time. You could also divide your earnings into separate jars or accounts for spending, saving, and future goals. Having a clear plan for what you’re saving for, like a new gadget or uni, can make it more motivating to save regularly.
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In the UK, you only start paying income tax if you earn above a certain threshold, which changes each year. Keep track of all your earnings and expenses and store any receipts or invoices. It’s helpful to ask a teacher, parent or guardian to explain the basics or do your own research on gov.uk. You can also learn about self-assessment if you’re earning from multiple sources or running a small business.
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Yes, but you need to take precautions. Always use secure platforms like eBay, Vinted, Etsy or Depop, and set up a separate email for your business activities. For services like freelancing, stick to reputable sites like Fiverr or Upwork. Never share personal information like your address or phone number with strangers, and always arrange payments through secure methods. If you’re unsure about anything, ask a parent or guardian to help.
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If your idea doesn’t take off as expected, see it as a learning opportunity. Take some time to reflect on what didn’t work and why. Did you have the right target audience? Was the pricing fair? Maybe there’s a better way to market your idea. Talk to people who might give you constructive feedback and use it to refine or pivot your idea. Every experience, even a failed one, adds valuable skills to your toolkit for future success.
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School holidays and weekends are ideal times to take on seasonal work or freelance jobs that require more time. Consider offering pet-sitting services during holidays, taking on summer jobs like working at festivals, tutoring younger students during exam seasons, or running a pop-up stall at local events. Since you have more free time, you can experiment with different jobs to see what suits you best.
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Start by preparing a clear plan that explains your idea, how much time you’ll spend on it, and the potential benefits like gaining skills or saving up. Highlight the positive impact it can have on your growth and responsibilities. Show them you’ve thought about balancing it with schoolwork and other commitments. Being prepared and showing maturity in your approach can help gain their support.
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Staying organised is key. Use a budgeting app to track your earnings and spending in real-time. Or you could make a simple spreadsheet to help you keep an eye your income, expenses, and savings goals. Update it regularly to see where your money is going and find areas where you can cut back or save more. Tracking your money can also help you understand how your efforts are paying off.
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