Summer is the perfect time for teens to make some extra cash. With school out and plenty of free time, there are numerous ways to earn money while gaining experience and skills. Whether you’re looking to save for something special or just want to have some spending money, here are five side hustles you can dive into this summer to potentially make $5,000!
Key Takeaways
- Online surveys are an easy way to earn cash by sharing your opinions.
- Tutoring can be a rewarding way to help others while making money.
- Pet sitting is a fun way to earn cash and spend time with animals.
- Yard work can be a lucrative seasonal hustle, especially in summer.
- Selling items online can turn your creativity into a profit.
1. Online Surveys
Okay, so online surveys might not sound like the most thrilling way to spend your summer, but hear me out. It’s super easy, and you can do it while you’re, like, watching TV or waiting for the bus. Basically, companies pay you for your opinion. They want to know what you think about their products, services, whatever. You answer some questions, and boom, you get a little cash. Don’t expect to get rich, but it’s a pretty chill way to make some extra money.
The key is to sign up for multiple survey sites to maximize your earnings.
I’ve tried a few different ones, and some are definitely better than others. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Swagbucks: This one’s pretty popular. You can earn points for surveys, watching videos, and even just browsing the web. Make Money Online You can redeem those points for gift cards or cash.
- Survey Junkie: This site is all about surveys. They’re usually pretty quick and easy, and you can see how much each one pays before you start.
- InboxDollars: Similar to Swagbucks, but they pay you in actual dollars instead of points. You can also earn money for reading emails and completing offers.
Just remember, you won’t get rich doing this. Most surveys pay like $0.25 to $5.00. But if you do a bunch, it can add up. Plus, it’s something you can do in your spare time, so it’s not like it’s a huge commitment. Think of it as easy money for sharing your thoughts. It’s a good way to get some extra cash for those summer plans. Neil Patrick Harris’s living room is probably not furnished with survey money, but hey, every little bit helps!
2. Tutoring Services
So, you’re good at school? Why not get paid for it? Seriously, tutoring is a solid way for teens to make some cash, especially if you’re strong in subjects like math, science, or English. Basically, you’re helping other students who need a little extra support, and you get paid for your time and knowledge.
There are a couple of ways to get started. You could try online platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant. These sites connect tutors with students, and they handle a lot of the logistics. The downside is they usually take a cut of your earnings. Alternatively, you could market yourself independently. Think social media, community bulletin boards, or even just spreading the word among your friends and neighbors. This way, you keep all the money, but you’re also responsible for finding clients and scheduling sessions.
Online tutoring is super flexible. You can do it from home, which is a major plus. Plus, teaching something actually helps you understand it better yourself. It’s a win-win!
3. Pet Sitting
Okay, so you love animals? Perfect! Pet sitting could be your ticket to that $5K. Lots of people need someone to watch their furry, scaly, or feathered friends when they’re out of town or just busy during the day. It’s way more than just feeding them; it’s about providing companionship and making sure they’re safe and happy.
Pet sitting is a great way to earn money while hanging out with animals.
To get started, think about what kind of animals you’re comfortable with. Dogs? Cats? Hamsters? Maybe even snakes (if you’re brave!). Then, let everyone know you’re available. Tell your neighbors, post on social media, and even put up flyers at the local community center or pet supply store. Word of mouth is powerful!
Here’s a few things to consider:
- Set your rates: Research what other pet sitters in your area are charging. Consider factors like the type of animal, the length of time you’ll be watching them, and any extra services you’ll provide (like dog walking or administering medication).
- Get insured: Seriously, this is important. Accidents happen, and you want to be protected if a pet gets sick or injured while in your care. Look into pet sitter insurance – it’s usually pretty affordable.
- Create a contract: This outlines your responsibilities, payment terms, and cancellation policies. It protects both you and the pet owner.
- Build a reputation: Ask satisfied clients for testimonials or reviews. A good reputation will help you attract more business.
Pet sitting isn’t just about the money; it’s about building trust and providing a valuable service to pet owners. If you’re responsible, reliable, and love animals, this could be a great way to earn some serious cash this summer.
4. Yard Work
Okay, so maybe it’s not the most glamorous job, but yard work can be a surprisingly good way to make some cash during the summer. Think about it: lawns need mowing, gardens need weeding, and leaves need raking (at least until fall rolls around). Plus, people are often willing to pay someone else to do the stuff they don’t want to do themselves.
The best part? You don’t need a ton of experience to get started.
Here’s the deal. I saw this TikTok where this guy was talking about how he makes bank just going around with a leaf blower. Fifty bucks a yard? Not bad at all. And it got me thinking, there’s a whole bunch of stuff you can do, depending on the season.
- Spring: Garden bed prep, planting flowers, spreading mulch.
- Summer: Lawn mowing, weeding, hedge trimming.
- Fall: Leaf raking/blowing, cleaning gutters.
- Winter: Shoveling snow (depending on where you live, of course!).
I mean, you could even offer package deals – like a weekly lawn mowing service or a monthly weeding plan. Get creative with it! Talk to your neighbors, put up some flyers, and let people know what you’re offering. You might be surprised at how many people are looking for a reliable teen to help them out with their yard work.
5. Sell Online
Okay, so you want to make some cash without leaving your room? Selling stuff online is a great way to do it. It’s way more than just decluttering your closet (though that’s a good start!). You can really turn this into a legit side hustle. I know a few people who started selling stuff online in high school and now they have their own businesses.
The key is finding something you’re good at or interested in, and then figuring out how to sell it.
Here’s the deal:
- Resell Items: Hit up thrift stores, garage sales, or even that box of old toys in your attic. You can find some real gems that are worth way more online. Clean them up, take good pictures, and list them on platforms like eBay or Poshmark. I’ve seen people flip everything from vintage clothes to old video games for a serious profit.
- Create and Sell Your Own Stuff: Are you crafty? Do you draw, paint, make jewelry, or build things? Etsy is your friend. It’s a marketplace specifically for handmade and vintage items. Setting up a shop is pretty easy, and you can reach a huge audience of people who are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind stuff. You can even sell stock photography on sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock if you have an eye for photography.
- Offer a Service: Think about what skills you have that other people might pay for. Can you design logos, write articles, edit videos, or manage social media accounts? There are tons of freelance platforms where you can offer your services to businesses and individuals. You’ll need to build a portfolio and get some good reviews, but once you do, you can charge a decent rate for your time. You can start by offering video editing services to local businesses.
It takes some work to get started, but selling online can be a really rewarding way to make money. Plus, you’ll learn a lot about business, marketing, and customer service along the way.
Wrap-Up: Start Your Side Hustle Today!
So there you have it—five solid side hustles that can help you make some serious cash this summer. Whether you’re into tutoring, pet-sitting, or selling online, there’s something for everyone. The key is to pick what you enjoy and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to try new things and learn as you go. You might even discover a passion that could turn into a career down the line. So grab your phone, get the word out, and start hustling! You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good side hustles for teens?
There are many great side hustles for teens! Some popular ones include taking online surveys, offering tutoring services, pet sitting, doing yard work, and selling items online.
How much money can I make with these side hustles?
It really depends on the hustle you choose. Some teens can earn a few dollars per hour, while others might make $100 or more in a day, especially if they work hard and find good clients.
Do I need special skills to start a side hustle?
Not really! Many side hustles just need your time and effort. For example, pet sitting or yard work doesn’t require special skills, but tutoring might need some knowledge in subjects you’re good at.
How do I find clients for my side hustle?
You can find clients by telling friends and family, posting on social media, or putting up flyers in your neighborhood. Word of mouth is also very helpful!
Is it safe to do side hustles online?
Yes, but you should always be careful. Make sure to use trusted websites and never share personal information with strangers. It’s good to have a parent or guardian help you.
Can I do more than one side hustle at a time?
Absolutely! Many teens do multiple side hustles to earn more money. Just make sure you can manage your time so it doesn’t interfere with school or other activities.
