Being a teenager is an exciting time, full of new experiences and opportunities. One of the most rewarding experiences can be earning your own money. Whether you want to save for a big purchase, help out your family, or just have some extra spending money, there are numerous ways to make cash as a teenager. This article will explore various side hustle ideas for teenagers and easy ways to make money at 14 and beyond.

Also, we’ll dive into how teens can earn money using the Modak Makers app and how they can use their Visa® debit card¹, designed for kids and teens, to receive payments for jobs or allowances without any monthly subscription fees⁴.

Sign up using the code HUB_HUSTLES24 and earn $10!⁵

Why Side Hustles Are Great for Teens

The Benefits of Earning Your Own Money

Earning your own money as a teen can be incredibly empowering. It teaches important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and financial literacy. Plus, having your own income allows you to make your own financial decisions and helps you gain independence. Here are some key benefits:

• Develops entrepreneurial skills: Running a side hustle helps teens understand the basics of business operations, marketing, and customer service.
• Fosters financial independence: Earning money allows teens to make their own financial decisions, fostering independence.
• Teaches money management: Managing income and expenses from a side hustle is an excellent way to learn budgeting and saving skills.
• Enhances resume for future opportunities: Having a side hustle can be a great addition to a resume, showing initiative and responsibility.

Top Side Hustles ideas for teenagers: which are the best ways to make money as a teen in 2024

1. Starting a Podcast

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular, and starting one can be a great way for teens to make money. If you have a passion for a particular topic, you can create a podcast and monetize it through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations.

Pros:

• Creative freedom
• Potential for high earnings
• Opportunity to build a personal brand

Cons:

• Requires time and effort to build an audience
• Income can be inconsistent

How to Get Started:

• Choose a niche you're passionate about.
• Make sure you have a good recording infrastructure.
• Promote your podcast on social media and podcast directories.

2. Game Tester

For teens who love playing video games, becoming a game tester can be an exciting and rewarding side hustle. Game developers often need feedback on new games, and they pay testers to play and report on their experiences.

Pros:

• Fun and engaging if you love gaming
• Potential to play new games before they are released
• Flexible hours

Cons:

• Can be repetitive and requires detailed feedback
• Limited availability of jobs

How to Get Started:

• Look for game testing opportunities on job boards and gaming websites.
• Sign up for game testing platforms.
• Network with other gamers and developers to find opportunities.

3. Data Entry Jobs

Data entry jobs involve inputting information into databases, spreadsheets, or other digital formats. This can be a great option for teens who are detail-oriented and comfortable using computers.

Pros:

• No special skills required
• Flexible hours
• Can be done from home

Cons:

• Can be monotonous
• Requires accuracy and attention to detail

How to Get Started:

• Look for data entry jobs on job boards and freelance websites.
• Create a resume highlighting your computer skills and attention to detail.
• Apply for data entry positions that match your availability.

4. Social Media Manager

Many small businesses and individuals need help managing their social media accounts. If you’re good at creating engaging content and have a knack for social media, this could be a great side hustle.

Pros:

• High demand for social media skills
• Creative and engaging work
• Flexible hours

Cons:

• Requires knowledge of social media platforms and trends
• Can be time-consuming

How to Get Started:

• Create a portfolio of your social media work.
• Reach out to local businesses and offer your services.
• Promote your services on your own social media channels.

5. Online Tutoring

If you excel in a particular subject, consider offering online tutoring services. You can help younger students or peers understand challenging concepts and improve their grades.

Pros:

• High earning potential
• Can improve your own knowledge and skills
• Flexible scheduling and valuable on college applications

Cons:

• Requires subject expertise
• May need to prepare lesson plans

How to Get Started:

• Advertise your tutoring services at school or through community boards.
• Create an online profile on tutoring platforms.
• Offer a free initial session to attract clients.

Tips for Parents

Parents play a crucial role in guiding and supporting their teens in their side hustle ventures. Here are some tips for parents:

1. Encourage and Support: Encourage teens to pursue side hustles that align with their interests and provide the necessary support to help them succeed.
2. Teach Financial Skills: Use the opportunity to teach teens about saving, budgeting, and responsible spending.
3. Ensure Safety: Always prioritize safety and ensure that any side hustle is age-appropriate and supervised if necessary.
4. Set Limits: Help teens balance their side hustles with school and playtime, setting limits to ensure they are not overwhelmed.

6. Using Modak Makers

Apart from the side hustles mentioned above, you can also earn money through the Modak App. On average, you can earn up to 800 MBX⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ per week, equivalent to $8 (as of June 2024), by participating in activities such as walking 5,000 steps daily or completing challenges that promote good habits and financial learning. This is a great way to supplement your income from the side hustle of your choice.

Sign up using the code HUB_HUSTLES24 and earn $10!⁵

Using Modak Makers to Enhance Your Earnings

• Direct Deposits and Payment Links: Any money you earn through jobs can be deposited directly into your Modak account and spent through the Modak Visa® Debit Card¹. This card is specifically designed for kids and teens, allowing you to manage your earnings easily. Additionally, you can create payment links to get paid for gigs easily, making it simple for employers to pay you using their card.
• How Modak Can Help? Imagine you've taken up a job as a game tester. You can get paid directly into your Modak account. Additionally, by completing your daily walking goal, you earn extra MBX points, which convert to dollars. Over a year, just by walking, you can earn up to $36.4 extra³.

Related Questions

How to earn money online as a teenager?

Earning money online as a teenager is accessible and rewarding. You can offer freelance services like writing, graphic design, or tutoring on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr if you are at least 18 years old or independently. Starting a YouTube channel or a blog on topics you love can generate income through ads and sponsorships. Participating in online surveys on sites like Swagbucks or selling handmade crafts on Etsy are also great options. Managing social media for small businesses or testing websites through UserTesting can be lucrative as well.

Modak can help you manage and grow your earnings effectively. With Modak, you can deposit your earnings directly into your account, use your Modak card for expenses, and track your spending. Additionally, you can earn extra money through the Modak app by completing challenges and earning MBX points, which can be converted to cash².

How to Make Money at 14?

Making money at 14 can be fun and rewarding. Here are some simple ideas: babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, doing lawn care, offering tutoring, or selling handmade crafts. Additionally, you can use the Modak App to earn extra money. On average, you can earn 800 MBX per week (equivalent to $8)⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ by completing daily activities and challenges. By walking 5,000 steps every day, you can earn 10 MBX per day, which adds up to $36.4 a year³. With Modak's Visa® Debit Card¹, you can easily manage and spend your earnings.

How to Make Money as a Teenager Without a Job?

If you're determined to make money but you're not yet of legal working age in your state, don't worry—there are many ways to earn money without a formal job. You can ask your parents to assign you chores in exchange for money or talk to your neighbors about doing chores for them! This way, you'll discover new opportunities to help out in your community. Additionally, by using the Modak Makers app, you can earn money by walking as mentioned earlier with the “Walk to Earn” feature.

What is Mentor Financing?

Mentor financing involves receiving guidance and support from an experienced mentor to help you make smart financial decisions. This can include learning about investment options, understanding credit, and developing long-term financial strategies.

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1. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC-insured bank. Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. Click here for more information on MBX
3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
5. Referal Program Terms and conditions apply, find more about them here.