Quick and Creative Side Hustles for Teens

Modak
September 30, 2024

As a teen, finding ways to earn extra money can be a great way to gain financial independence, learn valuable skills, and save for future goals. Whether you want to save for a big purchase, help your family, or just have some extra spending money, there are plenty of easy and quick side hustles for teens. This article explores various opportunities that are accessible, fun, and rewarding.

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.

Why Side Hustles Are Great for Teens

Side hustles can teach teens important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and financial literacy. Moreover, earning money through your efforts can be incredibly satisfying.

Benefits of Side Hustles:

  • 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 expenses and income 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.
Smart Money Managment

Top Easy and Quick Side Hustles

1. Online Surveys and Market Research

Many companies are willing to pay for your opinions. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Toluna allow teens to earn money by completing surveys, watching videos, and participating in market research. One great option is through the Modak Makers app, where you can earn reward points for completing surveys!

Pros:

  • Easy to start
  • Flexible hours
  • No special skills required

Cons:

  • May not pay much per survey
  • Some sites have age restrictions

How to Get Started:

  • Sign up on multiple survey sites to increase your earning potential.
  • Complete your profile accurately to qualify for more surveys.
  • Check your email regularly for survey invitations.

2. Personal Shopping Assistant

If you enjoy shopping and have a keen sense of style, consider becoming a personal shopping assistant. Help busy individuals or those who need fashion advice to select clothing and accessories.

Pros:

  • Fun and engaging if you love shopping
  • Opportunity to learn about fashion and trends
  • Flexible hours

Cons:

  • May require travel to stores
  • Requires good organizational skills
Shopping bags

How to Get Started:

  • Advertise your services in your community or on social media.
  • Offer your assistance to friends and family to build a portfolio.
  • Partner with local boutiques or online shopping platforms.

3. Household Organizer

If you have a knack for tidiness and organization, offer your services as a household organizer. Help people declutter their homes, organize their spaces, and create systems to keep things in order.

Pros:

  • High demand for organizational help
  • Satisfying to see the results of your work
  • Flexible hours

Cons:

  • Physically demanding
  • Requires good problem-solving skills

How to Get Started:

  • Create flyers or business cards to distribute in your neighborhood.
  • Offer free consultations to attract clients.
  • Take before-and-after photos of your work to showcase your skills.

4. Event Helper

Many people need extra hands for setting up, managing, and cleaning up events. Offer your services for birthday parties, weddings, and community events.

Pros:

  • Varied and exciting work environment
  • Opportunity to attend events for free
  • Good pay

Cons:

  • Irregular hours
  • Can be physically demanding

How to Get Started:

  • Contact local event planners or venues to offer your services.
  • Network with friends and family to find opportunities.
  • Create an online profile or website to market your services.

5. Plant Care Specialist

For those with a green thumb, offering plant care services can be a rewarding side hustle. Help people maintain their indoor and outdoor plants, offering watering, pruning, and plant-sitting services.

Girl watering her plants by the window

Pros:

  • Enjoyable if you love gardening
  • Flexible schedule
  • Opportunity to learn about different plants

Cons:

  • Requires knowledge of plant care
  • May need transportation for house visits

How to Get Started:

  • Advertise your services at local gardening centers or online.
  • Offer plant care tips and advice on social media to attract clients.
  • Build a portfolio by taking care of plants for friends and family.

6. Tech Support for Seniors

Many older adults need help with their gadgets and technology. Offer your expertise in setting up devices, teaching basic computer skills, and troubleshooting common issues.

Pros:

  • High demand for tech support
  • Rewarding to help others
  • Flexible hours

Cons:

  • Requires patience and good communication skills
  • May need to stay updated with the technology.

How to Get Started:

  • Advertise your services at community centers and libraries.
  • Offer free workshops or one-on-one sessions to attract clients.
  • Create a website or social media page to market your services.
  • Make sure that your parents are aware and that they don't see any safety risks.

7. Modak Makers: A New Way to Earn

Modak Makers offers a unique way for teens to earn money by completing various tasks and challenges within the app. By walking 5,000 steps3, completing daily challenges, and participating in financial activities, teens can earn MBX points2. These points can be converted into USD, which can be spent using the Modak Visa® Debit Card1, though the conversion rate may vary and is not guaranteed.

Pros:

  • Easy to get started
  • Integrates with daily activities
  • Encourages healthy habits and financial literacy

Cons:

  • Requires a parent to sign up
  • Points-to-cash conversion rate may vary

How to Get Started:

  • Download the Modak app and set up an account with a parent's help.
  • Complete daily activities and challenges to earn MBX points.
  • Monitor your earnings and spend using the Modak Visa® Debit Card1.

8. Content Creation on Social Media

If you enjoy creating videos or writing, consider starting a YouTube channel, TikTok account, or blog. You can earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Nature Photographer

Pros:

  • Creative freedom
  • Potential for high earnings
  • Can 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.
  • Create and post content regularly.
  • Engage with your audience and promote your content.

9. Selling Digital Products

Digital products such as eBooks, printables, or online courses can be sold on platforms like Gumroad or Teachable. This is a great option if you have expertise in a specific area or creative skills.

Pros:

  • Passive income potential
  • Low overhead costs
  • Scalable business model

Cons:

  • Requires initial effort to create products
  • Competitive market

How to Get Started:

  • Identify a topic you can teach or a product you can create.
  • Develop your digital product.
  • Set up an online store and market your products.

10. Virtual Assistant

Many businesses and entrepreneurs need help with administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, and social media management. Teens can offer virtual assistant services remotely.

Pros:

  • Flexible hours
  • Can work from home
  • Develops organizational skills

Cons:

  • Requires reliable internet access
  • May need to learn new tools and software

How to Get Started:

  • Identify the skills you can offer.
  • Create a resume highlighting relevant experience.
  • Apply for virtual assistant positions on job boards or freelance platforms.

11. House Checking

House checking involves briefly visiting someone's home while they’re away to take care of simple tasks like watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring everything is in order.

Pros:

  • Low effort
  • Can be relaxing
  • Helps out neighbors or family friends

Cons:

  • Responsibility for someone’s home
  • May require some travel
White House of the Suburbs

How to Get Started:

  • Offer your services to neighbors, friends, or family to build references.
  • Create a reliable and trustworthy profile.
  • Coordinate visits with a parent or guardian for added security.

12. Car Washing and Detailing

Offering car washing and detailing services to your neighbors can be a lucrative side hustle, especially during the warmer months.

Pros:

  • High demand
  • Good pay
  • Flexible hours

Cons:

  • Requires supplies and equipment
  • Can be physically demanding

How to Get Started:

  • Purchase car washing supplies.
  • Advertise your services in your neighborhood.
  • Offer packages for regular clients.

13. Event Photography

If you have a knack for photography, consider offering your services for events like birthday parties, school functions, and family gatherings.

Pros:

  • High earning potential
  • Creative work
  • Can build a portfolio

Cons:

  • Requires a good camera and skills
  • Can be time-consuming

How to Get Started:

  • Ensure that you have access to a quality camera.
  • Create a portfolio of your best work.
  • Advertise your services online and through word of mouth.

How Modak Makers can help?

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.

Teen holding Modak Visa Debit Card

If you're ready to start learning about finances and developing healthy financial habits, ask your parents to sign you up for Modak today. With our Visa® debit card1 designed for kids and teens, the intuitive app, and our range of educational tools and rewards, you'll equip yourself with the skills to manage money responsibly. Join Modak today and start nurturing a financially savvy future for your family!

FAQs

How Can A Kid Start A Business?

Starting a business as a kid involves identifying a passion or skill, developing a business plan, and promoting your services or products. Simple businesses include lemonade stands, pet sitting, or selling handmade crafts online. It's essential to have parental support and comply with local regulations.

Steps to Start a Business:

  • Identify a niche or skill.
  • Develop a business plan.
  • Seek parental guidance and support.
  • Promote your business through flyers, social media, and word of mouth.
  • Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

How To Become Rich As A Kid?

While becoming rich as a kid is highly unlikely, many young people set themselves up for future financial success by earning money and developing good financial habits early on. Building wealth involves saving money, making smart investments, and seeking out valuable opportunities.

Focus on side hustles, save a portion of your earnings, and consider investing in education or assets that can appreciate over time. Tools like Modak Makers can help you manage and grow your money effectively, laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.

Tips to improve your financial health:

  • Save regularly: Set aside a portion of your earnings.
  • Focus on education: Learn skills that can increase your earning potential.
  • Find high-yield opportunities: Look for side hustles or investments that offer good returns.
  • Use financial tools: Leverage apps like Modak Makers to manage and grow your money.
  • Be disciplined: Avoid unnecessary spending and focus on long-term goals.

By exploring these easy and quick side hustles, teens can find multiple ways to make money, learn essential skills, and set themselves up for future financial success. Whether through traditional methods or innovative platforms like Modak Makers, there are plenty of opportunities to start earning today.

  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.
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