Kassie, that's a tricky question. When you get to be your age, money ends up being like that funky pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You have all sorts of cool stuff you want to buy and no way to get money to buy 'em with! Don't despair, because even though you're too young to land a real job there are all sorts of ways to get a fistful of green!

First you might be getting an allowance from your parents. You can sit down with them and let them know how badly you want to earn extra dough. They probably have a bunch of cleaning-type things around the house that they've been meaning to get to for months! If you're mature about things and have a real conversation with Mom & Dad, I'm sure you can get them excited about your helping out more around the house and getting some money in the process. Just make sure you still do the things you're expected to do as a member of the family (make your bed, do the dishes, etc.).

Here are some ideas for things you could do:

Inside the house:

• Pick up stuff and vacuum rooms in the house
• Recycle newspapers
• Clean windows, mirrors and TV screens
• Water plants
• Dust little statues in the living room on the bookshelves
• Dust books and musical instruments, like pianos
• Take the garbage out to the cans; help take the garbage cans to the street on garbage day.
• Take care of the family pet (change the cage or litter box)
• Walk the dog for exercise
• Help with the laundry

Outside the house:

• Help plant flowers and vegetables
• Water them
• Help mow the lawn
• Pull weeds
• Keep trash out of the yard

Family cars:

• Clean out papers
• Help wash them
• Vacuum the dirt off the floor

When you are older:

• Babysit kids in neighborhood (not easy!)
• Deliver advertising fliers for a company
• Deliver newspapers to neighbors
• Wash and wax cars
• Shovel snow
• Clean off deck
• Rake leaves
• Mow lawns
• Sweep the floor of your garage

Most adults will see a kid who's honestly trying to earn a buck and want to help them out, so keep a big smile on your face and do a good job. Word will get around!

Need big money? Sit down with your folks and plot out a savings plan. Sometimes your parents will even match the money you put into savings, so you'd already save a 100% return on your money! That's better than the stock market!

Good luck!

Did You Know?

The President of the United States earns $390,000 a year!