Is there a purse that you are admiring? A new book? Some new clothes? Whatever the case, a lot of tweens (like you) have their eye on something. But the problem is, a lot of tweens don’t have a way to keep track of how much money they have (even if it’s just a few dollars), or make money. You want something, but you can’t pay for it, or just don’t want to wait until you can. This post will teach you about different ways to earn money, different ways to keep track of your money, spending your money wisely, and about patience.
How Do I Make Money?
Maybe you have an older sibling, and they have a job. You see them getting to buy basically whatever they want, and you might feel a little jealous, but don’t be! That will come when you get older, and there are ways that you can make money as a preteen. Also keep in mind that the one of the Ten Commandments is to not be jealous. Now onto ways to make money as a tween.
Yard Care In the winter, you could offer to shovel the driveway of a neighbor for a little cash. In the summer, you can offer to mow lawns, plant flowers, and/or pick weeds for a neighbor. In the fall, you can offer to rake leaves. Good prices for these things are five to ten dollars.
Lemonade Stand Sure, you may be getting too old for an old fashioned lemonade stand, but on a hot summer day, people want lemonade and cookies! Make sure that you set up somewhere where a lot of people walk by.
Craft Show Ask a friend or parent if you could do a craft show with them! You could both make items, and you would get the cash for the items that sold that you created. You could even sell your crafts online!
Allowance From Your Parents Ask your parent/guardian if you could have an allowance from them if you don’t already have one. If you do, be patient! It does add up.
4-H Does a local fair have a 4-H program? Basically, you make crafts, and then enter them. If yours wins something, you could get a little cash!
Those are just five ways to make money. But if you do all of them, you could earn a lot of money. Just try and be patient. Sometimes these things can get frustrating. If your craft for 4-H didn’t win a prize, or not many people bought things at your lemonade stand/craft show, then that’s okay! People aren’t “supposed” to buy from your lemonade stand/craft show, it’s a choice that they make if they want what you’re selling. Plus, money isn’t everything. Here’s a good piece of advice: do your chores to make your allowance money, and move on with your day.
How Do I Keep Track of My Money as I’m Earning it?
Keep it in a jar, box, bag, or something so it’s not scattered all over your room. You could even get an old box, decorate it, and store your money in it (like I did in the picture above). Then, grab a piece of paper to keep track of how much money you have. Write the amount that you have on it, then as you earn money, update your paper. You can make one of the papers below and put it into your box!
Here’s two different crafts to help you keep track of your money:
The Piggy Bank Money Tracker
What You Need:
- Paper
- Pen or Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- About Five Minutes to do This
- A Piece of Paper
- A Pen of a Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- About five minutes to do this
I’ve come up with a quiz to help you decide whether to buy what you want or not. Here it is below:
1. What are you wanting to spend your money on?
A. Clothes (or something else like lip gloss, socks, accessory, shampoo, etc.)
B. An Entertainment Item
C. Other
2. How often would you use it (be honest)?
A. Every day
B. One to Three times a week
C. A few times a month
3. Why do you want to buy it?
A. I need it OR I’m giving it as a gift
B. I want it
C. Because everyone else has it
Add your answers up!
Mostly A’s: This is something that is worth your money.
Mostly B’s: This is something that could be wise to buy, but don’t buy it if it’s a lot of money, and ask your parents. Remember! There are fun things out there that are cheap too!
Mostly C’s: DEFINITELY pray about it, and ask your parents. If you’re buying it because everyone else has it, it’s not wise. Romans 12:2 (NIV) says this: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Sure, trends can be fun. I get it! But don’t take it too far and spend a lot of money on something that could go “out of style” next month!
Through all this talk about money, remember this: We can buy things, but they’ll only bring temporary happiness. A relationship with God results in eternal joy!
What Do I Do Now?
So if you found a way to make money and to keep track of your money, you’re probably wondering: “What’s next?”. Be Patient. You probably knew I was going to say that, but it’s true! A little patience goes a long way! Plus, money isn’t everything. Just find a way to earn and keep track of money, then move on with life. It’ll add up! Trust God and wait.
Review
I know we covered a lot, so let’s review!
- Find a way to make money
- Find a way to keep track of your money
- Decide whether it’s wise or not to save up for what you’re wanting
- Be Patient!