Jobs

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

So you have been working and making money but after a few indulgences, you have been slowly running out. Maybe you have to make your money last between jobs. Here’s how to stretch and properly budget your money as a teen.

Steps

1. Become conscious of what you spend your money on each month. Make a list of “everything” you buy in one month. Some things really sneak up on you, such as vending machine purchases. Let’s say you buy fifteen dollars worth of snacks from the machine each month. For about ten dollars less, you can probably buy those snacks from your local grocery store and simply stock them in your locker.
2. Cross out any unnecessary items from the list. Only include things you absolutely need, such as gas money to get to school.
3. Subtract your necessary expenses from your monthly income. The amount left is your monthly budget. Use this to allot certain funds for various “fun” things or items. Let’s say you have 100 dollars for one month. By either using jars or a bank account, you can set aside a certain amount of cash for any items or activities you want.
4. Keep any debit or credit cards somewhere (safe) in your car instead of in your wallet when you go shopping. In other words, out of sight, out of mind.
5. Keep some cash on you for emergencies and for just going out with friends. Try to make the cash last for as long as possible. Don’t blow it all on one night.
6. You can shop, just wait. A lot of stores have big sales at the end of a season. If an item (like a shirt or pair of pants) is expensive, wait a few weeks and the price will probably be marked down. If you’re an online shopper, look for special deals like free shipping or monthly discounts.
7. Make a list of things that you want or need that can’t wait until a holiday like Christmas or your birthday. Save your money for those items and try not to stray. If at all possible, wait for special discounts such as sale pricing or free shipping.
8. Don’t go somewhere you are tempted to spend your money. Do not go to the mall every weekend “just to look”, because for most people, that only lasts for so long.
9. Find things to do that don’t involve money. Most teens don’t just get money handed to them at the drop of a hat. Instead of going to a movie and spending 15 bucks on your ticket and popcorn, rent a few flicks and grab a bag of microwave popcorn for five dollars. Instead of eating at Tumbleweed, settle for Qdoba.
10. Find ways to make money. Instead of complaining about slow income find odd jobs to do. You’d be surprised all the people around that could just use someone to babysit their kid for two hours, paint an old dresser for them, mow their lawn or walk their dog.
11. Avoid going out too much. Find one night every one or two weeks, and set a specific budget for that night. DON’T go over it, since this will throw off your entire month. Gas is expensive. Don’t cruise around just because you’re bored, it will waste gas, which is really wasting your hard-earned cash.
12. Be happy with what you have.

Tips

• Try to save a little too. If you earn $100, save $20; keep this money in a bank account and only open it in extreme emergency.

Related wikiHows

• How to Budget Your Money
• How to Amuse Yourself at Home

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Popularity: 6%

By Sonja Mishek

Whether you love or hate Bill Gates…he sure hit the nail on the head when he recently gave a speech at a high school graduation.

Here Are 11 Job Advice Rules Your Teens Are NOT Learning in School:

Rule 1: Life is not fair – get used to it!

Life is especially not fair at work. Some work harder than others for less pay…some work less for more pay.

Rule 2: The world doesn’t care about your self-esteem.

Neither does your boss. He wants the job to get done – and done well.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. Or become a vice president out of college.

If you don’t believe me, just ask any recent graduate.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Or obnoxious co-workers you’re stuck working with 8 hours a day.

Popularity: 24%

Sometimes, an allowance just isn’t enough. If you need some more pocket money to catch the latest movies, take out your new girlfriend/boyfriend, or just to start saving up, you might have to get a job. It can be difficult to get one when you are a teenager, but not impossible. As a teenager, you’re starting out brand new, and although most companies do request experience, the key to getting “THE” job is to sell yourself.

Steps

1. Start researching.
   • Find organizations and other places that you know pay teens to work. Good places to check are government departments and nonprofit organizations such as City Park and Recreation Departments, Zoos, Museums, Camps, and Hospitals.
   • Also try looking for work in fast-food restaurants. Look also for bridge clubs. They usually meet once a week and pay well for caddies and also have tournaments every month or so that pay even more.
   • Don’t go out looking to be executive director of any job. Start out small and easy; retail and food industries are probably the most likely and easiest jobs to obtain. Remember, although it’s not the best job it is a start.
2. Get the word out. You can post flyers in your neighbhorhood detailing jobs that you can do, such as lawn mowing, babysitting, or dog-walking. You can also post your information on a website or job board, but beware of giving out personal information until you trust the other person. Post 3 x 5 cards at local stores and other places with notice-boards telling of the services you’re willing to do.
3. Use your connections. Talk to friends and family about any paying jobs they might know of, and follow through.
4. Volunteer. Sometimes, the best way to get a paying job is to begin as a volunteer and work your way up. You may have to give some of your time for free to make money in the long run. Treat your volunteer work as if it were a paying job — get there on time, call as soon as you know you can’t come in or are going to be late. Listen and learn about the organization. Do such a good job they learn to rely on you.

Popularity: 14%