How to Start and Succeed with a Side Hustle as a Teen

Did you know teens like you are cashing in on creative side hustles and making serious money? And no, we’re not talking about boring chores or allowance! Stay tuned to learn how you can turn your skills into cash without waiting to grow up!
Hey, Cash Kids! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Cash Kid Podcast! I’m your host, the Cash Kid, and today we’re going to dive deep into how you, as a teen, can start your very own side hustle and begin making money right now.

That’s right! You don’t have to wait until you're an adult to have cash flow coming in—whether it's for a new game, saving for something special, or even just making some extra pocket money.

 

But, the big question is, how do you actually start?

Don’t worry—I’m here to break it down step by step. From coming up with your big idea, to setting goals, to selling your product and managing your money like a pro.

 

Now before we go any further, be sure to hit that subscribe or follow button from wherever you are listening to the Cash Kid Podcast to help us continue to grow the most savviest financially generation ever!

 

Alright, let’s get started!

Number 1: Create the Idea – Find Your Hustle

 

Alright, first things first: You need an idea. But how do you come up with one?

Think about what you enjoy doing.

 

Are you the go-to math whiz in class? Maybe tutoring younger kids is your hustle. Or, are you great at making TikTok videos? You could teach other teens how to create engaging content!

 

Or maybe you’ve got a creative side and love making jewelry, art, or even baking. These are all awesome places to start!

Here’s a little secret: You don’t have to invent something brand new to start a side hustle. Sometimes, the best ideas come from things you already enjoy or skills you’ve already got.

 

Ask yourself these questions:

What do I love doing in my free time? What am I good at? Is there something that my friends or family always ask me to help them with?

 

The key here is to choose something that excites you because it’s going to take some time and effort, and you’ll want to enjoy the process!

For example, just two episodes ago, we spotlighted teen entrepreneur Sadie Norris who runs who own baking business. She loves baking and turned something she already enjoyed doing as a way to make some extra cash as a teen.

Number 2: Discover and Learn Skills in Your Chosen Area

 

Ok, so now you’ve got your idea— let’s now become an expert at it!

 

For any side hustle, you need to build your skills so you can do a good job. Yes, people may still pay you if you are a cute kid and they feel sorry for you… but we want to get great at our craft.

 

The good news is that you’re never too young to learn, and there are so many free resources out there! Like YouTube for example which is where I’ve gone to learn a lot about running this podcast.

 

If you’re offering a service, like babysitting or dog walking, you can check out YouTube tutorials, or even ask your parents or friends who have experience.

 

For creative businesses, like making jewelry or crafts, there are hundreds of online courses, guides, and even communities that will help you learn more.

 

Maybe you want to start an online store—well, learning how to take great photos of your products, write catchy descriptions, or marketing yourself on Instagram is key.

 

And guess what? There are tons of free online courses and videos to teach you how to do just that.

 

Never be afraid to ask for help, and don’t rush the learning process. The more you know, the better your hustle will be.

 

Number 3: Start Your Business Plan – Make it Real

 

Now that you have an idea and some skills under your belt, it’s time to create a plan. Don’t worry—this isn’t some boring school assignment. Think of it as your roadmap to success.

 

Here’s a simple business plan for you to follow:

Name Your Hustle: What are you calling your new side business? Pick something catchy that reflects what you do.

 

Set a Goal: Do you want to make $50 by the end of the month? Maybe $200 for a special purchase? Setting a goal will keep you focused.

 

Price Your Service or Product: What’s your time worth? H