Episode 6 : 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:

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

 

2. 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.

 

3. Price Your Service or Product: What’s your time worth? How much do you need to charge to make a profit after covering any costs? Do a little research and see what others are charging for similar services or products.

 

4. Create a Schedule: Are you going to work weekends? After school? I would suggest also running this by your parents so you’re aware of any family commitments as well and don’t cause additional stress down the road with being overbooked.

 

5. Find the Tools You Need: If you’re selling products, you might need supplies. If you’re offering a service, what equipment or space will you need?

 

Once you’ve got your plan in place, it’s time to take action.

 

 

 

Number 4: Get  What You Need – Make Your Product or Offer the Service

 

So, now it’s time to gather everything you need to actually launch your hustle.

 

Whether it’s buying supplies for crafting or setting up your website to sell stuff online, get ready to put things in motion!

 

If you’re making products, make sure to make a few prototypes first.

Are they high quality?

Are they something people would want to buy?

 

Test them out on family and friends to see what they think!

 

If you’re offering a service, maybe offer a few free gigs or discounted sessions to build your reputation and get some reviews. Word of mouth is your best friend.

 

 

Number 5: Find Customers or List Your Product – Get the Word Out!

 

 

Now that you’ve got your product or service ready to go, it’s time to find customers.

This is the fun part—marketing!

 

First, start with people you know.

Tell your friends, family, and neighbors what you're offering. Word of mouth can be powerful. You can also use social media (with your parents’ permission) to spread the word about your side hustle.

 

A lot of the kids and teens whose stories we have shared here on the podcast about their side hustles have noted how their parents use their Facebook or Instagram to help promote their kid’s business. It’s actually how we find most of our guests or fellow Cash Kids to interview on the show. When it’s coming from a parent’s account, it gives a level or trust right away. So, the marketing tactic seems to work!

 

Share photos, testimonials, or even a behind-the-scenes look at how your product is made.

 

If you’re selling a physical product, you might want to list it on websites like Etsy, Depop, or eBay. If you’re offering a service, like tutoring or dog walking, post flyers in your local area or on community message boards online. Also, talk with your teachers at school and let them know you are offering a tutoring service. Many times they keep a running list to share with parents when they ask for tutoring services.

 

The goal is to get your name out there and start attracting customers!

Number 6: Start Selling and Making Money

 

Okay, now you’re officially in business!

 

It’s time to make your first sale.

Remember, in the beginning, it might be a little slow.

 

That’s totally normal! The more you work at it, the more you’ll improve your skills and build your reputation. You might even want to offer a special discount for your first few customers, just to get things going.

 

The most important thing? Keep hustling and stay consistent. The money won’t always come overnight, but if you keep providing value and doing a great job, you’ll build up a steady flow of cash.

 

Like my friend Eli who runs his own car detailing business. He started out just doing family and neighbors cars to now having enough business at age 17 that he has employees working for him to handle all his orders.

 

Number 7: Expand, Save, and Invest – The Next Step

 

Once you’ve started making money, it’s time to think about the next steps.

 

You could reinvest your profits to make your side hustle even better! Maybe buy better equipment, or spend money on advertising to reach more people.

 

And don’t forget to save! Set aside a portion of your earnings in a savings account.

You could even think about investing your money if you’re old enough to open an account. But remember, the key is to save and grow your money!

 

Lastly, if your side hustle is doing well, you can start thinking about expanding—maybe turning your hustle into a bigger business. But that’s a story for another episode!

Conclusion:

 

Alright, Cash Kids, that’s all for today’s episode! Starting a side hustle as a teen is a great way to make money, learn new skills, and set yourself up for a financially successful future.

 

Whether you’re selling handmade items, offering services, or starting a digital business, the possibilities are endless. And remember, the key is to have fun, stay motivated, and always think about how you can improve.

 

Thanks for tuning in to the Cash Kid Podcast! Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and subscribe so you never miss an exciting new episode.

 

Remember, anyone can be a Cash Kid, you just have to learn how to become one.

Cash Kid, Out!

 

Disclaimer:

The information presented represents the views and opinions of the guest. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide personal investment advice. Speak with a financial advisor—and for kids, definitely your parents—before making any investment decisions.