What happened to the paper boy? Where can kids make a dollar these days

Let's encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in our youngsters. Share our transferable lessons from one generation to the next. What happened to the paper boy? The local kid that would get up early and deliver papers to each house in the local area on his bike. Do people even get papers delivered anymore? Some of these jobs are non-existent for our kids. Aside from the fast food and retail jobs teens are working at where should they be hustling for a dollar?

As a small child my first hustle or strategic play for a dollar came at six. I would offer to walk to Jerry's local milk bar to buy lollies for my siblings, on the proviso that they would pay for their own lollies and each give me enough silver coins to buy myself a bag. Thus the birth of my very first sale and commission.

Times have changed: six year olds don't go to the shops solo, you can't buy anything with shrapnel besides parking for half an hour, and Jerry's is now a hipster cafe where the days of buying 5 cents worth of sugar coated mint leaves are gone.

Earning your own money is empowering at any age and I strongly encourage our youth to do so. The taste of financial independence is utterly delicious, even more so than a sugary mint leaf. And the question at hand is even more pertinent at a time where our financial future as a nation and at home can seem bleak.

I've met many teens who are not allowed to take up part time jobs as their parents have worries about study coming first, safety concerns or just need their kids to be at home in order to help with other family members. Although this is a slight disadvantage when it comes to social and professional learning opportunities, it is also an entrepreneurial opportunity.

Where is the local kid writing notes and putting them in local letter boxes offering their services for cash to wash cars, walk dogs, or mow lawns? I used to pay Jims mowing $50 to mow my medium strip. And I have a lawn mower sitting in my garage! Where is the 16 year old in my street hustling me with a pitch that they can use my equipment to mow my lawn for 15 mins for $15 cash. That's an average of $60 an hour with no overheads!

Bring back pocket money for chores. Put the list of items on the fridge and commit to it as a contract between both parties.

If I was in high school today and were receiving tuck shop money, I'd be negotiating with my parents; if I was to make my own lunch, would they split the difference of savings I'm providing them on canteen costs with me? Thus saving them 50% of what would normally go on melted cheese rolls and a can of Passiona, and instead rewarding me for my efforts, and providing me with a few extra dollars to spend on weekends with friends.

Making money as a teen doesn't have to come directly from an employer, kids can create their own opportunities. Whether they are crafty and decide to open an Etsy store to sell their goods online, or are a gamer and decide to sell their old consoles on eBay, or better yet rent out your games. Places like Facebook marketplace are an easily accessible way to sell on items that are no longer in use but have value. As a parent myself anything that has a digital and social aspect makes me nervous, but as long as it can be done under adult supervision it would maintain child safety. Signing up to be a mystery shopper or diner would have classmates envying you. For all the sporty kids, becoming a referee is a great way to stay engaged with the sport they love. Or even an old fashioned bake sale. Youth lifeguard, dog walking, wrapping Christmas presents, a weekly ironing service. The ideas and opportunities are endless.

To hold your own money which you have earnt through hard work is very rewarding. To strategise that out of thin air is a skill. Good luck and I hope to be the first client of a local young entrepreneur soon.

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The information in this blog is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial situation. It is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute formal financial advice. You should always seek personal financial advice that is tailored to your specific needs. Facing financial hardship? Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007