By: Natalia Mejia

24 hours.  That’s all the time students get.  Some students choose to sacrifice something in the day to fit in all their priorities.  For some it is sleep or perhaps social interaction. Others just decide not to work. Although there are many valid reasons why a student does not work, it can be quite an obstacle in high school.  This is the time where parents limit their child’s allowance and expenses for clothes, gas, etc. fall on the young adult’s shoulders. So how should a student earn money if they don’t have a job? Luckily there are many tips and tricks to budget your money, even if you do not have a stable source of income.

For those who get an allowance from their parents, it seems like a hassle and even impossible to save the meager amount they give to you.  Whether it $10 or $80, it goes away in a split second. Most of the time, teens spend money on food when they go out with friends. If this is the case, go for other plans instead such as taking a walk in the park or making a home-cooked meal together.  Not only are these options healthier, but they are easier on your wallet.

A trick to help save allowance is the 50% trick, which is very simple and efficient.  Only use half of the money you get for your allowance, and make it last till the next time you get paid.  It is very difficult at first, but the money you end up saving makes it worth it.

If you don’t get paid in allowance, there is still options on how to get money.  During weekends, you could do tasks that don’t require much of your time. This could be tasks for your neighbors or babysitting.  If you know an acquaintance who is going away on vacation, offer to take care of their pets or water their plants. While you’re chilling at their house, you can do homework and invite a friend (if they allow it of course!).  In one weekend, you can make at least $100. And you can always apply the 50% trick to the this amount of money and wait till the next time you earn some cha-ching!