By Anyssa Alonso

Juniors Gaby Ramirez and Grace Mestad think of smart ways to shop.
Photo by: Anyssa Alonso

“It’s so hard not to want to spend money!”  says Junior Gaby Ramirez, “I try not to spend so much but it never works.”    Everyone these days could use more money.  But teenagers seem to be some of the most who struggle to get it and save it.  Attending high school while working a full time job, just isn’t an option.  The question is, what can one do to make a little extra money?
Finding ways to make money can sometimes be difficult and stressful, especially during the teenage years.  School and homework can get in the way of a job; but even with a part-time job money can be short.  Things are expensive these days.  With the cost of food, clothing, and gas, a little extra money to put away for college can seem impossible to come by.  But with the right resources, the impossible can easily become possible.
A part-time job is one of the best ways for a teenager to make money.  It can usually be easily formed to fit a schedule, and it doesn’t take a lot of time away from school work.  There are a lot of part time jobs available for teenagers at restaurants, retail stores, and many other places.  Most businesses post if they are looking for  help, but one should also not be afraid to also ask businesses that are not posting for an application.  They could still be looking for help.  The Pilot News always lists local job opportunities, and there is also a list of jobs in the PHS guidance office.  One should keep in mind that most, but not all, employers are looking for help of at least sixteen years of age.  If not old enough for a part-time job, there are still plenty of ways to make that much needed money.  Some include:  Pet-sitting/walking, tutoring, yard work, serving the elderly, delivering newspapers and baby-sitting.  None of these require a certain age or one set employer.  One could pet-sit for one neighbor, or pet-sit for multiple neighbors and multiply income.  These side jobs aren’t always listed but asking around could result with a surprising number of people seeking assistance in these areas.
Commitment can be tough, so one should commit to themselves.  Making a weekly budget, and sticking to it, is vital.  “I always go shopping with a budget because it helps me save money to go shopping again.”  says Junior Grace Mestad.  Not blowing money, right when given it, is also important.  One should take out a set amount of money, for whatever is needed each week, and put the rest away. Even better would be to put it in the bank, and don’t spend any extra.  It’s not a good idea for a person to keep that extra money on them, because then they will be more tempted to spend it.  The money put away will quickly add up, providing  more money to do other things.  One should try not to borrow either.  It’s a bad habit and it’s spending unmade money.  If one runs out of money, then they run out of money and should wait to purchase whatever it is they need another time.  Not having to take out money to give back to others, when  first receiving  it, leaves them with more.  And do not be afraid to sacrifice.  That coffee from Starbucks every morning is not necessary.  The money saved from cutting down the number of visits there, will be helpful.    Even better then cutting back would be to do it at home.  Buying a package of coffee and taking the extra minute to make it in the morning, can give one  the same great taste without the great price.
The famous quote “Slow and steady wins the race” contains a lot of truth.  The little things, or the little savings, will add up to bigger and better things with time.  Teenagers are always on the go and make a lot of small purchases.  Where does all the change given back from these purchases go?  A lot of the time this money ends up at the bottom of a purse or scattered throughout a car.  If that change was collected and put all in one place after every purchase, it could be turned into quite a bit of cold hard cash.  Cash that could be used on a night out with friends or that new sweatshirt at the mall.  It’s important to stretch money as much as possible.  If one knows in advance of a time he or she will need money, such as a birthday, they can start to save money ahead of time.  Start small.  If one put just a dollar away a day, it would quickly become thirty dollars in just a month.   Think of all the money that could be saved if just a dollar a day was put away for an entire year.
Using coupons and getting discounts may seem like things only adults do but those saving are available to teenagers as well.  PHS provides every student with a discount card.  That card provides discounts for many popular restaurants and stores.  Using it could really be beneficial.  Going through   newspapers and magazines and taking advantage of  coupons is one part of being a smart spender.  Another is paying attention to cost.  The cheaper off-brand shampoo can give hair the same results as the more expensive name-brand shampoo. Buying the product, not the label is an efficient way to shop.
If money to stretch is not an option to begin with, think again.  There could be a lot of extra money hiding in personal closets or around  rooms.  Not in the cash form of course, but in old items.  Old clothes that don’t fit or items that are not in use anymore can be sold.  Go through  old things and select items that, are still in good condition.  Price the items reasonably and have a yard sale.  It doesn’t take that much work and the money earned is rewarding.  If  containing a crafty or artsy talent, making items to sell is also an option.
There are so many opportunities out there for teenagers to make money.  So take advantage of them and start raking in the money; but don’t forget to think before spending.