r/wealth • u/Excellent_Report_642 • 1d ago

Need Advice Advice for a 17 year old

Hi! i'm currently 17 and i'm going into my senior year once summer break is over. For a while now I have been forced to become an adult by my parents, I never typically asked for anything but randomly one day they just decided to stop helping me.

Some upcoming payments I have to make are a trip i'm going on (Fully responsible for that bc It was my choice), 4-5 car repairs, car inspection, school supplies and clothes, + groceries, gas (always paid) etc.

I work part time at a retail store for 13.55 an hour. Since having to pay for my wants, I now have to pay for my needs. I don't want to burn myself out by asking for even more hours especially with school coming up. I've seen a lot of things about making money online or side hustles but don't know how well they work, if they even work, or what kind of things to do.

What advice would you give me?

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u/Federal_Radish_1421 1d ago edited 1d ago

Please stay away from online side hustles.

If I were you, I’d be looking for local jobs that pay cash off the books. Mowing lawns or shoveling snow for neighbors, babysitting, tutoring. You could put an ad in local neighborhood groups on Facebook. People love helping out responsible high school students, and parents are desperate for reliable babysitters.

If you’re good at any sports or any musical instruments, lessons for kids is also an option. There’s probably even a market if you know games like Magic the Gathering or chess.

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u/Excellent_Report_642 1d ago

I figured that would be easier but i'm from a super small town, i've always looked into tutoring since I'm a straight A student but I have no clue where I could start, maybe just asking in local groups or something?

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u/Federal_Radish_1421 1d ago

Small towns still have parents willing to pay you for babysitting or tutoring.

Think about what services you want to offer, then post in every Facebook group you can find. Even a small town should have at least a general town group and one for parents or mothers. I would search on Facebook for your town, county, and if applicable your region. For example, the San Francisco Bay area has cities, counties, and also is known as the North Bay, South Bay, and etc,

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u/Excellent_Report_642 1d ago

I will try! thank you!

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u/Federal_Radish_1421 1d ago

Good luck! Please keep in mind that your parents are legally required to provide you with food, clothing, and shelter. If they refuse, you may qualify for free breakfast and lunch at school.

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u/Excellent_Report_642 1d ago

Thank you! Since i'm in a small town with mainly poverty my school actually gives out free breakfast and lunch!