🐨 Ages 5–7: Little Helpers

Theme: “Helping Hands”
Young kids can start to understand the value of work by earning small amounts of money through simple, helpful tasks.

How They Can Earn:

• Helping with household chores like setting the table or tidying toys
• Watering the garden
• Collecting mail or feeding pets

Chores vs. Earning:

• Explain the difference between helping as part of the family (free) vs. extra tasks that go beyond their daily responsibilities (which may earn a reward)

Fun Ideas:

• Sticker charts for tasks
• Use toy money or tokens to teach value before transitioning to coins and small notes
• Introduce the “Three Jars” concept (Spend, Save, Share)

Key Message:
Earning money isn’t just fun—it’s a way to learn about effort, value, and responsibility.

🦘 Ages 8–12: Smart Spenders in Training

Theme: “Money-Making Minds”
At this age, kids are ready to take on more responsibility and start thinking creatively about how they can earn extra cash.

Age-Appropriate Earning Ideas:

• Extra chores for neighbours (raking leaves, pet sitting)
• Starting a mini business: lemonade stand, homemade crafts, bake sales
• Helping younger siblings with homework
• Recycling cans and bottles for change (great in states with container deposit schemes)

Entrepreneurship vs. Chores:

• Chores are often family-based and expected
• Entrepreneurial ventures are self-started and involve planning, effort, and sometimes risk!

How to Price Services:

• Use examples: “If you bake 12 cupcakes for $6, each one is worth 50 cents.”
• Compare time, effort, and materials when setting prices
• Ask: “Would I pay that much for this service?”

Top Tip:
Try creating a “business card” or flyer to promote their services to neighbours (with a parent’s help and permission).

Key Message:
Earning money is more than just doing chores—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and understanding effort vs. reward.

🦉 Ages 13–17: Future Investors

Theme: “Earn, Learn, and Grow”
Teenagers are ready to explore real-world income opportunities, build entrepreneurial skills, and understand their obligations as earners.

Ways Teens Can Earn:

• Part-time jobs (retail, hospitality)
• Babysitting or lawn mowing
• Tutoring younger students
• Pet walking or pet-sitting
• Digital skills (e.g., helping businesses with social media, making logos)

Chores vs. Paid Work:

• Paid work often comes with a contract, schedule, and expectations
• Some teens might still do extra chores for pocket money, but paid jobs have bigger responsibilities

How to Price Services:

• Research local rates (e.g., average babysitting is $15–$25/hour depending on age/experience)
• Factor in travel, time, effort, and skill level
• Use hourly rates or project-based pricing

Understanding Taxes (Simplified):

• If you earn more than $18,200 a year, you’ll need to pay income tax
• Even if you earn less, you may need to lodge a tax return to claim back any tax already withheld
• Get a TFN (Tax File Number) once you start paid work
• Keep records of your earnings

Bonus Tip:
Learning about superannuation, savings goals, and bank accounts will help you make smart decisions with your money as you become more independent.

Key Message:
Teenagers have real earning potential—and learning to manage money wisely now will set you up for future success.

👩‍🏫 Downloadable Extras:

• Allowance tracker (for ages 5–12)
• Simple pricing worksheet (ages 8–17)
• Guide to getting your TFN (ages 13–17)
• “Mini Business Planner” printable for young entrepreneurs

💬 Final Thought

No matter your age, earning money is an exciting way to learn responsibility, independence, and the value of hard work.

With the right tools and encouragement, kids and teens can become confident, capable earners ready for the future!