50 Ways for Kids to Save $500 in 3 Months

Saving $500 in three months might sound challenging, but with some creativity and simple daily habits, kids can reach this goal! Whether they’re looking to buy something special, start a rainy day fund, or just practice good money habits, saving money is a valuable skill that’s fun to learn. By combining small side gigs and smart ways to cut costs, kids can build up their savings little by little. Here are 50 kid-friendly ideas, from fun ways to earn extra cash to easy tips for saving on daily expenses, to help young savers meet their goal in no time.

Fun Ways to Earn Extra Cash

1. Pet Sitting – Offer to feed and play with pets for neighbors who are busy or on vacation.

2. Dog Walking – Walk dogs for people in your neighborhood.

3. Lemonade Stand – Set up a lemonade stand in your neighborhood during a sunny day.

4. Yard Sale – Sell toys, books, and games you don’t use anymore.

5. Bake Sale – Sell cookies, brownies, or cupcakes at a local event or in front of your home.

6. Helping with Groceries – Help neighbors carry their groceries or unload their car.

7. Craft Sales – Make bracelets, painted rocks, or friendship bracelets to sell.

8. Recycling Drive – Collect cans and bottles and take them to a recycling center for cash.

9. Car Washing – Wash cars with family or friends and charge a small fee.

10. Collect Loose Change – Check around the house for spare coins and save them up.

11. Create Art and Sell It – Make drawings or paintings and sell them to family or friends.

12. Help Neighbors with Yard Work – Rake leaves or water plants for neighbors.

13. Recycle Old Toys and Books Online – Ask an adult to help sell toys or books online.

14. Assist with Simple Chores – Offer to do chores like watering plants, dusting, or organizing.

15. Make Holiday Cards – Create homemade cards to sell around holiday times.

16. Plant Babysitting – Offer to water and take care of neighbors’ plants when they’re away.

17. Sell Old Sports Equipment – Sell any old equipment you no longer use.

18. Do Odd Jobs for Family Members – Offer to help with tasks like organizing or cleaning.

19. Host a Neighborhood Talent Show – Charge a small entry fee for neighbors to watch.

20. Set Up a Book Swap Stand – Charge a small fee for people to trade books with you.

21. Make DIY Keychains – Craft and sell homemade keychains.

22. Help with Digital Skills – Show neighbors how to use apps or games in exchange for small tips.

23. Collect and Sell Seashells or Rocks – Clean and decorate them for a unique craft.

24. Run Errands with Parents – Help parents with small tasks and save any tips they give.

25. Offer to Teach Simple Games – Teach younger kids how to play board games or sports.

Smart Ways to Save Money

26. Bring Lunch from Home – Skip buying snacks and pack lunch instead.

27. Reuse School Supplies – Find ways to reuse last year’s supplies instead of buying new ones.

28. Skip Costly Snacks – Save money by limiting spending on treats.

29. Use the Library – Borrow books or movies from the library instead of buying them.

30. Make Your Own Toys – Try DIY crafts instead of buying new toys.

31. Avoid In-App Purchases – Don’t spend money in games or apps.

32. Skip the Ice Cream Truck – Save money by eating homemade snacks.

33. Find Free Fun Activities – Play outside, ride bikes, or explore local parks for entertainment.

34. Save Birthday Money – Set aside any cash gifts from birthdays or holidays.

35. Have a ‘No Spend’ Challenge – See how many days you can go without spending anything.

36. Shop with Coupons – If you’re going to buy something, ask for coupons or discounts.

37. Make Your Own Art Supplies – Recycle materials at home to make craft supplies.

38. Watch for Free Movie Screenings – Ask parents about free local movie events.

39. Do DIY Projects – Instead of buying decor or accessories, make them.

40. Make Your Own Holiday Decorations – Get creative with DIY decorations.

41. Save on Gift Wrap – Use decorated newspaper or recycled wrapping for gifts.

42. Ask for Hand-Me-Downs – Wear hand-me-down clothes instead of buying new ones.

43. Carpool with Friends – Ask parents to carpool with friends for activities.

44. Trade Toys with Friends – Have a swap with friends to get “new” toys for free.

45. Borrow Sports Equipment – If you need sports gear, see if friends have extras to lend.

46. Save Extra from Allowance – If you get an allowance, put part of it directly into savings.

47. Turn Off Lights – Help save on household electricity by turning off lights when you leave a room.

48. Ask for Homemade Gifts – For birthdays or holidays, ask for homemade or experiential gifts.

49. Make DIY Costumes – Instead of buying costumes, get creative with what you have at home.

50. Help at Home – Do extra chores around the house to earn an allowance or tips from parents.

    
    

Tips to Reach Your Goal

• Set a Savings Goal: Track how close you are to your $500 goal, and celebrate each milestone.

• Write Down Your Progress: Each time you earn or save money, write it down to see your progress.

• Reward Yourself: For every $50 saved, reward yourself with something simple and fun.

  
  

With these fun activities, creative ways to save, and a bit of determination, kids can absolutely reach their $500 savings goal in 3 months. Plus, they’ll build great habits for saving and managing money in the future!