Have you ever asked your parents to buy you something, but instead, they said, “Buy it yourself” or “Did you bring money?” I have! I’m 13 years old. I decided that it was time I had my own source of income with a bit of “walking around” money at all times. I earn money to buy the things I want to buy. I managed to get myself a lawn service job by drawing up a proposal and presenting it to property owners. It wasn’t long before I was quickly earning money. I opened a checking account and a savings account at my credit union and put the money I earned from my job into it. I like to carry around a little bit of spending money, but I also like to give money to my church. I like to know that if an opportunity comes that I can give to help someone else, I can. I also have to keep some money aside for my lawn service job, like gas and string for my trimmer. I make sure I save more money than I spend. I save for things like a car. Sometimes I take care of my neighbor’s dogs while she is away and it pays pretty well. It’s nice to know that when something comes up I want to buy, I already have the money for it. It’s also good to have money set aside in case of emergency. I still have a lot to learn about money management, like doing a budget. But, I’ve got a good start!