Question -- Help! I need advice on how to raise $700 to pay for camp this summer. Do you have any ideas?Answer -- That's a tall order for kids trying to raise money on their own and aren't old enough to hold a paying job -- which I presume is true in your case.
I'm sorry to say I don't have any secret formulas for creating that kind of money in a relatively short time. That's not to say it can't be done, however, and the formula is no secret: a combination of imagination and elbow grease, plus some help from a silent partner.
-- TAKE STOCK OF YOUR TALENTS. Don't sell yourself short just because you're a kid. Are you good with computers? Can you play the piano? Are you a whiz at math or grammar? If so, other kids -- or their parents -- may be interested in hiring you as a tutor.
Are you artistically inclined? Adults and kids love to buy handmade items, and anything you could create -- from refrigerator magnets to beaded necklaces -- is a potential moneymaker.
-- JOIN THE LABOR FORCE. Even if you don't think you have a particular talent, any service you can perform in a full-employment economy is worth money.
Instead of haphazardly taking whatever job happens to come along, focus your efforts on a baby-sitting blitz, for example, putting out the word among neighborhood families and friends of your parents that you're in the market for extra jobs. Or blanket the neighborhood with fliers offering to do yard work -- a perfect opportunity with spring coming.
Tell your potential clients why you're trying to raise money, and they may be so impressed with your initiative that they'll be more inclined to hire you.
-- PUT THE TOUCH ON AN ANGEL. Even if you're willing to work hard, it's still tough for a kid to come up with $700 in a short time. See if you can work a deal with your parents (or grandparents) to match what you earn dollar for dollar; $350 is still an ambitious goal, but more attainable.
-- TAKE A LOOK AT A FUND-RAISING BOOK. Look at "Great Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups," by David and Kathy Lynn, a Youth Specialties book published by Zondervan Publishing House in Grand Rapids, Mich. The ideas are pitched to church and other youth groups rather than individuals, but you may be inspired.
P.S. Dr. T would love to hear from readers with creative -- and successful -- ideas on small-scale fund-raising.
Have a question about kids and finances for Dr. Tightwad? Write to Dr. T at 1729 H St., N.W., Washington, DC 20006. Or send the good doctor an e-mail message (and any other questions for this column) to jbodnar@kiplinger.com.