If you didn’t land a summer job this year, or you’re still too young for a “proper” one, you can still earn a little pocket money. Just remember that none of the options presented here is a guaranteed shortcut to riches. Some may bring in only a few euros, while others can earn a diligent worker considerably more.
If you are underage, always talk to your parent or guardian first. The most important thing is to agree on the ground rules and look after your own safety.
Help remove Himalayan balsam
In Kuopio, there is currently an app-based campaign in which people remove Himalayan balsam through the Crowdsorsa app. Himalayan balsam is a harmful invasive species that spreads quickly and can push out other plants. Anyone aged 18 or over can take part. Young people aged 13–17 can join with permission from a parent or guardian.
According to Crowdsorsa’s leaderboard, the most active user in Finland has earned more than 18,000 euros through the app. For most people, however, the reward is more likely to be a few dozen euros at most. At the time of writing in early July, players in Kuopio had earned anything from less than one euro to about 75 euros.
Here is how it works in practice: the player finds a designated area in the mobile app, films the area before starting, removes the Himalayan balsam, films the area again afterwards and sends the videos to Crowdsorsa through the app. Payment is made only for approved work, so it is worth doing the job and the documentation carefully.
The reward is taxable income and is paid afterwards to the bank account registered in the app. This is worth keeping in mind if the player receives social assistance, as even small earnings can in some cases affect the amount of support paid. In unclear situations, it is best to check with Kela.
Crowdsorsa reports all paid rewards directly to the Incomes Register. A young person will probably not have to pay tax on the money if their annual income stays below the taxable limit, but tax details still have to be entered in the app before the reward can be withdrawn.
The Himalayan balsam campaign is open until the end of August, or for as long as there is money left in the 4,000-euro reward budget.
Pros
- You can do it at any time, although removing the plants can be difficult in the rain.
- It is also nature conservation work.
- The campaign is available in different municipalities, so it can be done outside Kuopio too.
Cons
- Removing the plants can be surprisingly hard work, and it has to be done and documented carefully.
- The work is tied to specific areas in the app, so it can only be done in certain places.
- Payment comes afterwards.
What you need
- A smartphone with the Crowdsorsa mobile app.
- Gloves and scissors or a small hoe may be useful. Himalayan balsam does not need to be pulled up by the roots; cutting and trampling the plants is enough.
- Clothes that protect against insects and, if needed, sunscreen. Remember to check for ticks afterwards!
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Collect bottles and cans
Collecting bottles and cans is a classic way to earn a little extra money. One bottle or can is worth 10–40 cents when returned to a deposit machine, so a patient collector can gradually build up a nice little sum.
Deposit bottles and cans can sometimes be found in bins, but the safest option is to collect only bottles and cans left on the ground. Bins may contain sharp or dangerous objects, and putting your hand into a bin without seeing what is inside is a bad idea. Do not collect bottles or cans from other people’s yards, terraces or other private areas. Only pick something up if it has clearly been abandoned.
Experienced bottle collectors often keep a bag with them, so they can pick up the occasional find even when they are not specifically out collecting.
Pros
- At its best, collecting feels a bit like treasure hunting, and you get some exercise at the same time.
- You get the money quickly and in cash from a grocery store with a bottle return machine.
- You can do it at any time and in many different places.
Cons
- Earnings partly depend on luck, and on a bad day the amount may be small.
- Collecting bottles and cans only really makes sense in urban areas, although individual finds can turn up anywhere.
What you need
- A bag for carrying your finds, such as an ordinary plastic shopping bag or a rubbish bag.
- Bottles and cans are not always clean, so it is worth bringing an extra plastic bag that you can slip over your hand if needed. An active collector may benefit from cut-resistant gloves.
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Other possible ways to earn pocket money include helping neighbours for a small payment or selling items at a flea market. Online, you may sometimes come across tempting promises of easy money, but it is wise to treat them with caution and talk to an adult first.