03-1-2011 at 1:21 AM

If you can do art (not sure if you can or not) there is a LJ group that has $10 or less commissions, it would take quite a few of them, but it could be a step in the right direction. <br /> <br /> You work with horses, does anyone near you need some one to help with their horses? Riding/training/grooming/feeding? I've done ranch work with cattle, a lot of older people need help with their animals and are more than willing to give you fair pay.<br /> <br /> Speaking of just people jobs, how about mowing lawns? Skimming pools? If you live near farms, see if any need planting/tilling help. <br /> <br /> Good with dogs? Walk dogs. Do basic grooming. Poop scoop some yards. Basic training.<br /> <br /> Are you a handyman? See if anyone needs minor home repairs (again check elderly people, they generally really need help) <br /> <br /> Wanta get a job that will pay really well? In home care for elderly (basic cooking, cleaning. First aid and lifting may be required) They generally have flexible hours to work around school.<br /> <br /> Best option? Do some of each. Be a jack of all trades, then you can find work in multiple places, and thus more desirable in the work place.

02-23-2011 at 5:17 AM

Further to Dogfancy's idea - when I was 17, saving up to by a computer, I made a deal with my parents. For every dollar I saved up, they also contributed a dollar. Once I actually got the computer, I had to keep working to pay all of those dollars back. Doing it that way meant I could get it a bit quicker, but still show I was willing to put in the work for it.<br /> <br /> Perhaps your dad would be willing to work with you like that. $3000 is a lot of money, and you also have to look at the ongoing costs. Feeding, vet treatment, all that stuff isn't cheap. Getting a job would be a good way to show that you're willing to take some responsibility for this animal financially.

02-23-2011 at 1:41 AM

Any old games/gaming systems you don't want? A computer you don't need? iPod you can sell? You'd be surprised how stuff like that can add up.<br /> <br /> I mean, if you want something really creative, my stepmother's "side" job is hunting through local thrift and secondhand stores for gently used, brand-name clothing that she sells for a decent increase on eBay. You'd have to have a really good knowledge of clothes, though, and of eBay. The shipping could be a real pain.<br /> <br /> Lifeguards around me get paid pretty well. However, there is the startup cost of becoming a lifeguard (classes can be as much as $100).

02-23-2011 at 1:35 AM

Is there any way your parents would 'loan' you the money to buy it and you would pay it back by proving you really want the horse aka actually taking care of it.<br /> I've done this with my parents a few times xD<br /> <br /> Like everyone else said a job?<br /> <br /> Babysitter? Pet-sitter? Dog Walker?<br /> <br /> Your still in school right? you could be a tutor in a subject you good at?<br /> <br /> I've earned most of my money from FFA but thats a big gamble.. xD<br /> <br /> If your good at drawing i know some people who make loads doing art commissions of DA<br /> <br /> You could always do odd job for people, fix fences, paint, wash cars..<br /> <br /> You could always have a garage sale. Sell you old stuff. Sell you old books, clothes..<br /> <br /> Thats just about everything i can think of x3 unless of course you want to rob a bank haha x3<br /> <br /> (which is totally not legal by the way) <br /> <br />

02-23-2011 at 12:41 AM

Well, this "horse" situation is nothing new. I've been promised since I was ten years old if I got straight A's in school, he would buy me a horse.<br /> I've had straight A's since middle school. And no horse. <br /> <br /> I don't mind working for it, at all. But I know I have options other than "get a job", I'm looking for something creative. And I need to be realistic, too. Minimum wage here is crap, and my friends who work seven hour shifts, several days a week only come out with $30 by Friday. <br /> <br /> I added all that up. It will take me roughly 100 WEEKS to make what I need to. Almost two years (that I don't have in state). By then, this horse will likely be long gone. Who knows when something like it will come around again. <br /> <br /> Maybe I needed to be more specific. I'm not looking for "get a job", perhaps, but something that's a bit more unique and creative.

02-23-2011 at 12:24 AM

You can't just expect money to pop up out of no where. Like others have said, get a job. Sure, you may not get the horse for a couple of months, but at least you'll get it.<br /> This is a case where I'm glad your father won't buy you a horse. He's promised to pay for everything else, you should be thankful that all you need to pay for is the horse. Just because your dad is financially sound doesn't mean he should buy everything for you.<br /> <br /> Hope this doesn't sound too harsh, its just MHO. If you don't like that, you can always just go with Dae's suggestion ;)

02-22-2011 at 11:44 PM

As far as jobs go, I said I was hoping for a reasonable amount of time. o.o<br /> <br /> Job market down here is almost non-existent as it is.

02-22-2011 at 3:45 PM

*does the math* You're 17, go get a job and save the money!

02-22-2011 at 2:07 PM

Do you have a younger sibling you don't like that you could sell into slavery?<br /> <br /> (Just kidding, do not do this. Take Gracie's suggestion.)

02-22-2011 at 6:51 AM

Are you responsible enough to be a babysitter? That's how I earned the money for my rats - granted, that was only $400 start-up (and I continued saving so I had $300 for medical when I needed it, thank God), but babysitting can be very lucrative. Get your name out there in your neighborhood. Especially if you're willing to be a day-nanny or "mother's helper" over the summer as a part time job.<br /> <br /> Or you could get a part-time or summer job. Minimum wage working most days a week can build up pretty fast. Yay grocery baggin? :P