eBook #5 Smart Money Moves

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A Book for Kids Ages

9–14

Mort Greenberg & Carly Greenberg


Forward Welcome to the fifth book in The Fearless Girl and The Little Guy with Greatness book series! In this installment, we will embark on a journey exploring three crucial areas of life: Money, Investing, and Entrepreneurship. These sections will equip you with knowledge and skills that will set you on the path to financial independence and success.

Section 1: Money Matters Money is a powerful resource that plays a significant role in our lives. In Section one, you will dive into the world of money management and discover its importance. From understanding how money works to finding ways to earn it, you will gain insights that will shape your financial future. But money is not just about acquiring wealth; it’s also about giving back to your community. You will learn the significance of generosity and how contributing to the well-being of others can bring fulfillment and make a positive impact. Furthermore, you will uncover the secrets of saving money, budgeting effectively, and making smart spending choices. By mastering these skills early on, you will lay the foundation for a prosperous and fulfilling life. Smart Money Moves |

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Section 2: Investing Matters Section two is designed to further help you understand the concept of investing and empower you to make informed financial decisions. We will cover topics such as risk versus reward, different types of financial accounts, and the fundamentals of stocks and shares. You will also learn about the power of patience and the remarkable effects of compound interest. By the end of this section, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make intelligent investment choices and embark on your journey to financial independence.

Section 3: Entrepreneurship Have you ever dreamed of turning your ideas into a thriving business? In section three, we will guide you through the exciting world of entrepreneurship. You will discover step-by-step instructions, real-life examples, and engaging company ideas that will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit. From developing a creative mindset to navigating the challenges of starting and running a business, you will acquire essential skills that can turn your dreams into reality. Within each section, you will be presented with “Try It Activities” to practice and refine your entrepreneurial abilities. By the end of this book, you will gain the tools, knowledge, and mindset required to take charge of your financial future, create opportunities, and make your dreams come true. Smart Money Moves |

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Copyright © 2023 by Mort Greenberg & Carly Greenberg Design: Heri Susanto Illustrations: Dian Kartika Abidin All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

Published by TuckEmIn www.tuckemin.com

First Paperback edition December 2023 ISBN 979-8-9880534-9-1 Smart Money Moves |

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Tuck Em’ In Publishing is a father and daughter effort that creates and publishes books for kids. Our mission is to Motivate and Inspire. Our vision is to help kids make the most of their todays and tomorrows. The Fearless Girl and The Little Guy with Greatness is a book series that aims to share the following message: anything is possible for any kid if they put their mind to it. Kids, you can find in our books ways to handle yourselves in important, real-life situations. Caregivers, you will find ways to push the kids in your life to be their best selves. Through our books, we hope to encourage families to communicate more effectively with each other.

“Smart Money Moves” is the fifth installment in The Fearless Girl and The Little Guy with Greatness book series. This book will map out 20 skills: ( 1) Money Basics, (2) Earning Money, (3) Saving Money, (4) Spending Money, (5) Giving Back, (6) Research and Due Diligence, ( 7 ) Risk vs. Reward, (8) Stocks and Shares, (9) Types of Financial Accounts, ( 10) The Power of Patience, ( 11) Compound Interest & Index Funds, ( 12) Taxation When Selling Stocks, ( 13) Idea Generation, ( 14) Market Research, ( 15) Budgeting and Finance, ( 16) Marketing and Advertising, ( 17 ) Sales and Customer Service, ( 18) Collaboration and Teamwork, ( 19) Problem-Solving and (20) Businesses That You Can Start Today.

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Mort Greenberg and his daughter, Carly Greenberg, have embarked on numerous adventures together across the mountains of the United States. They also built self-guided, 18-hour day races in London, Paris, Milan, Venice, Murano, Burano, Rome, Buenos Aires, Tigre, Montevideo, Valparaiso, Santiago, Asuncion, and more.

This father and daughter team has worked through and overcome the same situations that you, as a parent, are experiencing now with a young daughter or son. Each skill in the book is inspired by an actual conversation that took place over the years from when Carly was five to twelve years old.

You Can Follow Mort and

@mortgreenberg

@greenbergcarly

@mortgreenberg

@carlygreenberg

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This Book Belongs to

Today’s Date :

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Table Of Contents Section One

Section Two

Money Matters Money Basics In order to use money, you first need to grasp what it is, how it works, and why it matters.

Investing Matters 10

Earning Money There are different ways that people earn money to make a living. In this section, we will go over the ideal course of action for you based on your age and capabilities.

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Saving Money Money is a resource that can help you achieve your goals; therefore, it is crucial to come up with a game plan to save it effectively.

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Spending Money One of the biggest problems people face when dealing with money is battling temptation. To make the most of your money you must learn the difference between needs and wants. Giving Back While money is a means to obtain, it is also a means of giving back — and your community needs you to chip in so that it can put certain projects into motion. When you are in a position to donate money, find charities and fundraisers that you believe in.

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Research and Due Diligence This is a critical first step before investing. Taking the time to conduct research and due diligence will help you make smarter investments. Choose a company or investment that you are interested in, research their financial health and track record, and look for potential risks. Risk vs. Reward Investing involves taking risks, so understanding the concept of risk versus reward is essential. You and your friends can learn about how investing in different types of assets — such as stocks, bonds, or real estate — involves varying levels of risk and reward. Stocks and Shares Without a doubt, the stock market takes time to learn. You can conquer it by first learning the basics of stocks and shares. This involves learning about different companies and how they offer shares to the public in order to raise money. Types of Financial Accounts There are five types of financial accounts kids can have: savings accounts, checking accounts, investment accounts, college savings accounts (529 plans), and retirement accounts. Each account has its own purpose and benefits for helping kids save and grow their money.you own.

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The Power of Patience Investing is a long-term game, so it’s imperative to understand thev power of patience as well as discipline. You can learn about “delayed gratification” and how it can help you stay on track towards your financial goals. Compound Interest & Index Funds Compound or compounding interest is the interest earned on both the principal amount (your initial investment) and the accumulated interest you earn on your initial investment. Index funds are a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund that seeks to track the returns of a market index. Taxation When Selling Stocks The impact of taxation on your investments is a must-know topic, including how to make tax-efficient investment decisions. Since this is such a big topic, for this book, we will only touch on how tax works when you sell shares of stocks or index funds that you own.

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Section Three

Entrepreneurship Idea Generation Encourage yourself and maybe even your friends to come up with creative ideas for products or services that either of you can sell. Market Research Learn how to conduct market research by observing and talking to potential customers.

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Budgeting and Finance Learn how to create a budget and keep track of income and expenses as it relates to your business.

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Marketing and Advertising In order to effectively spread the word about your business, you must grasp the basics of branding, advertising, and social media.

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Sales and Customer Service Offering superb customer service is pivotal to selling your products and services and keeping your customers happy.

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Collaboration and Teamwork More often than not, running a business requires working with others.

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Problem-Solving Running a business is certainly no walk in the park. Nevertheless, with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt, you can create solutions to any problem.

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Businesses That You Can Start Today Included in this section are 25 business ideas you can launch right now. What are you waiting for? Time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

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Chapter 1

Money Basics Whether you know it or not, money is something you use every single day. That said, it is crucial to understand what money is, how it works, and why it matters.

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What Is Money?

Money comes in various forms:

Toys

Money is something people use in order to buy things, such as:

Coins

Clothes

Bills

Foods Credit Cards

Souvenirs Digital

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Where Does Money Come From? Money can arise from many places

No matter where your money comes from, it is important to use it wisely. You should think very carefully about how and where you choose to spend your money.

Some people earn money by working a job

Consider all of your options. Only then will you make the smartest choice.

Others may receive money as a gift or allowance from their parents

Some people even make money by daring to start up their own business

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Why Is Money Important? Without money, it would be incredibly difficult to buy essentials Without money, it would be incredibly difficult to buy essentials, like food, clothes, or toys.

Money also allows people to save for future endeavors, such as a college education, a car, exciting activities like a trip to an amusement park, or investing in stocks or starting a company.

In the simplest of terms, money is a way of trading goods and services. This means that people can exchange money for things they need or want. For example, businesses require money to pay their employees and buy supplies.

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Try It Activity! Look around your house and

find three things you really, really love. Think about how you would feel if you didn’t have money to buy these things.

Ask your parents how they

earn their money. Do they work a job? Do they have their own business? What other sources of income do they have?

Imagine that you have $10 to

spend at a store. Reflect on what you would like to buy and why. Would you buy something you need, such as food, or something you want, like a new toy? Think about how you would ultimately make that decision. Smart Money Moves | Money Matters |

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By understanding what money is and how it works, you can make smart choices about how to spend your money. Remember to always consider what would be most beneficial to you. Good decisions should not be rushed. Take your time when it comes to how and when to spend your money.”

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Chapter 2

Earning Money Earning money is a great way to obtain things you want and need. In this section, we will explore what it means to earn money and the different approaches you may take to earn it.

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Earning money means

What Does It Mean

to Earn Money?

doing something in exchange for the value of money you will earn. When

you earn money, you are trading your time and hard work for payment.

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Ways To Earn Money There are many ways to earn money. Depending on your age and abilities, here are a few examples you might want to consider:

Doing chores around the house: Ask your parents if they would be willing to start paying you an allowance for completing tasks. This might include cleaning your room, washing dishes, or taking out the trash.

Selling items: Sooner or later, we all grow out of certain items. If you have toys or clothes that you no longer use, you could sell them at a garage sale or on various online sites.

Babysitting: If you’re old enough, you may be able to earn money by watching and taking care of younger kids.

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Tips For

Earning Money Set goals: Before you start earning money, think about what you personally want to save up for. Maybe you want to put money away for a fun activity with your friends. Setting goals can help you stay motivated and make smart choices with your money.

Pet-sitting: If you love animals, you could earn money by petsitting for friends or neighbors when they go away on vacation.

Working a job: When you’re old enough, you will be able to work a job at a local store or restaurant. This is not only an effective way of earning money, but also gaining valuable experience.

Budget your money: Once you start earning money, think about how you will spend it. Make sure to organize a plan for how much money you’ll save, how much you’ll spend, and how much you’ll donate to charity. Be responsible: It is advisable to keep your money in a safe place, like a piggy bank or savings account. Don’t spend it all at once. Money is power, so be careful with it.

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Try It Activity! Think about a task you could do to earn money. Some examples may include doing the dishes, walking a neighbor’s dog, or selling some of your old clothes. Write down how much you believe you could earn for completing said task.

Imagine that you earned $50 for com-

pleting a task. Ponder how you would budget that money. How much would you save? How much would you spend? How much would you donate to charity?

Talk to your parents —or another working adult — about how they earn money. Ask them what their job is and how they got started in their career.

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By understanding how to earn money, you can achieve your goals and build a strong foundation for your financial future.”

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Chapter 3

Saving Money Saving money is a pivotal part of managing your finances. In this section, we will review what it means to save money, why it’s so important, as well as some tips for saving money wisely.

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Why Is Saving Money Important?

Saving money is important for numerous reasons. To name just a few:

Emergencies You never know when an unexpected expense might come up. Having adequate money saved up can help you handle these situations without stressing out yourself or your loved ones.

Goals Perhaps you’re interested in the latest release of a game, or you want to invest in a new bike or computer. Maybe you were eyeing a pair of concert tickets for a friend or family member for their birthday. Saving money can help you achieve these costly goals.

Future As you get older, you’ll have to manage more expenses, like car maintenance or your college education. By starting to save now, you will be better prepared for these future expenses.

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Tips for Saving Money Wisely Set goals

Make a plan

Just like earning money, setting goals for saving can help you stay focused and motivated. Think about what you want to save for and how much you would need in order to achieve that goal.

Once you’ve set your goal, make a plan for how you’ll reach it. This might include putting a portion of your allowance or earnings into a savings account every week or month.

Avoid impulse buying When you’re out shopping, it can be tempting to buy things that, in hindsight, you don’t really need. Before making a purchase, determine whether it’s something you really need or something you can do without.

Save a little at a time Even if you can only save a small amount each week or month, it will add up over time. If you start saving $10 per month in January, by the end of the year, you will have $120. Consistency is key when it comes to saving money.

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Try It Activity! Decide on something you

want to save for, such as a new toy or a special treat. Write down how much money you think you need to save and how long you think it’ll take to reach your goal.

Practice saving a portion of

your allowance or earnings each week or month. Keep track of how much you’re saving over time.

Seek out ways to save mon-

By choosing to save money rather than spend it, you will not only be able to achieve your most ambitious goals, but also build a strong financial foundation for your future”

ey on things you need or want. Maybe you can find a coupon or a sale on something you were planning to buy.

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Chapter 4

Spending Money Of course, spending money is a part of life. In this section, we will explore what it means to spend money smartly, as well as tips for making sound spending decisions.

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What Does It Mean to Spend Money Smartly? Spending money smartly means making thoughtful, educated decisions about how you use your money. It means thinking about what you need, what you want, and what you can realistically afford.

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Why Is It Important To Spend Money Smartly? Spending money smartly is important for several reasons. To name just a few:

Budgeting

Prioritizing

Saving

A budget is a rough estimate of how much money you can spend based on the amount you’re making. When spending money smartly, you are more likely to stay within your allotted budget. In other words, you won’t overspend and run out of money before your next allowance or paycheck.

Determine what’s most important to you. Avoid wasting money on things you don’t really need. By prioritizing your spending, you’ll be able to obtain your most crucial goals first.

By spending money smartly, you will have more money left over for the long haul. As you go through life, you’ll find yourself yearning for various things. The money you save determines whether you seize these goals with ease or strain. Smart Money Moves | Money Matters | 28


Tips for Spending Money Smartly Make a list: Before you go shopping, make a list of what you need to buy. Stick to that list and avoid impulse buying. If that item was not on your list beforehand, it’s most likely not a necessity. Think before you buy: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you really need or something you just want. If it’s something you want, consider whether or not it’s truly worth the money. Compare prices: When you’re buying something, compare the price to different stores or online to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Avoid borrowing: If possible, avoid borrowing money from your friends or family. As tempting as it is, borrowing money can inevitably lead to debt. You do not want to owe people money.

Try It Activity! Make a list of things you need to buy for the week, like groceries or school supplies. Stick to your list when you go shopping. Think about something you would like to buy, such as a new toy or game. Before making that purchase, ask yourself: Is this something you really need or something you just want? Practice comparing prices when you’re shopping online or at a store. Is it cheaper to get a pack of pencils at CVS or Target? Would it be more optimal to purchase a particular book from Barnes & Noble or Amazon? Look for the best deal. Smart Money Moves | Money Matters | 29


By spending money smartly, you can avoid severe financial problems. Remember: make a plan, stick to your budget, and prioritize your spending based on what’s most important to you.

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Chapter 5

Giving Back Giving back is an essential part of being a good citizen as well as a kind person. In this section, we will explore what it means to be charitable and how it can help others.

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What Does It Mean to Give Back? Giving back means using your time, money, or resources to help others in need. It means being generous to those who are less fortunate.

Why is Giving Back Important? Giving back is important for endless reasons. To name just a few: Helping others:

Building community:

Feeling good:

When you give back, you are helping others who are in need. Your generosity can make a big difference in someone else’s life. You could be feeding a famished family, or giving medicine to a sick elder.

Giving back brings people together and creates a sense of community. You’ll feel like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. Every movement must first build momentum, and you can be a catalyst.

Giving back will make you feel good about yourself and your actions. It boosts your self-esteem and makes you proud of what you’ve accomplished.

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How Can You Give Back? Donate money: You can give money to a charity or organization. Even the smallest amount can make a monumental difference. Donate items: You can donate items like clothing, toys, or books to a charity or organization. If you’ve grown out of a couple shirts or need to relinquish your bookshelves, someone else might very well find value in them.

There are many ways to give back and help others. To start, here are a few suggestions:

Volunteer: You can offer up your time to help others. This might mean helping at a food bank, visiting seniors, or cleaning up a park.

Perform acts of kindness: Hold the door open for someone. Lend a hand to a friend in need. Kindness doesn’t cost anything, so give as much as you can, all of the time.

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Try It Activity! Make a list of charities or organizations that you would like to support. Do some research to learn more about what they do and how you can help. Volunteer your time to help others. This might mean cleaning up a park or volunteering at a local charity. Perform acts of kindness every day. This might mean helping a friend in need or doing something kind for a stranger.

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By giving back to others, you can make a positive impact on the world around you. Remember: be kind, be generous, and be thoughtful with your actions.

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Money Matters

Conclusion Learning about money management is a crucial life skill that can greatly benefit you and your future. By understanding the basics of money — how to earn money, how to save money, and how to spend money wisely — you are setting yourself up for financial success. Furthermore, by giving back to your community, you will make a positive impact on the world around you.

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SECTION 2

Investing Matters It is never too early to learn about investing and how it can help you achieve your financial goals. This section is designed for kids and young adults who are interested in learning about investing and how to make smart financial decisions. In this section, we will cover a wide array of topics, ranging from the concept of risk versus reward to the various types of financial accounts kids can have. You will also learn about the basics of stocks and shares, how interest works, the power of patience, as well as the impact of taxation. Investing may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and proper guidance, it will become a powerful tool for building wealth. Remember, the earlier you start investing, the more time you have to take advantage of the power of compound interest.

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Chapter 6

Research & Due Diligence Research means doing your homework and finding out information about the company or investment that you want to invest in. Due diligence means making sure that the investment is safe and worth your money.

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Investing is like planting a tree. You have to give it time to grow before you can enjoy its fruits. The same goes for investing. You need to be patient and do your research before you invest your money. Here are some simple steps to follow:

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Start by choosing a company or investment that you are interested in. It could be a company that makes your favorite products that you and your friends buy.

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Research the company or investment by reading articles, watching videos, and talking to people who like or do not like the product, and find out what they feel that way.

3

Look for information about the company’s financial health, like how much money they make and how much debt they have. You can find this information in their financial statements.

4

Check to see if the company or investment has a good track record of making money for their investors. Look at their past performance and see if they have consistently made money for their investors.

5

Look for any potential risks or downsides of the investment. Every investment comes with risks, so make sure you understand what they are before you invest your money.

6 Finally, make sure that you

understand how the investment works before you put your money into it. If you don’t understand how it works, ask someone who does.

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Try It Activity! Choose a company or investment that you are interested in and research it. Write down five things that you learned about the company or investment. Ask an adult or someone who knows about investing to help you research a company or investment. Write down five questions that you would ask to learn more about it. Look at two different companies or investments and compare them. Write down three things that are similar and three things that are different.

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Remember, it’s important to do your research and due diligence before investing your money. Investing is a great way to grow your money, but it’s also important to be patient and make informed decisions.

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Chapter 7

Risk vs Reward By investing your money, you can earn more money over time. However, investing involves taking risks, so it is important to fully grasp and embrace the concept of risk versus reward.

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Reward refers to potential return on your investment. In other words, this is money you can earn as your investments grow over time. Different types of investments also offer different levels of reward. For example, stocks ge–nerally offer higher potential returns than bonds or savings accounts.

Risk refers to the chance that you might, in fact, lose money when you invest. Different types of investments involve different levels of risk. For example, investing in stocks can be riskier than investing in bonds or savings accounts.

When you invest your money, you need to take into consideration the risk versus the reward. If you’re willing to take on more risks, you may be able to earn more money. On the contrary, if you don’t want to take the gamble, you may prefer to invest in assets, which are less risky but have a lower rate of return.

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Here’s an example to help you understand risk versus reward: Let’s say you want to invest $10. You have two options:

Option 2 Invest in a stock that has the potential to double in value over the next year. This means that if the stock price goes up, your investment of $10 could turn into $20.

Option 1 Invest in a savings account that pays 1% interest per year. This means that if you leave your money in the account for a year, you’ll earn $0.10 in interest. Option 2 offers a higher potential reward than option 1, but once again — it involves more risk. The stock price could go down, and thus you could lose money. A savings account is less risky, but it offers a lower potential reward. Year 1

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Try It Activity! Now it’s time for a fun and thought-provoking Imagine you have $20 to invest. Write down three different investment options you could choose. After thinking about the potential risk and reward for each one, decide which investment option you personally would take on.

Never spend more money than you’re comfortable with losing.”

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Chapter 8

Stocks and Shares Have you ever heard someone talking about either “stocks” or “shares”? These are words typically used to describe ways of investing your money.

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Essentially, when you buy a stock or share, you become a part-owner of a company. This means that you own a small piece of the company. As a result, you have the right to vote on important decisions, like who will be on the company’s board of directors.

Stock or share

Money

As a shareholder, you also have the potential to make money. If the company does well, the value of your shares increase. You can then sell your shares for a greater price than what you paid for them, thus making a profit. On the other hand, if the company doesn’t do well, the value of your shares can decrease, meaning you could lose money.

When a company wants to raise money, they sell stocks or shares to people like you and me. The money they raise can be used to invest in new products or services, hire more employees, and further expand their business.

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Here’s an example to help you understand how stocks and shares work: Let’s say you want to buy a share in a company called ABC Corporation. Each share costs approximately $10. You decide to buy one share, so you pay $10 to the company.

Over the next few months, the company does well. Its profits grow, and other people become interested in buying its shares. The demand for the company’s shares increases, and the value of your share goes up to $15.

You decide to sell your share for $15. In the end, you make a profit of $5.

Your share

Your share

$10

$15 Year 2

Year 1 Company

Company growth

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Try It Activity! Now it’s time for a fun and thought-provoking Imagine you have $20 to invest in stocks and shares. Write down the name of three different companies you would like to invest in. (Some examples might include thriving companies such as Amazon or Apple.) Consider how many shares you would like to buy for each company. Anticipate and predict what you think will happen to the value of your shares over the next year. This is a fantastic exercise for starting to think rationally and realistically about investing in stocks and shares. Stocks and shares can be an exciting way to invest your money and potentially make a profit. Still, it is crucial to comprehend the risks involved, so remember: always do your research before investing in any company. Smart Money Moves | Investing Matters | 49


Chapter 9

Saving As a kid, you might not think having a bank account is necessary. Wrong! In actuality, opening one or more now can help you save and manage your money better for the impending future. With that in mind, let’s go over five types of financial accounts:

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Five Types Of Financial Accounts: Savings Account

Checking Account

Investment Account

This is a type of account where you can deposit money and earn a small amount of interest on it. It is highly recommended to have a savings account because it allows you to store money that you don’t plan on spending right away. It’s also a great way to start saving for a future goal, such as a desired gadget or

This is a type of account that lets you easily deposit and withdraw money whenever you need. This may include writing a check, withdrawing cash using an ATM machine, or setting up direct deposit for your paychecks. Checking accounts are the most efficient way of managing your day-to-day expenses, like buying food or clothing. It is also important to note that some checking accounts earn interest but usually at a lower rate than a savings account.

This is a type of account that enables you to invest your money in things like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs (exchange-traded funds). Investment accounts can help you grow your money in the long term, but they come with more risk than a savings or checking account. That’s why it is so crucial to talk to a parent or financial advisor before investing your money.

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529 Account:

Retirement Account:

This is a special type of account that helps you save for your education. This includes college, trade school, or other qualified expenses. The money in this account grows taxfree and can be used to pay for tuition, books, as well as room and board if you decide to go away for school.

This is a type of account that permits you to save for your future retirement. There are several types of retirement accounts, including Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s. Retirement accounts offer tax deferment benefits, so make sure to speak with a parent or guardian to learn more about this.

Want to know a secret? As a kid, you can actually qualify to open a Roth IRA if you’ve earned income. (Unfortunately, earned income does not include money from gifts or allowances from parents or other family members.)

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Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with some types of accounts, here’s a Try It Activity!

Time to practice matching certain actions with specific account types: If you want to purchase stocks, which type of account would you use? Answer: If you need money for daily expenses, which type of account would you use? Answer: If you want to save money that provides tax deferred benefits, which type of account would you use? Answer: If you want to save money for college or trade school, which type of account would you use? Answer:

By having various types of accounts, you can invest and save your money in a myriad of ways. The more money you accumulate, the closer you will be to attaining your goals. Remember: always do your research. Before trying to open any type of account, seek guidance from a parent or guardian about the best course of action.

If you want to put away money for a special purchase, which type of account would you use? Answer: You can check the answer on page 67

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Chapter 10

The Power of Patience When it comes to investing money, remember the power of patience. All good things come to those who wait.

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Investing in stocks and shares can be thrilling, but you must accept the fact that it is a long-term game. It’s not about getting rich quick, but rather about making smart choices and waiting for your investments to grow. However, at the same time, if you choose to be patient, you might see the stock eventually go back up to $120 — or possibly higher.

Let’s look at an example to understand the power of patience in regard to investing: Imagine you invested $100 in a company’s stock.

Over the following year, the stock goes up and down in value. SOmetimes, it would go up to

other times, it dropped down to

$120

$80

Y3

$100

Y5

Y2 Year 1

Y4 You may feel tempted to sell your shares when the value drops because you don’t want to risk losing even more money.

Ultimately, if you sold your shares when the value was low, you would’ve lost money. By exercising patience and waiting for the stock to go back up, you perserve your potential to make a profit.

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Try It Activity! To help you practice patience when investing: Imagine you invested $50 in a company’s stock. The value of the stock drops down to $40, so you worry that you’ve made a bad investment. Nonetheless, instead of selling your shares, you decide to wait it out and see what happens over the course of the next year. After a few months, the company announces a new product, and it gets a lot of positive hype. More people start buying the company’s stock, and the value goes up to $60. Because you exercised patience and held off on selling your shares when the value was low, you now made a profit of $10.

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Investing takes considerable patience as well as a long-term perspective. Do not panic when the value of your investments fluctuates. Instead, focus on doing your research. Invest in companies with great products that you also believe in. Once you’ve accomplished that, sit patiently and wait for your investments to grow. The biggest rewards take form over time.”

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Chapter 11

Compound Interest Have you ever heard the phrase “money makes money”? Surprise, surprise — it’s actually true! When you put your money into a savings account, you earn interest on it. But wait! Did you know that interest can increase over time, thanks to something called “compound interest”?

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Compound interest is when you earn interest not only on the money you initially invested, but also on the interest that money earns. It’s like a snowball effect: as your money earns more interest, it grows faster and faster over time.

One great way to take advantage of the magic of compound interest is by investing in index funds. Index funds let you own a small piece of numerous companies all at once. Since index funds are designed to track a specific index, their holdings are usually transparent and easy to understand. This can help you make informed decisions about which index funds to invest in.

Three of the most popular stock indexes are: The Standard and Poor’s 500 (S&P 500):

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA):

Nasdaq Composite:

This index tracks the performance of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. It includes companies from a range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.

This index tracks the performance of 30 large, publicly traded companies in the United States.

This index tracks the performance of all the companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Principally, it includes technology and biotech companies. Smart Money Moves | Investing Matters |

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Here’s an example of how compound interest works with index funds: Let’s say you invested $100 in an index fund that earns an average return of 8% per year. After one year, your investment would be worth $108.

Instead of taking that $8 profit and spending it, you decide to leave it in the fund. Now your investment is worth $108, and the following year it earns another 8%. That means your investment would then increase to $116.64.

$100 + $8 $100

If you continue to leave your investment of $116.64 in the fund, it would earn another 8% the following year, and so on. As you can see, over time, this compound interest really adds up!

$100 + $8 + $8.64

8%

8% $100

Year 1

Year 2

Here’s an exercise to help you better understand compound interest with index funds:

Year 3

Imagine you invested $50 in an index fund that earns an average return of 10% per year. After one year, your investment would be worth $55.

If you leave that money in the fund, allowing it grow for 10 years, it would be worth over $129! That’s the magic of compound interest!

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By understanding how compound interest works with index funds, you can make informed decisions about investing your money. But remember: at the end of the day, patience is still key. The almighty power of compound interest just so happens to act as a sidekick, helping you better achieve your financial goals.”

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Chapter 12

Taxation When Selling Stocks When you invest in stocks, it is important to know that you may very well may have to pay taxes when you sell them.

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Taxes are like fees that the government charges you for certain things you buy or sell. When it comes to stocks, upon selling them, you might have to pay taxes on the money you made.

Here’s an example to help you comprehend how taxes work:

Let’s say you bought some shares of a company’s stock for $10 each

Later selling them for $15 each. You just made a profit of $5 per share!

Profit Loss

Y1

Be mindful that not all investments are taxed the same way. Stocks are taxed differently than other types of investments, such as bonds or real estate.

You may have to pay taxes on that profit. That’s because the government needs a small piece of the money you made in order to fund their own services.

If you sell your shares of stock at a loss — meaning you sold them for less than what you paid for them — you might be able to use that loss to lower your taxes. This is called a tax deduction, and it can help you save money.

Y2

Y3

Y4

The amount of taxes you must pay on your stock sales depends on how much you earned and how long you held onto those shares. If you sold the shares within a year, the taxes you pay will be higher than if you held onto them for more than a year. This is because the government wants to encourage people to hold onto their investments for a longer period of time, resulting in economic growth.

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Try It Activity!

Taxes

To help you think about taxes: Imagine you bought some shares of a company’s stock for $20 each. Eventually, you sell them for $30 each, thereby making a profit of $10 per share. Now, imagine that the government charges a 20% tax rate on profits from stock sales. How much money would you owe in taxes on each share you sold? To figure this out, you would take 20% of the $10 profit, which is $2. So, for each share you sold, you would owe $2 in taxes. If you sold 10 shares, you would owe $20 in taxes.

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Taxes are an integral part of investing, so you need to understand how they work. That’s why it is absolutely vital to speak with an adult who’s well-acquainted with taxes and investing. They can educate you on how your investments might be taxed as well as enlighten you on how to make informed, more profitable decisions.”

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Investing Matters

Conclusion

You now have a solid understanding of the key concepts and principles to managing your money effectively and making smart investment decisions. Remember: personal finance and investing are life-long journeys. There is always more to learn, so keep educating yourself, stay disciplined, and focus on your long-term financial goals. With the right knowledge and a determined mindset, you are guaranteed to achieve financial freedom and security for yourself as well as your loved ones. Best of luck!

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If you want to purchase stocks, which type of account would you use? Investment Account

The Answers for Page 53 Questions

If you need money for daily expenses, which type of account would you use? Checking Account If you want to save money that provides tax deferred benefits, which type of account would you use? Retirement Account If you want to save money for college or trade school, which type of account would you use? 529 Account If you want to put away money for a special purchase, which type of account would you use? Saving Account

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SECTION 3

Entrepreneurship Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Do you have an idea that you believe could make a real difference in the world? This section is meant to serve as a survival guide for entrepreneurship - or, in simpler terms, starting and running your own company. It is packed with step-by-step instructions, real-life examples, as well as fun activities that are guaranteed to help you turn your ideas into ingenious business endeavors. In the pages ahead, you will learn about all the skills an entrepreneur must know in order to achieve success. This section is your ticket to developing a mindset for creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness. It is your pass for learning how to think outside the box, take risks, and turn challenges into opportunities!

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Chapter 13

Idea Generation Have you ever considered starting up your own business? Maybe you have an exciting idea for a lemonade stand or a pet-sitting service! In this section, we will discuss how to generate ideas for your own business.

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What is an idea? An idea is a thought or a concept that comes to your mind

It can be a new way of doing something

A product intended to solve an issue

Or a service that people need

Ideas can spring from literally anywhere – your experiences, your interests, even your dreams!

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How can I generate ideas for a business?

Here are some exercises that can help you generate ideas for a business

Pursue a passion Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you like drawing, playing sports, or baking? Write down your interests and envision how you can turn them into a business idea.

Identify a problem and brainstorm solutions Think about problems that you or the people around you have faced. Can you come up with a product or service that could resolve that problem? Brainstorm different solutions. Consider which ones would make the most sense as a business idea.

Try It Activity:

Try It Activity

Take 5 minutes to write down as many things as you can that you enjoy doing.

Think of a problem that you or someone you know has. Write down as many solutions as you can that could solve that problem. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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Look at what’s popular

Ask for suggestions

What are some popular products or services that people are interested in right now? Is there a way you can put your own spin on it and make it unique?

It never hurts to get input from others. Ask your family and friends what kind of business they could see you pursuing. You never know. They might propose a great idea!

Try It Activity

Try It Activities

Look online or in stores to see what products or services are popular right now. Write down how you could make it your own and turn it into a business idea.

Ask 3 people what kind of business they think you’d be good at. Write down their suggestions.

Now that you’ve got some ideas, it’s time to pick the best one! Choose the idea that draws you in the most. Remember: starting up a business

is hard work, but as long as you are inspired and believe whole-heartedly in its potential, it is also bound to be a ton of fun! Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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Chapter 14

Market Research Once you’ve decided on an idea for your business, it is crucial to do research to ensure that people will want to buy what you’re selling. This is called “market research.” In this chapter, we will cover what market research is and how you can do it.

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What is market research? Market research is the process of gathering information about your potential customers. You want to figure out what your customers need, how much they are willing to pay, and what they think about your pro-duct or service.

Why is market research important? Market research is important because it will help you make smart business decisions. If you don’t do market research, you might end up making a product or service that no one is interested in. By researching the market, you can make sure that your product or service meets the needs of your customers. You can also confirm that you’re selling it at the right price. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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How can I do market research? There are numerous ways for you to do market research. You want to research as thoroughly as possible by exercising the following practices:

Ask your friends and family

Scope out your competition

Start by inquiring your friends and family about your business idea. Ask them if they would buy your product or service as well as how much they would be willing to pay for it.

Keep an eye out for other businesses that are selling similar products or services to yours. Take note of their prices, how they choose to market their products, and what their customers are saying about them.

Try It Activity

Try It Activity

Ask 3 friends or family members what their thoughts are on your business idea. Write down their answers.

Look up 3 businesses that are selling products or services similar to yours. After some investigation, write down what you like and don’t like about their products, prices, and marketing tactics. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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Conduct a survey Creating a survey is a great way of gathering information from a larger group of people. You can write it on paper and make hard copies to hand out to people, or use a free online survey tool such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey. Ask questions about your product or service, your pricing, and what your customers want.

Try It Activity Create a survey with at least 5 questions about your product or service. Ask at least 10 people to fill out your survey. Now that you’ve gathered information from your potential customers, you can use it to make smart business decisions. Use the

Test out your product or service Put your product or service to the ultimate test by offering it to a small group of people. Their feedback will help you determine whether or not you need to make adjustments before launching your business to a larger audience.

Try It Activity Offer your product or service to 3 people and ask for their feedback. If they have any suggestions for improvement, write them down. feedback you received to make improvements to your product or service, adjust your pricing, and devise the best marketing strategy. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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Chapter 15

Budgeting and Finance Now that you’ve done your market research, it’s time to talk about budgeting and finance for your business.

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What is a budget? A budget is a money management plan. Think of it as a map: it shows you where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. When building a business, a budget can help you spend your money wisely.

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How can I create a budget for my business? Here are some exercises to help you create a solid budget for your business: 1 | Make a list of your expenses List out all of the things you’ll need to spend money on for your business. This might include things like supplies, marketing expenses, and paying friends to help you. Try It Activity Make a list of at least 5 expenses that you’ll need to pay for your business. Write down how much each expense will cost.

2 | Determine your revenue Next, you must gauge how much money you will earn from your business. This is called your “revenue.” Try It Activity Determine how much money you expect to generate from sales of your product or service in a month. Write down this estimate. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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Tips for managing your money:

Profit = Revenue - Expenses 3 | Calculate your profit

4 | Adjust your budget as needed

To calculate your profit, subtract your expenses from your revenue. This will show you how much money you’re actually making after you’ve paid for all your expenses.

If you’re not making enough profit, you may need to either adjust your expenses or increase your revenue. Seek out ways to cut costs or brainstorm ideas to generate more customer sales and revenue.

Try It Activity

Try It Activity

Subtract your expenses from your revenue to figure out your profit. Write down this number.

Look at your budget and think of ways you can reduce your expenses or increase your revenue. Write down at least 3 ideas for each.

Keep track of your expenses. Make sure to keep track of every single one of your expenses so that you know where your money is going. It is advisable to write everything down in a notebook. You could also create a document on the computer - with a parent’s permission, of course. Look for ways to save money. Find ways to cut costs, such as buying in bulk or using coupons.

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Chapter 16

Marketing and Advertising Business idea? Check! A budget in place? Check! Now it is time to tackle marketing and advertising. In this section, we will go over what these concepts are, why they are important, as well as some tips and tricks for promoting your business.

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What is marketing? Marketing is the process of promoting and selling products or services. It includes everything you do to attract customers to your business, from creating a logo and designing a website to advertising your products.

What is advertising? Advertising is a form of marketing that involves promoting your business through different channels like search, social media, eNewsletters, event and podcast sponsorships, webinars, whitepapers, and more. It’s how you let people know about your products or services to convince people to buy them.

Why is marketing and advertising important? Marketing and advertising are important because they can help you expand your reach to more customers. If people aren’t aware of your business, they cannot buy from you. Good marketing and advertising helps you stand out from the competition and make more sales.

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How can I market and advertise my business? Here are some suggestions for marketing and advertising your business Define your target audience

Create a logo and a tagline

Design a website or social media profile.

Use advertising to reach more people

Think about who your ideal customer is. This might be based on age, gender, location, or interests.

A logo is a symbol or design, and a tagline is a catchphrase or slogan. Your logo and tagline are meant to serve as your business’s identity. They should be eye-catching and memorable, reflecting what your business is all about.

Having a website or social media presence is an effective and engaging way to promote your business online. Make sure it is easy to navigate. Include all the information people need to know about your business.

Promote your business to a wider audience via various advertising mediums. You may want to consider things like social media ads, Google ads, or even flyers. The broader, the better!

Try It Activity: Answer the following questions: Who is your ideal customer? Why might they be interested in your product or service?

COM

PANY

LOGO

tagline

Try It Activity Draw or write down a logo and tagline for your business.

www.mysuccesscompany.com

Try It Activity With a parent’s permission, create a website or social media profile for your business. Don’t forget to incorporate your logo and tagline!

Try It Activity Brainstorm at least 3 advertising ideas for your business. Write down how much each idea will cost.

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Tips for marketing and advertising your business: Be consistent

Use social media

Be creative

Measure your results

All of your marketing and advertising materials should have a consistent look and feel. This includes your logo, tagline, and website.

Social media is a great way of reaching a lot of people for free. Make sure to post regularly and engage with people. Being consistent and likable will build your relationship with your followers.

When it comes to marketing and advertising, the principal objective is to think outside the box. Consider hosting events, creating contests, or collaborating with other businesses.

Keep track of your marketing and advertising efforts to see what’s working and what’s not. This will help you adjust your strategy and improve your results.

Now that you’re a marketing and advertising expert, you can start promoting your business and reaching even more customers! Remember: define your target audience. Creating a logo and tagline will give your

business a more distinct identity. Designing a website or social media profile will offer you a platform to advertise your products and interact with potential customers. Success is but a button click away!

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Chapter 17

Revenue, Sales, and Customer Service Now that you’ve learned about marketing and advertising, it’s time to focus on generating revenue and providing great customer service. In this section, we will talk about the sales process and customer service, and why they are so important.

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What is revenue and sales? Revenue is what you generate from having a great sales process. Many times people also refer to sales as the transactions that happen when someone buys a product or service from your business. The more revenue you gene-rate from your sales, the more your business will grow.

What is customer service? Customer service is how you treat your customers. It involves answering questions, solving problems, and doing everything in your power to ensure customer satisfaction. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship | 86


How can I make sales and provide good customer service? Learn How to Sell Selling is all about convincing someone to buy your product or service. The goal is to make them feel excited about their purchase. Highlight the benefits of using your product or service. Try It Activity Practice selling your product or service to a friend or family member. Think about what makes it particularly special. You have to make them believe that your product or service is the best - no ifs and buts about it.

Here are some exercises to help you make sales and provide good customer service:

Provide excellent customer service

Follow up with your customers

Providing excellent customer service means going above and beyond to ensure your customers are happy with their purchase. This involves answering their burning questions with positivity and enthusiasm. If your customers are expressing any doubts or about your product or service, do what you can to fix them quickly. Be polite, be patient, and most importantly, say it with a smile!

Following up with your customers after they’ve made a purchase shows that you care about their experience and value their business. This may involve sending a thank-you note or offering a discount on their next purchase.

Try It Activity Imagine a scenario where your customer has a problem with their purchase. Write down how you would handle the situation and what you would do to make the customer happy.

Try It Activity Think of a unique way you’d follow up with your customers after they’ve made a purchase. Write down what you would say or do. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship | 87


Tips for making sales and providing good customer service Be polite and friendly

Listen to your customers

Solve problems quickly

A positive attitude goes a long way when it comes to making sales and providing good customer service. Think of it this way: everybody is a potential customer, so be polite and friendly to every single person you interact with!

Listen to your customers’ needs and concerns. Hear them out, smile and nod, do whatever you can to actually listen and show them that you are listening. This will help you provide the best possible service and enhance your chances of making the sale.

If a customer has a problem, try to solve it as quickly as possible. This shows that you both value their time and also care about their overall experience.

u o Y k n a h T

g n i s a h c r u fo P

Now that you know about sales and customer service, you can start making your customers happy and growing your business. Remember: learn how to sell, provide excellent

Follow up Following up with your customers after they’ve made a purchase proves that you care about them being a customer of yours. Believe it or not, followup can mean the difference between a customer returning to your business or looking elsewhere.

service, and follow up with your customers. Kindness can be just as effective as a discount, but usually a big factor that allows you to earn the price you are asking for. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship | 88


Chapter 18

Collaboration and Teamwork Now that you’ve learned about sales and customer service, let’s move onto collaboration and teamwork. Working together with others is the bread and butter of running a successful business. In this chapter, we will discuss collaboration and teamwork, why they are so important, as well as some tips for working effectively alongside others.

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What is collaboration? Collaboration is when two or more people work together to achieve a common goal. It involves listening, communicating, and working towards a shared vision.

What is teamwork? In essence, teamwork goes hand-in-hand with collaboration. Collaboration is the act of uniting two or more parties, and teamwork is what makes the actual collaboration cohesive. Teamwork puts an emphasis on building trust and camaraderie with others. That means sharing responsibilities, helping one another out, and celebrating each other’s successes.

Why is collaboration and teamwork important? Collaboration and teamwork are important because they can help you achieve your goals even more effectively. When people work together, they can share their strengths and ideas, and overcome their weaknesses. Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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How can I collaborate and work effectively with others? Learn how to listen

Share your ideas

Listening is an integral part of collaboration and teamwork. It means hearing what others have to say. If they propose an idea or opinion to you, be receptive to it.

Sharing your ideas is another important part of collaboration. It means contributing your strengths and expertise to a project.

Try It Activity Practice listening with a friend or family member. Show your engagement by actively asking them questions. This will also help you in fully understanding their point of view.

Here is some advice for collaborating and working effectively with others

Try It Activity Brainstorm ideas with a group of friends or family members. Write down everyone’s ideas and work together to come up with a shared vision.

Work together towards a shared goal Working together means understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. By supporting each other along the way, the odds of attaining your shared goal will increase significantly.

Try It Activity Play a team sport or game with friends or family members. Practice communicating and working together in order to achieve victory! Smart Money Moves | Entrepreneurship |

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Here are some Tips for collaborating and working effectively with others Be respectful Respect everyone’s ideas and opinions, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.

Communicate clearly Communicate your ideas and opinions clearly. Listen carefully to what others also have to say. Everyone has a voice. So everyone deserves to be heard.

Share responsibilities

Celebrate success

Make sure to split responsibilities evenly amongst your team members. No one should have too much, and at the same time, no one should be able to get away with too little. A team performs best when everyone is giving it their all.

Everyone wants to feel valued, so remember to always celebrate each other’s successes. Support one another through challenges, and congratulate each other with every job well done.

Now that you understand the significance of collaboration and teamwork, it’s time to put it into practice! Remember: listen, share your ideas, and work as a unit to get closer to your aspired business goal.

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Chapter 19

Problem-Solving Problems pop up from time to time, but if you view them as opportunities you will solve them so much faster. And, by viewing a problem as an opportunity it will be more enjoyable to work through. In this section we will define what problem solving is, why it is so important, and offer you a few ways to practice your problem-solving skills.

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What is problem-solving? Problem solving is the process of finding a solution to a problem. It involves identifying the problem, gathering information, generating potential solutions, and selecting the best solution on your list.

Why is problem-solving important for a business? Problem solving is important for a business because it helps you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Whether it’s a situation with your product, your marketing strategy, or your finances, you want to be able to find a solution as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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How can I practice problem solving? Here are some exercises to help you practice your problem solving skills Identify the problem

Gather information

Generate potential solutions

Evaluate solutions and select the best one

The first step in problem solving is to identify the problem. It is important to clearly define what the problem is before attempting to come up with potential solutions.

Once you’ve identified the problem, you should gather more intelligence in order to understand it better. This might involve researching, talking to experts, or conducting experiments.

Having gained a better understanding of the problem, it will be so much easier to come up with solutions! Using all the information you’ve gathered, brainstorm potential ideas for fixing your problem.Don’t worry about whether they are good or bad ideas - just get them down on paper!

After you have a list of potential solutions, you must evaluate and select the best one. Consider the pros and cons of each solution, and choose the one that’s most likely to solve the problem.

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Try It Activity Think back on a problem you faced in the past. Write down what the problem was, how it made you feel, and what the consequences were.

Ask for a friend or family member’s opinion on your problem. Listen very carefully to what they have to say. It’s also recommended to take notes so you can refer back to them later.

Brainstorm potential solutions for your problem with a group of friends or family members. Write down everyone’s ideas and discuss them at length together.

Go over all the potential solutions you brainstormed with your group. Discuss the pros and cons of each solution. Choose the one that best solves the problem.

Here are some helpful tips for solving problems most effectively Stay calm

Clearly define the problem

Be creative

When faced with a problem, it is so important to remain calm. Do not panic. Just take a deep breath, focus on solving the situation at hand.

Make sure that you clearly define the problem before trying to solve it. You might even need to put in some extra time and effort to make sure you know what the issues are. Then once you know the problem, you can deal with it.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when brainstorming solutions! Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places.

Now that you are a master of problem solving, you can start applying those skills to your business. Remember: stay calm, define the problem clearly, and when brainstorming solutions, get creative!

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Entrepreneurship

Conclusion

Now that you know how to become an entrepreneur, it is our sincerest hope that you’ll use this knowledge to pursue your business dreams! Starting a business takes hard work and dedication; however, with the right ingredients and the right mindset, you are destined to achieve great things. Remember: Take risks. Think outside the box. Finally, as soon as you have an idea to develop, think about bringing others along with you to be part of your team. Your personal guide to success is right here. All you have to do is take that first step.

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Business Ideas

Businesses That You Can Start Today Eager to launch your first or possibly your next business? Here are 25 ideas for businesses that you can quickly build a plan for and being running within days.

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Idea 1

Babysitting

A popular option for kids who want to earn money while assuming more responsibility. Babysitting is a great way of gaining experience in childcare and building trust with parents in the community.

1

Take a babysitting course that covers child safety, CPR, and first aid.

2

To gain experience, first babysit for family members, friends, or neighbors.

3

Determine how much you will charge, how many hours you can manage per week, and what services you can offer.

4

Let people know that you are looking for babysitting jobs. Consider posting flyers around your neighborhood.

5 6

Set clear expectations with parents about your services, rates, and policies. Discuss specific expectations regarding the care of each child, including activities, routines, and emergency procedures. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 2

Baking

If you or any of your friends love to bake, why not start a business selling baked goods? You could make some extra cash while feeding people with tasty treats!

1

Decide on what products you would like to sell. Create a sample or prototype to ensure the product is marketable.

2

Determine the cost of ingredients, and set a price for each product. (It is recommended to set the price to roughly double what you spent for materials.)

3

Create a name and branding for your business.

4

Set up an online shop, such as Etsy or Shopify, to sell your products.

5

Take high-quality photos of your products and write out thorough descriptions for each one. The more detailed, the better!

6

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Idea 3

Bicycle Repair and Maintenance

Bicycle Repair and Maintenance: Offer bicycle repair and maintenance services in your neighborhood. Learn how to fix common issues like flat tires, brake adjustments, and chain repairs.

1

Learn bicycle repair skills: Gain knowledge and practical experience in bicycle repair and maintenance. Understand common issues like flat tires, brake adjustments, chain repairs, or gear tuning.

2

Gather necessary tools: Assemble a toolkit with essential bicycle repair tools, including wrenches, tire levers, patch kits, lubricants, and a bicycle pump.

3 4

Advertise your services: Promote your bicycle repair and maintenance services through local community boards, social media groups, or by word-of-mouth referrals. Offer competitive pricing and emphasize your expertise. Provide excellent customer service: Offer efficient and reliable repair services, ensuring timely completion and high-quality work. Build trust with customers through clear communication and transparent pricing. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 4

Car Washing and Detailing

Did you know that you could offer to wash your neighbor’s car and earn a fee? This kind of business can be especially profitable during the warmer months and gets you outside for hours at a time. Offer car interior and exterior cleaning and detailing services as well.

1

Decide on what services you will offer to clients, such as exterior washing, interior cleaning, or detailing.

2

Gather any necessary supplies, such as soap, sponges, and a hose.

3

Create a brochure or flyer to advertise your services. Make sure to include important information such as your available hours as well as the price for each service.

4

Start offering your services to friends and family. Ask them to spread the word to their friends.

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Idea 5

Cleaning Service

Provide basic cleaning services for homes or offices. Attention to detail, organization, and good time management skills are important.

1

Determine your cleaning services: Decide on the types of cleaning services you want to offer, such as residential cleaning or office cleaning. Determine your pricing structure based on the size and scope of the cleaning tasks.

2

Gather cleaning supplies and equipment: Purchase or gather cleaning supplies, including cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, mops, and vacuum cleaners, depending on the type of cleaning services you offer.

3

Promote your services: Advertise your cleaning services through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals. Offer discounts or referral programs to attract new clients.

4

Provide professional service: Ensure punctuality, thoroughness, and professionalism in your cleaning services. Pay attention to detail and strive to exceed customer expectations.

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Idea 6

Clothing Resale

Collect gently used clothing from friends and family, organize them, and sell them online or at local flea markets. Ensure the clothes are in good condition and create a unique selling proposition, such as offering vintage or trendy items.

1 2 3 4

Collect gently used clothing: Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors to collect gently used clothing items that they no longer need. Ensure the clothes are in good condition, free from stains or tears. Organize and categorize the clothing: Sort the collected clothing items by category, size, and condition. Launder or steam the clothes to make them look presentable. Determine a selling platform: Choose an online platform to sell your clothes, such as online marketplaces, social media platforms, or setting up your own website. Take high-quality photographs and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers. Establish a unique selling proposition: Differentiate your clothing resale business by offering unique items, curating a specific style or niche, or providing personalized customer service. Consider showcasing vintage or trendy pieces to attract a wider audience. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas | 104


Idea 7

Computer Service

Help friends, family and neighbors with computer tutorials, fixes, software installation, or even home theater setup support.

1

Develop your computer skills: Familiarize yourself with different operating systems, software applications, and troubleshooting techniques.

2

Advertise your services: Let friends, family, and neighbors know about your computer services through wordof-mouth, flyers, or social media.

3

Provide tutorials and fixes: Help individuals with computer tutorials, software installation, virus removal, or general troubleshooting.

4

Offer home theater setup support: Assist with setting up and optimizing home theater systems for friends, family, and neighbors.

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Idea 8

Crafts and Homemade Goods

If you or any of your friends are crafty, you can start a business selling handmade goods such as jewelry, pottery, or artwork.

1

Decide on what products you would like to sell. Create a prototype or sample to ensure the product is marketable.

2

Calculate the cost of materials and set a price for each product. (It is recommended to set the price to roughly double what you spent for materials.)

3

Create a name and branding for your business.

4

Set up an online shop, such as Etsy or Shopify, to sell your products.

5

Take high-quality photos of your products and write out thorough descriptions for each one.The more detailed, the better!

6

Advertise your products on social media in addition to through word-of-mouth. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas | 106


Idea 9

Custom T-shirt Printing

Design and print customized T-shirts for events or special occasions. There are many print on demand services that you can set up an account with. Also, you can even buy a heat transfer machine

1

Research print-on-demand services: Explore different print-on-demand platforms that allow you to design and sell custom T-shirts. Set up an account with a reputable service.

2

Design unique T-shirt concepts: Use graphic design software or online design tools to create personalized T-shirt designs tailored to events or special occasions.

3 4

Choose your printing method: Decide whether to use print-on-demand services or invest in a heat transfer machine to print and press the T-shirts yourself. Market your T-shirts: Promote your custom T-shirts through social media, local events, or by partnering with organizations that may be interested in your designs.

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Idea 10

Event Planning

Assist in planning and organizing smallscale events, such as birthday parties or community gatherings. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this business.

1

Gain event planning knowledge: Research and learn about event planning principles, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor coordination, and timeline management.

2

Volunteer or assist in events: Gain practical experience by volunteering at local events or assisting event planners to understand the intricacies of event management.

3

Create event planning packages: Develop different event planning packages based on specific needs, such as birthday parties, community gatherings, or small-scale corporate events.

4

Market your services: Advertise your event planning services through social media, local event listings, or by reaching out to potential clients directly. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas | 108


Idea 11

Fitness Training

Provide personal fitness training sessions or lead group exercise classes for family, friends and classmates. Good knowledge of fitness techniques and the ability to motivate others are important.

1

Develop fitness knowledge: Gain a solid understanding of fitness principles, including different exercise techniques, proper form, and safety precautions. Research reputable sources or consider taking fitness courses.

2

Define your target audience: Determine whether you want to provide fitness training sessions for kids, adults, or both. Identify the specific fitness goals or areas you want to specialize in, such as strength training, yoga, or cardiovascular exercises.

3

Create a training plan: Develop structured fitness training programs based on individual needs and goals. Consider offering both individual sessions and group exercise classes.

4

Promote your services: Market your fitness training services through social media, community centers, local schools, or by distributing flyers in your neighborhood. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and the benefits of your training programs. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas | 109


Idea 12

Handmade Soap or Bath Products

Make and sell handmade soaps, bath bombs, or other bath products. Experiment with different scents, colors, and ingredients to create unique products.

1

Learn soap-making techniques: Research and learn about different soap-making methods, such as cold process, melt and pour, or hot process. Understand the necessary ingredients, safety precautions, and techniques for creating handmade soaps and bath products.

2

Experiment with formulations: Develop unique soap recipes by experimenting with different scents, colors, textures, and ingredients. Consider using natural or organic ingredients to attract environmentally conscious customers.

3

Source materials and equipment: Gather the necessary materials and equipment, such as soap molds, essential oils, botanicals, and packaging materials. Ensure compliance with safety guidelines and regulations.

4

Establish a sales platform: Create an online store or build your own website to showcase and sell your handmade soap and bath products. Develop attractive packaging and product descriptions to entice customers. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 13

Jewelry Making

Design and create your own jewelry to sell online or at local markets. Creativity, fine motor skills, and an understanding of jewelry-making techniques are important.

1

Learn jewelry-making techniques: Explore different jewelry-making techniques, such as beadwork, wire wrapping, or metalworking. Take online courses or watch tutorial videos to develop your skills.

2

Gather jewelry-making supplies: Purchase materials and tools needed for creating jewelry, such as beads, wires, clasps, and pliers.

3

Design unique jewelry pieces: Develop your own jewelry designs and experiment with different materials and styles to create a distinctive collection.

4

Sell your jewelry: Set up an online store or create your own website to showcase and sell your jewelry. You can also participate in local craft fairs or approach local boutiques to display and sell your pieces. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 14

Language Translation

Offer translation services for documents or simple conversations. Proficiency in multiple languages and strong communication skills are essential.

1

Assess language proficiency: Determine the languages you are proficient in and identify the specific types of translation services you can offer, such as document translation or conversational translation.

2

Market your services: Advertise your language translation services through online platforms, local community boards, or by reaching out to individuals and businesses that may require translation assistance.

3 4

Establish competitive rates: Research prevailing rates for translation services and set competitive pricing based on factors such as word count, complexity, and urgency of the translation tasks. Deliver high-quality translations: Ensure accuracy, attention to detail, and timely delivery of translations. Develop strong communication skills to understand clients’ needs and provide effective translations.

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Idea 15

Lemonade Stand

A classic option for kids who want to exercise the basic practices of business. Starting a lemonade stand will enlighten you on fundamental concepts like supply and demand, pricing, and customer service.

1

Brainstorm a name and branding for the lemonade stand.

2

Decide on a location for the stand, such as a street corner, a park, or in front of a family member’s business.

3

Figure out what kind of supplies and ingredients you’ll need, such as cups, lemons, sugar, and a pitcher.

4

Create an eye-catching sign or banner to attract customers.

5 Get any necessary permits or approvals 6 from your local government (depending on Set a price for the lemonade.

where you live).

7

Advertise the lemonade stand to your friends and family. Consider using social media. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 16

Organic Vegetable Gardening

Start an organic vegetable garden and sell your fresh produce to local residents or at farmer’s markets. Learn about organic gardening practices and sustainability to attract environmentally conscious customers.

1 2

Research organic gardening practices: Learn about organic gardening principles, soil preparation, seed selection, planting techniques, pest control methods, and harvesting practices. Prepare the garden space: Identify a suitable area for your organic vegetable garden. Clear the space, remove weeds, amend the soil with organic matter, and ensure proper drainage.

3

Select and sow vegetable seeds: Choose a variety of vegetable seeds that grow well in your climate and align with market demand. Follow planting guidelines for each vegetable, including spacing, depth, and care instructions.

4

Market your produce: Advertise your organic vegetables through local farmer’s markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or by setting up an online store. Emphasize the freshness, quality, and sustainability of your produce.

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Idea 17

Personalized Gift Wrapping

Provide unique and personalized gift wrapping services for special occasions. Creativity, attention to detail, and good organizational skills are important.

1

Gather wrapping supplies: Stock up on a variety of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and other decorative elements to create personalized gift wrapping.

2

Develop creative wrapping techniques: Learn different gift wrapping techniques, such as origami-inspired folds or decorative bow tying.

3

Market your services: Advertise your personalized gift wrapping services through local community boards, social media, or by distributing flyers in your neighborhood.

4

Provide a personalized touch: Work with customers to understand their preferences and create unique and customized gift wrapping designs for special occasions. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 18

Pet Sitting

If you and your friends like animals you might want to consider starting a pet-sitting business! You can offer to walk dogs, feed pets, or even provide basic grooming services.

1

Determine the services you are capable of fulfilling, such as dog walking, pet feeding, or basic grooming.

2

Gather any necessary supplies, such as leashes or brushes.

3

Create a brochure or flyer to advertise your services. Make sure to include important information such as your available hours as well as the price for each service.

4

Consider getting certified in pet first aid. (This will help bolster your credibility.)

5

Start offering your services to friends and family. Ask them to spread the word to their friends.

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Idea 19

Phone Repair/ Computer Services

Help friends, family and neighbors with phone, tablet and computer tutorials, fixes and more, software installation, or even home theater setup support.

1

Develop your repair skills: Learn how to diagnose and fix common phone and tablet issues through online tutorials, repair manuals, or courses.

2

Gather tools and equipment: Purchase the necessary tools and equipment for phone repairs, such as screwdrivers, spudgers/ pry sticks, and replacement parts.

3

Advertise your services: Spread the word about your repair services to friends, family, and neighbors. Use flyers, social media, or local community boards to promote your skills.

4

Offer tutorials and fixes: Help individuals with phone, tablet, app installation, data transfer, or general troubleshooting.

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Idea 20

Photography Services

Offer photography services for special events or portraits. A good eye for composition, technical photography skills, and access to photography equipment are necessary.

1 2 3 4

Acquire photography skills: Learn the fundamentals of photography, including composition, lighting, and camera settings. Practice taking photos in different settings and conditions. Invest in photography equipment: Purchase or borrow a digital camera with interchangeable lenses and other necessary equipment, such as tripods and lighting accessories. Develop a portfolio: Build a portfolio of your best photographs to showcase your skills and style to potential clients. Include a variety of subjects and styles. Market your photography services: Create a website or online portfolio to display your work. Promote your services through social media, local event listings, or by collaborating with other businesses in need of photography services. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 21

Build a following on a specific social media platform by sharing content related to a specific interest, such as fashion, art, or gaming. Collaborate with brands for sponsored posts or promote products as an influencer.

Social Media Influencer Musician

LIVE

1 3,124

2 3 4

Choose your niche: Select a specific interest or topic that you are passionate about and want to share with others, such as fashion, art, gaming, cooking, or educational content. Create engaging content: Produce high-quality videos, photos, or written content that resonates with your target audience. Be consistent in posting every day, several times a day, and maintain a unique and authentic voice. Grow your audience: Promote your social media accounts through various channels, collaborate with other influencers or brands, and engage with your audience through comments, messages, or live sessions. Monetize your influence: Once you have built a substantial following, explore opportunities for brand collaborations, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or product promotions to generate income. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas |

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Idea 22

Social Media Management

Help small businesses manage their social media accounts and create engaging content. Understanding different social media platforms and marketing strategies is important.

1 2 3 4

Learn about social media platforms: Familiarize yourself with popular social media platforms. Understand their features, target audiences, and best practices. Develop content creation skills: Learn how to create engaging and visually appealing social media content, including images, videos, and captions. Offer your services: Reach out to local small businesses and offer to manage their social media accounts. Highlight the benefits of having a strong online presence and engaging with their target audience. Create a social media management plan: Develop a strategy for posting, engaging with followers, and tracking analytics. Provide regular reports to your clients on the performance of their social media accounts.

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Idea 23

Tutoring

If you excel at a certain subject in school, tutoring might be an awesome choice for you! Extend your services to fellow classmates or younger students.

1

Determine what subjects you’ve mastered well enough to tutor others in.

2

Figure out your availability, and set a price for your services.

3

Create a brochure or flier to advertise your services.

4

Determine the location for your tutoring sessions, such as your home, the student’s home, or a public library.

5

Start offering your services to friends and family. Ask them to spread the word to their friends.

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Idea 24

Yard Work

Offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, or do other yard work for your neighbors. This is a great way of earning money while getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time.

1

Decide on what services you will offer to clients, such as lawn mowing, leaf raking, or weeding.

2

Gather any necessary supplies, such as a lawnmower or leaf blower.

3

Create a brochure or flyer to advertise your services. Make sure to include important information such as your available hours as well as the price for each service.

4

Start offering your services to friends and family. Ask them to spread the word to their friends.

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Idea 25

YouTube Channel

Start a YouTube channel focused on a topic of interest, such as gaming, crafting, cooking, or educational content. Produce engaging videos and monetize your channel through ads or brand collaborations.

1

Choose your content niche: Determine the topic or theme for your video channel on top social media video sites based on your interests, expertise, and audience preferences. Select a niche that has the potential for audience engagement and growth.

2

Plan and create engaging videos: Develop a content strategy and create engaging videos that provide value to your target audience. Invest in good quality equipment, including a camera, microphone, and video editing software.

3

Optimize your channel: Optimize your video channel by adding an appealing banner, creating a catchy channel name, and writing keyword-rich descriptions and titles for your videos.

4

Promote and grow your channel: Promote your videos through social media, collaborate with other video channel creators, engage with your audience through comments and messages, and optimize your videos for search engine visibility. Smart Money Moves | Business Ideas | 123


Lastly… Research any permits or legal requirements and local regulations needed for your business in your area. Seek guidance from your parents or guardians. And as we’ve already discussed, always prioritize customer service and satisfaction. Good luck, young entrepreneur! Starting a business requires hard work and dedication, but it can also be a lot of fun! Encourage your friends to find a business idea that they are passionate about as well. Then you can work to launch your businesses at the same time, or even launch one business together as partners.

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In Closing… Congratulations on completing The Fearless Girl and The Little Guy with Greatness: Smart Money Moves! Throughout this book, you have dove head first into the essential aspects of money management, investing, and entrepreneurship, equipping yourself with valuable skills and knowledge that will shape your financial future. As you move on from this book, remember that financial mastery is a lifelong pursuit so you may want to come back and reread this occasionally. Most importantly though, keep expanding your knowledge, stay curious, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of money, investing, and entrepreneurship. Your dedication and determination will guide you towards achieving financial freedom and security, not only for yourself but also for your loved ones. We, The Fearless Girl and The Little Guy with Greatness, believe in you. The knowledge and wisdom gained from this book are your personal guide to success. Now, take that first step towards a future filled with endless possibilities. Dream big, work hard, and never lose sight of your goals. The world awaits your greatness. Best of luck on your journey to financial mastery and beyond!

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Check Out Book 6

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About The Authors For the past 25 years Mort Greenberg has been a salesperson and sales manager for technology start-ups and larger media companies. Fighting his way up from an Account Executive to a role as a division President you can guess there were many challenges that needed to be overcome. Along the way Mort launched two companies, FitAd and MindFlight and learned many hard-fought lessons that start-ups are not always successful. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz where he studied International Relations

and Economics. While in college he started a company selling screen printing and promotional items to local businesses and oncampus organizations. At the same time, he also volunteered as a Congressional District Intern for the U.S. House of Representatives. He is an Eagle Scout and in junior high school bought several newspaper routes from neighborhood kids to create his first business. Mort is also the author of “Revenue Vs. Sales”, a three book series that you can find on Amazon.com

Carly Greenberg attends the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business with a double major in marketing and management. Carly’s twin brother has autism, and she has helped him find his voice through her unique interactions with him. He is the original little guy with greatness. Carly is the original fearless girl, always helping others, volunteering, and finding ways to do more with less - all while having to put up with a crazy dad. Carly also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

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