We have all seen car washes on weekends that are trying to raise money for a specific cause. They could be for charities but most often, they are put on to raise money for a girls or boys sports team. However, there is no rule that a car wash has to be for a a specific cause.

If you can find a place to have your car wash, you and your friends can run one yourselves and split the money. Real car washes at a gas station usually cost about $7.00 and up so if you charge less than that per car, you will probably get some good business. In order to make it work right, you need to make sure you follow these tips:

1) DO NOT lead people into believing your car wash is for a charity or team

2) Have at least one adult present at all times

3) Make sure you have lots change in paper bills when you start out

4) Have a secure place to keep your money

5) Have one person be in charge of all cash and making change

6) Make sure you have enough soap and other supplies to begin the day

7) Prepare some signs to advertise your car wash

8- Decide ahead of time how the profits will be split

9) Only do it on a nice sunny day!

An important thing is to remember that this is not a job and you can’t do it every week. The hardest part will probably be finding a place that gets decent traffic where you can legally have the car wash. A parking lot owned by one of your friend’s parents would be an ideal place if you can get their okay. Remember that you will need the permission of the owner of whatever space you do choose.

If you haven’t been able to find any summer jobs for 16 year olds yet, this could be an idea that will make you some extra money while you keep trying to find work. At least it will keep you occupied for a day and it will be fun for you if you get lots of customers.

However, there is a way to make some extra cash on the side right from your home while you look for that job. CashCrate is a site that is FREE to join and will NEVER ask you for any money. You have to be 13 and older and you can make some good money as you can see from my video of my latest check dated 5/8/2012. I also have a picture of another check I got late last year.

When you sign up to  you need to first look at the FAQ’s and watch the tutorial. You also need to read the tutorials in the forum and join the forum as it is a friendly place with many people willing to help you.

Many of the people who join CashCrate are just like you in that they are young and looking for ways to make extra money. There are lots of 15 and 16 year olds trying to make money and you can join them for free. There is a very long thread in the forum showing all the checks people have gotten and it is NOT A SCAM. I have been paid EVERY month since I joined over two years ago.

Again, this is NOT A JOB but it is a good way to bring in some extra cash that you can use for video games or  Christmas or whatever you want. CashCrate automatically sends a check to your house when you reach the $20.00 mark (your check will be for more if you go over) and so you should always give accurate information if you want to get paid.