ADVICE FOR A 15YR OLD-PLEZ
 

Well I'd just like to ask for a lil advice. I'm a 15 year old girl in NC. I'll be 16 in october and I'm planning on getting the "sweet 16" gift of a car. I dont need a brand new one(especially with insurance:) ) but I do want a reliable nice car-and so do my parents.

The catch is I have to show determination and responsibility by paying taxes and tags and putting some money down on the down payment.

I AGREE FULLY WITH THAT, but its hard. :(

I've been looking for a job for the past year. Although I have a workers permit no one will hire me because I'm not yet 16. I've been saving-BUT I STILL NEED A LIL MORE!!:cool: Not just for the car, but for me period.

WHAT CAN I DO???

You can try selling stuff on ebay.

Maybe see what you can sell at school such as candy.

I personally don't think it's time for you to get a car because you are still very young. I know that's the BIG thing to do at 16 but owning a car is a HUGE responsiblity. With the rising gas prices, insurance, unforseen breakdowns it could be quite costly. I didn't have my first car until I was 20 but I was able to manage by getting rides, carpools, and public transportation. I would take some time to make sure you have enough money saved. I don't know of your current situation but talk to your parents about some possible options.

Trust me on this, you have the rest of your life to be grown. Take time and enjoy life. Once you start working and paying bills you will be doing that forever!

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear but its just some advice ;)

I guess times have changed
 

When I was your age, I was able to babysit (pssst read The Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin for inspiration) :) during the school year. If you belong to a church, let a few of the families know that you are available to babysit after talking it over with your parents first.

I agree with CT4. This is what I did too. Maybe you could also sell Avon (their Mark line for younger/trendy girls)?

Thanx soo much for the advice everyone!!!!!

I will certainly try all of the suggestions(especially babysitting because I love kids):p

I think the car would be an asset to my parents as well because they both work alot and I am involved with NUMEROUS school activities(marching band, colorguard, winterguard, SGA, teen court, drama, stepteam, Beta club, national honor society, etc.) and I'm responsible, so I think it'll be a lot off stress of them.

:) THANX AGAIN AND I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT ALL GOES:D

You're a busy bee. I like that! Good luck with the babysitting.

YES MA'AM!!!;) I enjoy doing so much. And the plus side is I know it'll look good come college time. That's my main goal, but having fun and helping the community in the process makes me happy

I toootally thought this thread was going to be something else, lol.

To the op: good luck with your car! Definitely save up- I was GIVEN my first car by some of my family, which was wonderful of them and saved me money, but then 4 months later had to shell out almost 1k for a new fuel injector, and then 4 months after that I had to shell out 500 bucks for brakes and a hole in the exhaust system.

Bottom line: cars are EXPENSIVE even at the best of times (30 bucks to fill the tank) and at the worst can be reaaally difficult to deal with.

When I was your age I got my first job through my school. We were able to obtain work permits after 14, I believe, and I got a job at a plastic surgeon's office through the school (they kept a listing of parents/friends of the school who needed help). I do't know if your school does anything similar, but it's worth looking into.