Dear Peer Pressure:

What’s a good way to make fast money (for games or music)?

SR: Due to academic pressures and extracurricular activities, many teenagers plan to make money during the summer. Some of those opportunities include lifeguarding, mowing lawns, or babysitting. Some teenagers are talented enough to offer lessons to youngsters in different areas, such as piano, guitar, softball or baseball pitching, or tennis.

Many teens have mastered a plan for making a little spending money. It may entail family allowances, part-time jobs, or gifts received from relatives. Setting goals at an early age to make and save money is critical for future investments and the establishment of good credit. If financial opportunities are not presently available, seek advice from family or friends who seem to have established good practices that reflect positive money management skills. You can also read the financial sections of the newspaper.

I believe it is important to adopt values and attitudes about money that will create good habits for spending and budgeting now, so that you will create good habits for a secure financial future.

JPC: Fast money — that’s a tough one. Who doesn’t want to make a quick buck? Unfortunately, “fast money” is not an easy venture.

In your case, I would start small. Let your parents know that you are trying to save for some games and music, and ask if there are any extra chores or jobs you can do around the house to earn some extra cash. Then perhaps move on to some bigger areas of the community. You could put up flyers to see if anyone in your neighborhood needs someone reliable to mow their lawn or clean out their garage. This is work you can usually finish in only a couple hours and that can earn you enough money to buy that new game you’ve been wanting, or a bunch of songs off of iTunes.

Earning money isn’t an easy task, but hopefully with these tips you will be fast on your way to financial success.

 Dear Peer Pressure:

Me and my friend are having trouble getting along.  She is telling lies, saying I like somebody that I don’t like. She wrote a note to this boy saying I liked him and put my name on it, as if it was from me. She gave it to the boy she thought I liked. He and I were confused. Why did she do this? It really bugs me. What should I do to stop her from doing it again to me?

SR: Friends should be people who understand, and offer support and hope to those they care about.

Unfortunately, we all make mistakes and do things we sometimes regret.

It is more apparent when people bring these concerns to our attention. I would address your friend in a genuine manner and state exactly what it is he or she is doing that upsets you. People love to play jokes and it isn’t ever fun being the victim of a pre-planned intentional prank. Let your friend know that you are not one who lies or enjoys teasing others. Stand up for what you believe in and take a proactive role in doing what is right. Remember: Avoiding or ignoring problems will not make them go away!

JPC: This girl may feel she needs to lie because of her own insecurities, or because she may feel threatened by you. She may even have feelings for this boy and is trying to hide them by drawing his attention to you. Either way, hopefully, she was so embarrassed by this incident, and that she caused confusion for both you and this boy, that she will discontinue this kind behavior.

It’s hard to know why kids act negatively, but your reaction of not lashing out at the girl shows great character on your part.