SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-earned-income-meaning

Which of these counts as earned income?

Earned income is money made from working, wages and tips included.

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  1. A birthday gift from a grandparent
  2. Interest paid on a savings account
  3. Wages and tips from a job ✔

Why: Earned income comes from working for someone who pays you or from running a business or farm. Gifts and interest are income, but they are not earned from work.

Huh, didn't know that: You will need a Social Security number to get a job and collect government benefits.

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References

Answer: Wages and tips from a job. Earned income comes from working for someone who pays you or from running a business or farm. Gifts and interest are income, but they are not earned from work.

  1. CFPB Youth Financial Education Glossary www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/youth-financial-education/glossary
    Money made from working for someone who pays you or from running a business or farm.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CFPB youth financial education glossary www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/youth-financial-education/glossary
    an important piece of identification issued by the federal government that you'll need to get a job and collect government benefits
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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