Eight-year-old's big plan to return and earn her way to see Taylor Swift

Ariana Dowson might be eight years old, but she already has big financial goals – tickets to the next Taylor Swift concert.

Everyone knows a goal without a plan is just a dream, but the Mt Keira girl is already well on her way to making those tickets a reality, via the power of Return and Earn.

Her mum, Janaya Quirk, said when Ariana discovered she could make money back from a strawberry milk or a can of soft drink she was instantly hooked.

“She was only seven, but whenever we had a 10c drink she told us to put them in the container,” Ms Quirk said.

“If we were out at a restaurant or spotted one with the 10c label on the floor she picks it up and in the bag it goes.”

Ariana’s first haul came to a total of $6, and that sweet, sweet return was enough to hook her on the new income stream.

So far she has returned almost 2500 cans and made $236.

A keen swimmer, Ariana often finds spare cans and bottles at swimming carnivals, as well as saving ones from home and picking up litter.

Ariana isn’t just a savvy business girl, however.

Her first big savings goal was to have enough money on her family’s holiday to buy souvenirs for all her friends at home.

“She ended up taking over about $150,” Janaya said.

“She was able to spend a bit on herself, souvenirs for everyone in her class and some extra gifts for her close friends.”

After her first taste of success Ariana was hit by a bitter disappointment.

When Taylor Swift brought her Eras tour to Australia, Ariana missed out on tickets.

Now she’s fired up to make sure she’s ready whenever Taylor next tours the Southern Hemisphere.

“I’m going to keep going until I get to see Taylor Swift,” Ariana said.

“Then I’ll probably keep going until I can get to another concert. It’s never-ending.”

Ariana said her other two big motivators were candy and Kmart.

She appreciates her mum, grandmother and poppy taking her down to drop off her cans.

“I like knowing I can buy something with my own money,” she said.

“I might get mum something too.”