Like every teen, I wanted the latest clothing trends plus all the other things teens think they can't live without. At 16, my parents put me on a monthly "clothing allowance", which was seemingly quite generous until I learned what all I had to pay for out of this.
My first shopping trip and I came home empty handed. I could buy that item or I could hang on to my money. After a few days, I realized the item didn't mean all that much to me. As the months passed, my values began to swing in a different direction. I'd become quite proficient in handling money and had learned to be frugal. My parents had made it clear that I was not to ask for more money as it wouldn't be forthcoming. What better life lesson could a parent give a child?
By joan from NW ON
This is just great to read! Thank you for your passion about helping kids with financial skills. When I was younger, I didnt have anyone to teach me financial stuff. The book that helped me was, Rich Dad Poor Dad. This is also a good site: www.Preparemykid.com
Does it seem your son or daughter always "needs" (or wants) money? One way to save YOUR money is to help your preteen/teen develop a small business.
For the budget conscious teenager there are ways to save costs and still enjoy the perks of being a teenager. While limitations on frivolous activities are an obvious answer, there are ways to enjoy some of those frivolities while saving some pennies.
Do you know how a young teen can save money? They always want to spend, spend, spend, but she wants to save now!
By Sally Time from FL
Open a savings account for her at the bank.
Do the old envelope system which is putting amounts of cash in each envelope labeled for a certain bill or goal. Distribute to that cause and it's best to have some cash less than what's in the envelope(s) to spend as mad money for starters.
One simple way would be to encourage her to save her spare change in a jar. Anytime she has a dollar or so, stick it in the pot. She'd probably be amazed at how much is in there after a few months!
What creative ways do your teach your children to save money?
D
You start by paying them to do some/certain house chores around the house, and requiring them to do monthly statements(showing how much was spent, and how much is left) At the end of the month, if more money is spent, they will receive less money for allowance, and if more money is saved, they will receive more for allowance.Talk to them about compounding interest, how they could be the next ..
Tips to help teens learn about budgetting and finance. Post your ideas.
Budget and finance are a shock to young people just starting out. I suggest parents have their child start a checking account in their senior year of high school and learn to balance their statement. They should use the check books that have the copy slips, so they can see what checks they have written. Encourage them to prioritize. It's a great thing to learn, if not a shocking experience. But it's the first thing they need to know about budgeting
By Ardis Barnes
