“Starting Young: Teaching Teens To Save Money”

Trillionphil

Active member
Parents mostly complain that teenagers do not listen to them. The opposite is true when it comes to advice regarding 'money matters'. Teens actually welcome their parent’s input about their finances.

In the past few years, teenagers have earned billions of dollars with part-time and summer jobs.

Some have spent most of what they earned, while others saved most or even all of it for a big purchase, or for their college education.

Kids these days are becoming more and more aware of their family's source of income and financial status. They apply these money-spending principles when they venture out on their own.

Thus, it becomes more of a parent’s responsibility to start “training” their teenage kids to use their money wisely.

Here are some ways on how you, as a parent, can teach your teens to save those hard-earned bucks:

1. Lead by example.

With your lifestyle, the children will see how you spend your money.

If they see you allotting a certain amount for a specific household need, they will eventually do the same when they get to earn their own keep.

2. Help your teens get a bank account.

Establishing a bank account under their name would give them an instant financial responsibility.

Sit down and explain to them how to manage their own account, and the “rewards” that they get once they save enough.

Their savings could go to their college tuition, or a big purchase like a car.

Additionally, it gives them a sense of accomplishment once they have saved up, with something concrete to show for it.

You may check out the special benefits that banks offer for teens who open their accounts at such an early age.

3. Construct a “spending plan”.

Once they hear the word 'budget', teens tend to cringe at the mere thought of having to restrict the spending of their money.

Instead, you and your teen son or daughter could build a “spending plan”. This would get them excited, and think of ways on how they can wisely spend their savings.

Also, have them list down their earnings versus their expenses.

Let them know the difference between the items that they need and the luxury items that they want, which they can actually do without.

4. Make a “mock” investment in the stock market.

Make them aware of the options that they have financially.

Casually introduce to them the business part of your daily newspapers and have them make “mock” investments for companies who manufactures products that they like.

Monitor the stocks together and this would give them another option of investing their money in the future.
 

Alexandoy

VIP Contributor
I started the habit of saving when I was in grade school. My mother gave me a small wooden house that has a slot for the coins. Yeah, it is a savings bank but not the piggy bank feature. From the extra coin in my school allowance I was able to save a substantial amount. I broke the wooden bank on my birthday, I think I turned 12. With my younger brother we went to the town fair and spent the money on rides and snacks. It was one great day for me. That was the start and from time to time I would have a piggy bank that I would break when I need the money that I had saved and usually it is for buying a gift or maybe a food that I fancy like a bar of Milky Way.
 

Augusta

VIP Contributor
The truth is that at this teenage age kids are copy cats, they tend to copy a lit of things from their parents so if you want your kid to imbibe any financial habit then lead by example. Let them Know about income and expenses and how to deal effectively with the two. Teach them how to save and hyper save for the rainy days. Teach them how to plan and plan effectively. Let them know reasons why they should live by their means and only go for what they can afford, it is good to always make them realize that it is good to make money than spend it
 
Top