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How To Talk To Your Teen About Money
By Brooke Howell / 04/02/2020 / Your Lifestyle
If you have a teenager, it won’t be long before they’re inundated with credit card offers and important financial decisions. Money management for teens is one of the best ways to set them up for success.
If you’re looking for ways to talk to your teen about money, start with these concepts.
Budgeting
If your teen has a job or gets an allowance, talk with them about managing their saving and spending. Don’t make it about “controlling” their money. Instead, download our budget worksheet to show them how they can afford the things they want to do, like buying new clothes or ordering takeout, while still working toward larger goals.
Consider setting up a checking account and debit card for your teen and talk to them about using it responsibly. If your teen has only used cash before, a debit card can teach them how to track and manage their money, even when they can’t see it in their wallet.
Saving
Help your teen see the value in saving money by understanding their goals. Maybe they want to save for a new car or buy the latest technology. Make a plan and see how much money they need to put aside. It will be satisfying for your teen to see their money grow and know they reached a goal all on their own. (But for extra motivation, consider matching your teen’s savings contributions.)
Looking for extra credit? Explore KEYS® Online together for free finance training.
Credit
Credit can be scary for some teens, and way too tempting for others. Using credit responsibly is a great way to establish healthy financial habits and begin building a credit history.
- Review credit card offers with your teen, and carefully explain concepts like interest, credit limit and billing cycles
- If your teen is 18 or older, consider having them “practice” by signing up for a credit card with a low limit
- Encourage your teen to use the card for minor purchases, like gas or lunch, and then remind them to pay the balance in full every month
Even if it doesn’t always seem like your teen is listening, money management is one of the most important gifts you can give them. Learn more budgeting and saving tips to help prepare your kid for the real world.
By Brooke Howell, GM Financial
Brooke Howell is a storyteller who loves digging up ways to improve money management and help others make smart financial decisions. She has three American Staffordshire terriers, one curmudgeonly Chihuahua and doesn’t do anything by halves (except marathons).
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