Teenagers money management. It is never too young to start financial planning for the future.
When is a good age to start planning for the future? 40? 30? 20? Actually the earlier the better. The reason for this is that money management is habitual. We either develop successful money habits or ones that lead to financial failure.
Teenagers money management habits can last a lifetime. If strong bad habits are formed at a young age, they may haunt you for a lifetime, spoiling any hopes you have of wealth and financial freedom.
Just the same, good habits can also last a lifetime, only they lead you in a more positive direction. This being the case, why not get started developing great financial habits at a young age.
A teenage money management plan does not need to be anything extensive. It is simply a way to add some structure the way they handle their money.
The most simple plan is to decide on a specific percentage of their income, whether they earn money from a job, chores, or an allowance. The amount of money being managed is not what’s important. What is important is the habit of strategically saving on a regular basis.
Saving is not always a fun thing to do, and this may especially be the case with young people. Therefore it is good to add some incentives. If you are a parent that is trying to teach your kid how to properly manage his/her money, you can reward them in a number of ways. One way that I have seen work very well is for the parents to match the amount saved each month by the teen. This is a very motivating way to get them to want to spend less and save more.
If you are a teen trying to reach your own financial goals, and therefore taking the initiative on your own, you can reward yourself by spending some money on yourself on a fun way, but only when you have kept faithful to your plan. The reward system balances the drudgery of saving and makes the hole habit more enjoyable.