Five tips that help teens be successful with money
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EmailLanded your first job? Now follow these tips that will significantly impact your financial future.
You’ve landed your first job and received a paycheck. Now there’s real money in your wallet. This is heaven, right? It sure is! And you can keep that feeling of utopia by being a savvy money manager. Michigan State University Extension recommends focusing on these five important tips:
Distinguish between wants and needs
A need is something you have to have to survive (shelter, food and water, and clothes to be comfortable). A want is something you would like to have. It’s okay to buy things you want as long as you recognize that those are nice “extras” and that you could do without them. Go easy on buying your wants. Keep the need/want distinction in mind whenever you are considering spending your hard-earned money.
Make a budget
Budgeting is not a distasteful word - in fact, think of a budget as permission to spend! With that mindset you are more likely to create one that you will actually follow. The Oklahoma Money Matters website outlines the steps a high school student can take to draft a realistic budget. The budgeting process not only helps you set priorities but also can help keep you out of debt.
Comparison shop and avoid impulse buying
Before you head to the store, check prices using one of the numerous free apps that help you find the best price. Shop only when you have specific items you are shopping for.
Track spending
Just the act of documenting everything you spend money on may make you think twice before you get in the checkout line. To make it easy, check online for a range of apps that can help you track your spending. This step will help you stay within your budget and will make creating the next budget much easier.
Open a savings account
Every time you receive money, put at least 5% into your new savings account; if you can deposit 10%, go for it! Include your earnings from your job and gifts of cash for birthdays and holidays. When you are making regular deposits, your account will grow so that you can more easily handle unexpected expenses like a flat tire. Eventually you will have the financial resources to invest in your long-term goals. Watching your money earn interest will inspire and motivate you to save even more.
Learning early in life to budget, save, and spend sensibly will significantly impact your financial future. For more information on youth money management topics, check out the 4-H Youth Development website, or contact your local MSU Extension office.
