Teenage Money Hacks: 7 Ways to Save and Spend Wisely

You don’t need to wait until you are an adult to save money! Instead, you can start to save money as a teenager to pay for the things you want and to get a handle on your financial future now.

Make Money as a Teenager

While some teens are lucky enough to have their parents fund their expenses, not everyone has that luxury. From new PlayStations to the latest MJ sneakers, there are many things your parents won’t pay for.

However, you can start saving money as a teenager and start saving your money. If you don’t know how to start saving money, don’t worry – here are some of the many ways to help you save money as a teenager.

To help you learn some easy ways, we’ve come up with this short guide. Here is how to start saving money as a teenager!

What’s the Ideal Age To Start Saving Money?

According to recent studies, about 83% of American teenagers don’t know how to manage money. Well, money management begins when you know when’s the right time to start saving money.

Most financial experts say you should start saving as soon as you get your first job. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase in employment for the 16 to 24 age bracket from 2.4 million to 21.2 million in 2019.

First Job at 16

The report shows that many teenagers begin their first jobs at the age of 16. Consequently, if you’re already making money (whether it’s through a traditional part-time job or creative entrepreneurial projects), you should start saving immediately instead of leaving money management and personal finance for the not-so-distant future.

If you start saving money at 16, you will start your financial life off on a strong foot. In fact, you will be way ahead of so many adults. Saving money as a teen is a great way to ensure financial success.

Why Save Money as a Teenager?

There are many reasons to start saving money as a teen. For one, it’s a good habit to get into, especially when you start your career. For another, you learn about financial security, which many people (even adults) don’t know very well.

Saving money allows you to:

• Be more financially independent (you don’t need to ask your parents if you need money unexpectedly)

• Save up for bigger purchases instead of splurging on many smaller ones (for example, going on a trip or buying an iPhone or a video game)

• Also, save for college or school tuition/expenses.

• Learn how to plan and set goals

• Lastly, find out how to deal with banks and learn bank terms such as simple/compound interest.

Seven Ways To Save Money as a Teenager

Moving on, let’s get to the point. Now that you know why saving money is important, what are some ways you can do it?

You may be wondering how to save money as a teenager. If you are like any teenager, I know you want to know how to save money fast and easily as a teenager. Everyone wants to know how to save money quickly! Remember, saving money as a teen is already the first step towards a great financial future.

It’s not hard, so you don’t need to be wary. It’s a simple process of planning and considering certain savings goals. Although, before you look at our tips, think about why you want to save money. This will help structure your finances and aid you in deciding what steps to take.

However, if you’ve already done that, here are seven ways to save money as a teenager:

Keeping Track of Your Expenses

Of course, our parents take care of necessary expenses (food, shelter, clothes) when we’re teenagers. However, unnecessary expenses (such as paying for a night out with friends) are left up to us.

Make a detailed account of how much you make and how much you spend every month. Once that’s done, think about how you can curb those expenses. We recommend making an Excel sheet to make it easier to keep track. Alternatively, you can try apps like Good Budget and YNAB. (Here is a basic budgeting system you can use to get started).

Learn More About Personal Finance

As mentioned, even adults lack proper financial literacy in the US. Consequently, it’s up to you to educate yourself. Get some books on financial literacy or take an online course. For example, Coursera has some free courses you can take. Understanding basic personal finance will already put you ahead of the curve.

The old saying is correct: knowledge is power. Knowing how to handle expenses makes you less likely to make financial mistakes.

Open up a Savings Account

Savings accounts are advantageous. Even if you’re saving $10 per month, it’s a good start and prevents you from recklessly spending money. So how does one open a savings account? Well, it’s straightforward.

Go to a bank (most of which have special packages regarding minor savings accounts) and get references to the fees and requirements. Usually, they ask for identification and parents/guardians’ approval if you’re under 18.  This is where you will be keeping the money you will be saving.

Select a Portion of Your Check To Spend

Of course, if you’re going to save, you need to decide how much. You can use a savings calculator to decide what percentage of your paycheck you should save.

For this, refer back to the first step: keep track of your expenses. As per your expenses, how much money do you need out of your check, and how much can you leave for the savings account? Think about these factors. The more you can save, the better off you are.

Get More Income

This is a classic step in financial management: have dual modes of income. In this way, you get to save more money. However, only get a second job if you can. Don’t compromise on your studies, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities.

One thing almost everyone can do is pick up a few extra chores around the house. Many parents don’t give money as is but reward hard work. If you do that, you have another source of income. There are plenty of ways to earn a small income on the side. You can use survey sites to make easy money. It won’t break the bank, but every small amount helps.

Use Discounts Where You Can

If you’re going to spend, spend wisely. Buy things at sales or thrift stores rather than at full price. Utilize coupons and buy-one-get-one-free offers, as doing so helps you be more frugal.

Also, you can use your student status to take advantage of student discounts. In addition, many places, such as cafes and theater parks, have student nights, making them better hang-out options.

However, don’t spend on something you don’t need. You can probably manage without the latest Kate Spade bag or MJ sneakers. Instead, it’s better to save for something big like college. These apps will give you free money simply by signing up.

Focus on Summer Jobs

Lastly, getting multiple summer jobs is a good way to save money for the fall. Since school is off, everyone is free for a solid three months. That’s why employment rates skyrocket in the summer months.

Working is a productive way to spend your vacation, and it looks good on college applications. While it’s important not to overexert yourself, you can still work at least two jobs in the summer. If you want to earn extra income, think about making money while at school to earn a few extra bucks.

How to Save Money as a Teen

In essence, it’s not hard to save money as a teenager. By applying these simple methods, you can start saving lots of cash. Whether it’s for college or something else, saving money is very important. It teaches you how to handle money more responsibly, which is a lesson you’ll be grateful for in your adult life.

Being financially capable is a strong asset to take into adulthood. Consequently, we strongly urge you to try out some of these techniques and start making money-saving a habit.

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