Money does not grow on trees, contrary to how we may feel as teenagers borrowing our parents’ money. As we grow up and enter the adult world, it will be expected that we pay for ourselves, and that we eventually break away from the comfort of our mom’s purse and dad’s wallet.
In the interest of preparing for the future, it is important that teens find some source of personal income, whether it be a babysitting job, to a part-time job at the local market. The skills learned through hard-earned money teach valuable lessons in the worth of a penny, and truly earning something by yourself.
“I’ve had a job for two years, and I always have my paychecks split so some of it goes into savings and some of it goes into checking, and I’m using my savings to save up for college, and then my checking account I just use for things that I want to buy now like food and shopping and stuff,” senior Rachel Titus said.
With an eye towards the future, Titus has wisely managed her money, setting aside money for a later time. It is wise to save up for future events, both planned and unplanned.
“ I still try to save my money in my checking account, just so I have backup in case I need it for an emergency or whatever… Having separate bank accounts lets me keep track of my money and where I should spend it and where I shouldn’t spend it. But then also, not spending all my money on just everything also provides backup for me which will be nice for a family, and with college it also limits me from spending all my money on food everyday,” Titus said.
According to “College in Colorado,” it is helpful to take into consideration priorities when planning a budget. This mentality will cause for a more logical and rational plan for spending. Needs should be met before wants.
Although it may feel restricting as a teen, resisting the urge to buy the newest gadgets in technology or the cutest clothes on the rack, saving up allows for more freedom. Wise spending makes room for larger investments such as cars, vacations, etc., and more importantly, necessities.
“Since I don’t spend my money all the time, if there is something that comes up, like some bigger thing that I end up wanting, like if I wanted to buy a phone or buy a car or something, I already have a lot of money saved up on my checking account that I could use to spend on something, since I save my money,” Titus said.
Rewards of budgeting are innumerable, and the satisfaction that comes from earning a buck brings along a more mature understanding and appreciation for good ol’ hard work.
For more helpful tips on budgeting, click here.
