One of the things I have discovered as a high school teacher is that students, especially teenagers, do not have a realistic perception of money.  They don’t worry about saving.  Once they finish college they’re going to get a job that pays a bizzillion dollars.  They will have so much money they won’t know what to do with all of it. 

The other group of teenagers are the new employees.  They may not be making more than minimum wage, but they have no bills.  They are flush with money and ready to take on the world.  As long as they’re living under their parent’s roof, they don’t truly understand the cost of living. 

The reality of life will knock both groups flat.  It’s hard to make a teenager understand the need for saving and for budgets, but knowing how to handle money is a vital life skill.  They will not learn it in school.  They need to learn it at home. 

Regular lessons on how to handle money needs to start when children are small.  Lord knows they’ll resist the idea once they reach their teens.  (In case you don’t know.  Teenagers know everything, and their parents and teachers are stupid.)  If you have young children, give some thought to Teaching Your Children to Save.  Raising Financially Responsible Children is a parent’s responsibility.  It is a skill they need and one they will thank you for in the end.

Have a good day,

Lizzy