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Good Money Habits to Teach Your Teen

August 10, 2026

Tips to help your teen be savvy with their money.

If you have a teenager at home, hopefully, you’ve been teaching them good money habits for years. Now that they’re older, set them up for success throughout life with more in-depth financial goals. Here are some things to try with your teenager.

Learn How to Earn

One of the first money goals for your teen is to learn how to earn and manage their own money. Encourage them to apply for jobs so that they learn the process of working for a paycheck. If it’s their money — their spending and saving — they’ll be much more likely to take it seriously. 

Learn How to Save

Teach your teen to set up a high-interest savings account. Shop around for the best options. Consider credit unions and online banks to maximize your interest savings.

Learn to Budget

Before they get that first paycheck, sit down with them and help them create a budget. Set up sections for fixed and discretionary spending. Be sure to include a section for savings, both long and short-term. 

Learn to Set Goals

Now that the budget is in place, work with your teen to craft it based on their goals.

  • Maybe they want to save up to buy a car.

  • Maybe they want to head to the beach next weekend with their friends.

  • Discuss their long and short-term goals in detail, then make the budget align with them.

Do One Thing: Help your teen create a budget that works for them. It’s a simple yet vital financial tool that will serve them well throughout life.

 

The material provided on this page is for informational use only and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. VisionBank and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional and tax advisor when making decisions regarding your financial situation.

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