Money Management for Teens and Young Adults
Regardless of what age you are, there are a few basic tips that will help you manage your money better. You can learn about how to save money, budget your money, and even deal with income tax brackets.
Treating financial discussions as taboo
Whether it is the parents or the kids, money can be a source of friction. It can be hard to gauge the true cost of a family purchase or the true value of labor.
Fortunately, there are several ways to teach kids about money. You can start with a high school economics course and supplement that with summer camp activities. There are also several private organizations that offer money management courses.
The key to a successful financial lesson is to not send the wrong message. While a parent may view a teen’s need as an ‘extravagance’, you should make sure that you’re making them understand the true cost of what they’re buying. Then, give them the tools they need to be financially independent.
The Capital Group has a number of Financial blog education programs for both adults and teens. A recent study found that millennials are less likely to shy away from talking about money than baby boomers were. However, a survey by an online insurance marketplace found that nearly one-third of adults do not have extensive talks about their finances.
Maintaining a budget
Managing a budget for teens and young adults can help them understand how much money they have to spend each month, as well as what they need to save. A budget can also help them avoid putting themselves into debt. Teenagers may have to borrow money for various expenses.
The first step in maintaining a budget for teens and young adults is to make a list of all income and expenses. Teenagers have a wide range of sources of income, from allowances, to part-time jobs, to small businesses.
The second step is to compare the teen’s income with her expenses. If her income is greater than her expenses, she will have more money to spend. However, if her income is less than her expenses, she is living beyond her means.
If a teen does not earn enough money to meet her expenses, she may need to cut back on her spending. She may also need to save for a car or college.
Managing your income tax brackets
Managing your income tax brackets for teens and young adults is more than just filing your tax return and taking a lump sum of cash. You’ll need to do your homework to figure out the best tax rate for your family. Also, you may want to take the time to recoup some of the tax you paid to your employer in the first place.
There are many tax benefits you can take advantage of if you plan carefully. For example, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which reduces your taxes by up to $3000 per year. Also, you may qualify for the Taxpayer Relief Program (TROP), which enables you to claim back the taxes you paid to your employer.
The IRS has also made it easier to file your taxes online, and you may be able to find free tax software for teens and young adults to handle your tax return and other tax related tasks. As for taxing your earnings, the amount will vary depending on the kind of work you do.
Saving money
Taking the time to teach your teens how to save is an important part of developing healthy financial habits. Using the right tools can help you show them how to handle money.
Using an online banking tool is a great way to track spending. This will help you keep track of your teenager’s money habits. There are also money apps that can help your teenager get a sense of what it means to save.
Setting up your teenager’s first bank account is an important rite of passage. You can help your teenager get a feel for saving money by showing them how to budget and manage their money. You can also offer to match any savings they make.
Using a savings account allows your teenager to earn interest on the money they deposit. This is a great way to build up their savings and get a head start on saving for long-term goals. You can also open an investment account with your teenager.