Adults say a lot but it doesn’t mean that children are always listening. I enjoy sitting down with tweens/ teens and picking their brains on economic issues and financial understanding. These are just a few clips from those conversation over the last two years.
“Money: What Teens Think They Know!”
Everyone wants to be an Instagram model, living a flashy life that looks perfect online. Social media makes it seem like money is just for status—cars, clothes, and expensive trips. But most of it is fake. People rent luxury just to flex, while struggling behind the scenes.Money isn’t just about looking rich; it’s about building real wealth. Clout fades, but financial security lasts. Don’t fall for the illusion—focus on what actually matters.
Having a job is the first way most people think to make money. You work, you get paid—that’s how wages are earned.Every hour on the clock is time traded for a paycheck. Some jobs pay more, some pay less, but all require effort. A job teaches discipline, responsibility, and financial habits.It provides stability but also limits freedom—your time isn’t yours. People work to survive, but some work to build something greater. A paycheck is a start, but wealth comes from what you do with it. A job can be a stepping stone or a lifelong path. The key is learning how to make money work for you.
Many adults could save a significant amount of money simply by making small adjustments to their daily habits. For instance, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use can reduce phantom energy consumption, which adds up on monthly electric bills. Additionally, being mindful while grocery shopping can lead to even more savings. Choosing fresh produce, meats, or bulk items that require weighing allows shoppers to control portions, avoid overbuying, and prevent food waste. This not only helps stretch their grocery budget but also ensures they purchase only what they need, leading to smarter spending and less waste overall. Learning these lessons while their young places our students ahead of the game for adulthood.
Teaching children to be entrepreneurs early empowers them to take control of their financial future by setting their own prices and valuing their work. When kids learn to create and sell their own products or services, they begin to understand the worth of their skills and intellectual property. This mindset helps them pursue work they genuinely enjoy rather than settling for jobs just to make money. By developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and financial independence at a young age, they can build careers that align with their passions and talents, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.