Students Struggle Learning How To Budget And Save Money

By Danielle Israde

Courier Staff Reporter

Many teenagers struggle to budget and save their money.

For a lot of them it is because they are given money from their parents, and don’t understand the hard work and discipline needed to earn it. At the same time, others are compelled to change their money into a more materialistic entity.

Mia Neece, a senior, gets money from her parents. Although Mia tends to spend money rather than save as soon she gets it, she does recognize the importance of budgeting. She states, “It’s more important that we learn how to figure out money so we don’t get off track, or come up short.”As a way to start saving she plans to not excessively buy things anymore.

Sophomore Emily Bell gets her money lifeguarding over the summer, and part of her paycheck goes to her savings account. She fears that “If you spend all your money when you’re older then you’ll be homeless!”

Like Emily, Matthew Corpus, a junior, typically saves his money. “Rather than just going out and spending money, [I am] choosing the right things to purchase.” He collects his money anywhere, from birthdays to holidays and any other special occasion.

Michael Carroll, a senior, earns his money working. He tries to save his money in hopes of getting a new car, or for future car repairs for his current car. Michael explains, “You have to think about the future. Don’t just spend money right now because you won’t have any later on.”

Kayla Martinez, a senior and The Courier‘s Entertainment Editor, is a host and server at Panera Bread. She has had trouble saving money, but tries to stick to a routine of putting a hundred dollars into her account, a certain amount for gas, and the small amount she has left is for spending.

“Your budget and saving skills predict how easily you’re going to get through life. If people aren’t careful, they end up without homes, food and freedom, all because they weren’t able to be careful with their money.” Her advice to others is “As a working teen, put in a good percentage of your paycheck to savings, if you don’t work, put in percentages of your allowance.”

Money is constantly coming and going in our lives. For teens, it is much easier to spend rather than save. Those who are conscious about budgeting and saving are able to find a balance that ensures security as well as freedom.