What Are Teens Buying These Days?
Today’s teenagers fall under the category of Gen Z. In 2020, Gen Z teenagers had an average of $115 in spending money each month, though this likely varied widely by age and socioeconomic status.
Where that money was spent was influenced largely by social media, the ease of online shopping, suggestions from friends and parents, and personal identity.
According to a 2019 study, over two-thirds of Gen Z males consider gaming a core component of their identity. So, it’s no surprise that gaming and other tech make up a substantial portion of teens’ spending. Fast food, beauty products, and clothing are other popular items for teens to purchase.
Similar to Millennials, many members of Gen Z prefer to spend their money on experiences over physical objects. Trying out extreme sports, going to concerts and attending Instagram-worthy events dwindles teen’s money supplies.
None of this is to imply that all of today’s teens instantly spend their money. In fact, many teens use money apps to manage their money. These include kid investing apps, budgeting apps, and more.
Related: Best Stock Trading Apps for Teens Under 18
What to Spend Money On as a Teenager
Now that we know what teenagers spend their money on, let’s discuss what they should be doing with their money.
Teenagers and older adults alike enjoy spending money on items that will immediately bring them joy. However, every dollar spent dilutes your savings power for what you want in the future. When possible, teenagers should be setting aside their money.
Teens need to be able to differentiate between needs and wants. Teenagers who drive cars need to have car insurance and gas money. These types of responsibilities need to be focused on first. Having the ability to drive to a job can increase profits overall.
They may want new vehicles instead of used ones, but that isn’t necessarily the best use of funds. While parents cover necessities, teens are often expected to pay for fun nights out with friends, unlimited cell phone plans, college savings and more.
To be able to afford these items, one must learn how to delay gratification and save money.
Since spending power isn’t unlimited, teenagers frequently need to ask themselves questions, such as, “Would I rather eat out with friends every weekend this month or only eat out once and save the rest for college?”
Notice that the question isn’t, “Should I never eat out in order to save every dollar for college?” Money should be spent on a combination of things that make them happy and investments towards a child’s future.
Even the distant future, such as retirement, should be considered by purchasing appreciating assets.
Investing apps are an excellent way for teenagers to start investing in a way that isn’t too intimidating. There are many investing app options available. You can even get a debit card for teens to learn how to manage and spend money wisely.
Related: Best Online Jobs for Teens to Make Money at Home
Teens Shouldn’t Purely Forsake the Now for Later
Teenagers shouldn’t feel guilty when spending money on their current needs. For example, they may need to purchase a new laptop to complete school work and online side hustles. A teenager may need to buy a used car to transport herself to work or school. High school seniors might need to pay college application fees for their dream schools. Needs like these actually help a person towards their future goals and shouldn’t be lumped into the same category as name-brand clothing and just-for-fun technology. Plus, saving and then buying items they need can show teenagers the fruits of their labor and keep them motivated to keep saving towards more long-term goals.
Things to Save Up for as a Teenager
Teenagers’ savings goals should have a mix of long-term and short-term goals. Some popular short-term goals include:
- Back-to-school clothing shopping
- School trips
- Streaming services
- Games & gaming equipment
- Presents for others
- Prom expenses
- Lessons for a hobby (sports, singing, an instrument, etc.)
- College application fees
- College (not just tuition, but also textbooks, boarding, etc.)
- Traveling abroad (whether through school or with family or friends)
- Used car
- Laptop
- Security deposit for a first apartment
- Furniture for a dorm or apartment
- Expected & unexpected car expenses
- Retirement (it’s never too early to start saving for retirement)
Things to Save Up for as a 13-Year-Old
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) puts 14 as the minimum employment age in the United States (with exceptions for family agricultural work). Therefore, most 13-year-olds have few income sources.
They might be getting an allowance, working on a family farm or completing tasks for cash payments (such as babysitting or mowing lawns). Overall, money-making options are limited.
Keep savings goals for teens this age realistic. Some examples of what a teenager at this age might save up for include:
- Movie tickets
- School dance expenses, such as a new outfit
- Souvenirs to buy on a family vacation
- Non-essential sports equipment
- Room decorations
- Newly released books not available at the library
Things to Save Up for as a 14-Year-Old
All of the expenses listed in the section above are also great options for a 14-year-old. At this point, the teenager may have a part-time job and more funds to allocate. Having entered high school, it may also be time to consider future transportation and college expenses. Some additional savings goals for 14-year-olds might include:
- Tickets to concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, etc.
- Meals with friends
- Used car for future license
- Personal laptop for school work and recreational activities
- Future senior trip
- College (transportation to campus tours, application fees, etc.)
What Things Should Teenagers Save Up For?
The earlier a person learns to set aside money for future expenses, the better. It’s essential teenagers find a balance between short-term and long-term savings. Teenagers who learn to save soon find that saving comes with two rewards. One reward is finally receiving the item or experience. The other is the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching a savings goal.
