The Real Price of Being a Teen

Being a teen isn’t cheap! Between weekend snacks, Netflix binges, and the occasional shopping spree, it’s easy to lose track of where your money’s going. But when you take a closer look, the costs of everyday teen life can add up fast.

So, what’s the real cost of being you? Let’s break it down.

That’s over $3,000 a year. For perspective? That’s:

A decent used car
Your first year of community college tuition
A really solid start to a savings account

“But It’s Only $5…”

Yeah, and so is the next thing. And the one after that. The truth is, small expenses are the silent killers of savings. Here’s how the “little stuff” stacks up over time:

1 fast food meal per week = $20/month
A couple of impulse buys = $40/month
Subscriptions you forgot you had = $10/month

That’s $70/month you could save without even giving up anything major.

Flip the Script: Spend Smarter

Want to keep your fun and your wallet? Try this:

Audit your subscriptions. If you don’t use it weekly, lose it.
Snack smarter. Convenience store trips = budget traps. Pack snacks and save.
Secondhand style. Thrifted is trending, and it saves serious cash.
Set a splurge limit. Allow yourself $X/month for wants, and stick to it.

Build-Your-Own Teen Budget

Want more power over your money? Create your own budget using the 50/30/20 rule:

50% Needs (phone, school, basic gear)
30% Wants (clothes, games, snacks)
20% Savings (future goals or emergencies)

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but your financial future can grow with a few smart choices. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware.

Small savings now = more freedom later. And that’s a flex that never goes out of style.

Download WyHy's Budget Tracker

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