Teens Learn the Value of Money in Current Economy

Today's teenagers are growing up in an age of fast fashion, food apps, and social media trends all of which control how they spend their money. From purchasing breakfast in the car on the way to school to searching the internet for clothing deals, many of today's teenagers spend money daily without a budget. Their spending is often controlled by friends, convenience, and staying current with what is popular. As prices go up and options increase, the question is: how much do teenagers actually need every week to be independent, included, and in charge?

In an article entitled “Gen Z Money Moves: How Teens Are Spending, Saving, and Investing in 2025,” writer Andrea Gomez, who blogs under the pseudonym “Msjag,” the average teen spends most of their weekly money on convenience items such as snacks, fast fashion, and app subscriptions like Roblox skins, a game app that allows users to customize their avatar. Peer influence plays a major role in these spending choices.

Gomez also explores how teens earn their money. While chores are no longer a common source of income, many teens are turning to part-time jobs, gig work, and side hustles like reselling shoes or creating online content.
 

In addition to spending, teens are collectively saving around $259 million, according to Gomez,, with goals that include buying a car, saving for college, or planning vacations. This shift shows that teens are beginning to understand how managing money can reduce stress and boost confidence when it comes to handling life and planning for the future.

Junior Neylin Lopez relies on both her parents and short gigs to earn money. “My money comes from my parents and sometimes I get one-day jobs that pay really well, like babysitting,” she said. Like many of her peers, Lopez doesn’t follow a strict budget. “I spend as I go,” she said,  but she does prioritize spending on meals and occasional personal treats. Her choices are shaped by convenience, social influence, and practicality. “I’ve started buying breakfast more instead of making it at home,” she said, adding that when money’s tight, “I usually don’t go anywhere.”
 

In contrast to Lopez’s practical spending, Freshman Jisola Akinnusi takes a more relaxed approach,  spending freely and saving occasionally. “I get my money from my Mom, Aunt, or family members on special occasions,” she said, and she usually uses it for food, clothes, and accessories. Sometimes she saves up if she wants something more expensive, like a new outfit or a meal out.

Her friends do influence what she buys, but only sometimes. “Me and my friends have similar tastes and if I have money, then I can go out to eat or have fun,” she said. “But if I don't, then I don’t really have many choices because most things cost money.” Akinnusi likes shopping at Willowbrook Mall and her favorite brand is Brandy Melville. She spends about an hour online looking for stuff, but she’s careful if something’s too expensive and if she has to pay for it herself, she’ll think twice. But if her parents buy it, “the price doesn’t really matter,” she said.

For Junior Za’niyah Jones, budgeting is part of her weekly routine. “I get my money from my mother,” she said, and she’s intentional about saving for bigger purchases. Her top spending priorities are food, drinks, and clothes that also reflect her personal style and social life.

Unlike some teens who spend as they go, Jones follows a budget and spends about an hour each week searching for deals online. She’s noticed her clothing purchases increasing recently, influenced in part by her friends' habits. Regardless, she’s thoughtful about value: “If something is too expensive but the quality is bad, I won’t buy it,” she said, preferring stores like Aeropostale and Walmart. For Jones, having money means making smart choices, not just buying what’s trendy, but what’s worth it.

According to a report by GoHenry, a financial education platform for kids and teens, weekly allowances vary by age. However, many teens still find it difficult to manage their money wisely, especially as prices and social pressure increase. The report indicates that teens need more financial literacy and budgeting skills to help teens make smart choices and feel more confident in handling their money.

Whether teenagers spend freely, save some of their time, or stick to a budget, one thing is sure:  money plays a huge role in their experience of independence, social life, and personal growth. As trends evolve and prices rise, teenagers are learning, sometimes the hard way, that responsible spending involves more than just having money or a credit card in their pocket.

It takes awareness, intention, and the ability to say “No” to what isn’t worth the cost. And with greater financial literacy and open conversations about money, teens can build habits that help them feel confident, connected, and truly in control.