In the Mix: On the Money

While teens have more money and more spending power than ever in history, they frequently can't remember where their money goes. In this episode of the PBS-aired In the Mix, young people will learn the importance of budgeting and goal setting, as well as meet some young entrepreneurs who are very good role models (especially impressive is the young African-American woman who publishes her own newsletter and has $36,000 saved for college!) These teens provide good inspiration for the typical burger-flipping youth who blows each paycheck as soon as it's earned...or those who already have credit card debt before high school graduation. My only quibble is with the program's last comment: "Let's go spend some money!" This "shopping-is-entertainment" finale rather undermines the entire conservative (as in "conserving" money for a larger goal) message. Aside from that, On the Money provides useful economic guidance for teens, and one can only hope that the producers will consider a future companion show about how teens are targeted for marketing and how they so willingly play into the hands of advertisers and corporate interests. Recommended. Aud: H, P. (R. Reagan)