Stash That Cash: Budgeting, Saving and Investing for Teens

It's no surprise that the typical American teenager is much better at spending than saving money—after all, these kids grow up to become average American adults who owe more than $8,000 on credit cards alone. It's also neither futile nor silly to teach teenagers about managing a budget or investing, since the earlier that strong financial skills are taught, the better the chances a person will have of balancing debt and savings money as an adult. Hosted by a friendly college-aged young man, Stash That Cash is a practical guide that covers all of the basics: drawing up a realistic budget (and sticking to it), setting up bank accounts, managing credit, and learning about investment products such as CDs and mutual funds. While the program won't necessarily be successful in making teens care about “adult” concerns such as retirement, it does underscore the fact that when it comes to finances, a little bit of planning and self-control now can add up to enormous rewards later. Bundled with a curriculum featuring more in-depth treatment of budgeting and investing, this is recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)