Learning How To Bank

First of all, I would suggest that you have a job or some sort of income so that you have a reason to bank. Search around for a bank that has alot to offer, or better yet, open an account where your parents bank because more than likely, they will have to help you sign up for an account. After that is decided, go in to start an account but make sure you have some money to open it with. Some places offer alot of benefits so that's a good start. Our bank offered my daughter an ATM card, which I went along with because I want her to learn how to manage her money...it's a good way for her to be able to buy her own gas for her car, purchase clothing or whatever she feels that she needs. With her first check, we put half of it into the savings account and the other half into the checking. I showed her how to use the check register to enter whatever she buys. Simple and easy, if you have 100.00 to spend, for each purchase and after EACH purchase, it has to be entered into the register and subtracted off the balance so that you know how much you have to spend. I told her to NEVER let it get close to zero, just in case she makes an error in subtraction, but the calculator is a good thing to use. So far, she has made a few purchases and it is working out well. Be very careful about WHERE you keep your card, and keeping the 4 number code to use it to yourself. You have to know that if you don't have the money in the account to spend, then you just CAN'T spend it. Online banking is a plus and our bank allows her to transfer from her savings to the checking and visa versa. If you have bills to pay, write them down when you get your check so you know what has to be paid first. Obligations first, then fun stuff. Good luck with your first paychecks! This is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning how to spend your money.

A Time And A Place For Everything

These days have been terribly busy and I am glad that my teen isn't saying she's bored. Although extrememly busy, where does one find the time to do everything that's on the agenda? Sometimes there isn't enough time to get it all done in a whole day, and that's okay. There ae days and times when we just have to take time to "smell the roses", and just relax. I think that effective planning does help, but it's not somethng that has to be stuck in glue. Making a list of things that need to get done is good, something to go by, but not set in stone. I want my daughter to work part time but I don't want her to get burnt out by working at an early age. I want her to see that working is good, great excercise, money in the pocket but there is also time for the fun things in life as well. Spending days off doing summer fun activities is important and will make having to go to work more pleasurable. There's a time and place for everything....enjoy your summer!

A Busy Summer

Now that my daughter has gotten a part time job, things are a little more busier around here. She is not able to drive alone yet, but that will come about pretty soon. My car is definetly getting more driving time this summer, but it's great because my daughter isn't bored. She is working 17 hours average per week, spending time riding her horse, and still has time to lay around in her bedroom watching tv and getting rest.
What are your teens doing for the summer break? Swimming, or other activities that keep them busy?

Starting A New Job Today

Well, today was the first day out of school, but my daughter had to get up early anyways to start her first day on the job. Thank goodness, it's only a part-time thing....which gives her plenty of time to do other things during the summer.
I was really anxious and excited for her this morning as she got out of the car, and so was she.
What is your teen doing for the summer? Do you have anything special planned for the summer?

Getting A Summer Job

While many parents don't mind if their teens sleep in all day during the summer, I guess I am just one parent who doesn't like it very much. Staying up until wee morning hours and sleeping the day away is just something that many teens do, and even my own older children have done as well. There are days that I let my daughter sleep in, but it's only because I know she needs the extra sleep. This summer, however, is going to be different. She wants to drive a car, she wants to make money to have something to spend, she also wants to have some money to save for herself in the next few years. My daughter didn't want to be bored this summer, so we decided that she either volunteer somewhere or get herself a part-time job. Now, knowing that jobs are harder to come by right now, she decided to try and get a job within the field that she is interested in for her future.....well, no such luck with any equestrian vets with a 15-almost 16 yr. old, so she went towards the dog/cat field. There are many kennels around, mostly needing little things done such as walking the dog, feeding, cleaning up the kennels (yes, of course it's messy) but this is what she wanted. I helped her out by calling around to see at what age they hire. Wrote down a list of the ones saying they were taking applications and we decided on one that was fairly close to the house. She dressed appropriately, went in alone, talked to the lady in charge, filled out the application, interviewed at the same time and wow!!!! Much to our suprize, she got hired on the spot!!!!
Tomorrow is her first day home from school, and she will be going into work. It's only part time so this will be wonderful....not only will she make a little money, but she will not be bored this summer!