đź“š5 Money Moves Every Teen Should Learn Before 18
Because building your empire starts now
Most schools don’t teach you how to manage money. You learn about mitochondria and quadrilaterals, but not how a credit card works. That ends here. Whether you’re flipping sneakers, babysitting, or just saving birthday money, your money mindset starts today.
Here are 5 simple moves that will level up your money game before you hit adulthood.
1) Know Where your Money’s Going
It’s not about how much you have—it’s about what you do with it.
Start tracking what you spend, even if it’s just $5 on snacks. Apps like Greenlight or a simple notes app work just fine. Once you see the patterns, you can make better choices.
$$ Legacy Tip: Think before you tap. Would Future You be proud of this purchase?
2) Learn to Budget Without the Boring Math
Budgeting isn’t punishment—it’s FREEDOM. Try the 60/30/10 rule:
60%—> Needs (like phone bills)
30%—> Wants (yes, that hoodie)
10%—> Save & invest
3) Understand Credit Before You Use It
A credit score can decide your future—car, apartment, even some jobs. Learn how it works before you get your first credit card. Paying on time = POWER. This means working within the means you’ve outlined in your budget.
Mess it up early? It sticks around for years.
$$ Legacy Tip: You don’t need to use credit to build credit. You just need to be smart about it.
4) Start Earning— Even in Small Ways
You don’t need a 9-5 to make money. Tutor, mow lawns, resell clothes, or make digital art. Every dollar earned builds more than income—it builds confidence.
đź’Ľ Empire-building mindset: Every side hustle is a step toward freedom.
5) Let Your Money Work for You
The earlier you start saving, the more you make—without lifting a finger. This is the magic of compound interest: your money earns money, and that money earns more. it’s like planting a money tree.
Example: If you invest $20/month starting at 16, you could have $30K+ by your early 30s. (I should have led with that).
Final Word:
Legacy starts with learning. The earlier you make these moves, the more control you have over your future. No one hands you a blueprint—we help you build it.
Coming soon: De Jure Dollars—Financial literacy made for teens, by people who get it.
